Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Heather Richmond, MD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Dr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.
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Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin. You'll find it in varying concentrations in commercial skincare products, including daily cleansers and toners. People swear by this naturally occurring acid to do everything from clear up acne to reduce fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging and sun damage. It can even help fade your acne scars![1] But is this ingredient actually safe to use every day? Here, we've gathered answers to some of your most common questions about including glycolic acid in your skincare routine.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat can I use to get rid of chronic beard ingrown hairs?
Heather Richmond, MDDr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.
Board Certified DermatologistUse a topical cream that contains some alpha hydroxy acids. They are chemical exfoliants that help to unclog the follicles. - QuestionWhich sunscreens are more effective?Heather Richmond, MDDr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.
Board Certified DermatologistMineral sunscreens with active ingredients of titanium or zinc are more natural and effective. - QuestionWhich cosmetic products can help to minimize wrinkles?Heather Richmond, MDDr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies.
Board Certified DermatologistCosmetic products with peptides that help stimulate new collagen and elastin fibers help to minimize wrinkles.
Tips
Warnings
- Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. If you're using glycolic acid, always wear sunscreen when you go outside, even on a cloudy day.[21]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.sciencebecomesher.com/can-you-use-glycolic-acid-and-retinol-together/
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
- ↑ https://coveteur.com/2019/12/05/dermatologist-skin-care-acids-guide/
- ↑ Heather Richmond, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
- ↑ https://www.sciencebecomesher.com/can-you-use-glycolic-acid-and-retinol-together/
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
- ↑ https://theskincareculture.com/complete-guide-to-using-glycolic-acid/
- ↑ Heather Richmond, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
- ↑ https://www.sciencebecomesher.com/can-you-use-glycolic-acid-and-retinol-together/
- ↑ Heather Richmond, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
- ↑ https://www.sciencebecomesher.com/can-you-use-glycolic-acid-and-retinol-together/
- ↑ https://theskincareculture.com/complete-guide-to-using-glycolic-acid/
- ↑ https://www.self.com/story/glycolic-acid-peels
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
- ↑ https://www.self.com/story/glycolic-acid-peels
- ↑ https://archive.hshsl.umaryland.edu/bitstream/handle/10713/12115/Glycolic%20acid_Final_2020_01.pdf?sequence=6
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445894/
- ↑ https://coveteur.com/2019/12/05/dermatologist-skin-care-acids-guide/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
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