Glycolic acid as you should be well aware is the most commonly used AHA in the beautification cosmetic space. It is available in a wide variety of products including moisturizers, creams, lotions, toners, peels and washes just to name a few. The amount of glycolic acid contained within these products varies in degrees of strength from very mild products at 1-2% concentration all the way through to harsher medical strength treatments of up to 60% concentration.
Because many people choose to mix and match glycolic products of varying concentrations and types – it is a common question to ask ‘Can you use too many glycolic acid products’ on a day to day basis?
It is quite natural for a person to use a multiple number of glycolic products including moisturizers, facial cleaners and toners as part of their daily beautification regime – and as long as you monitor and control your usage it will be perfectly safe to do so.
In moderation the use of many different glycolic products will not cause you any harm, however because everybody is unique and because there is potential to abuse some of the higher strength concentrations of the product it is important that if you experience any of the following symptoms then you stop using the product and move to a lower concentration product.
- Any stinging after application of the product
- Shedding of dead skin at a heavy rate
- Red, blotchy or irritated skin that feels extra sensitive to the sun
- Extreme tightness of your skin
- Uncomfortable feeling when perspiring
- Thinning skin around your eyes, nose, mouth or neck
If any of the above symptoms occur then it is advised that you cut back on the use of glycolic products to give your skin a chance to recover. Once you feel that your skin has returned to its original condition, you should move to a lower concentration of glycolic acid and again closely monitor your use of it going forward.