How to Apply Glycolic Exfoliants [DermTV.com Epi

The single most important therapeutic skincare treatment is daily glycolic exfoliation. It enables you to achieve more beautiful, healthier and younger looking skin. However, do you know how to properly apply glycolic exfoliants? In this episode of DermTV, Dr. Schultz demonstrates how to apply glycolic acid.
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[TRANSCRIPT]
If you're a fan of DermTV, then you already know the importance of regular glycolic exfoliation for more beautiful, healthier and younger looking skin. As a matter of fact, it's the single most important treatment you can do. But how do you actually apply your glycolic?
I'm happy to tell you that applying glycolic products is no different than applying any other simple skincare product.
First, as with any active ingredient, to get its full benefit you must prep your skin with an oil and water, skin type appropriate cleanser and toner to remove all of the potential impediments to absorption. Your cleanser and toner will synergize to remove excess oils, dirt, debris and loose dead cells. And after finishing wiping with your toner, give it half a minute to completely evaporate, or take a soft cotton ball and gently remove any excess.
You're now ready to apply your glycolic!
If you're using a glycolic serum or gel, apply just a few drops with your finger to each side of your face and spread them all over, avoiding the eye area.
If using glycolic pads, gently wipe your entire face, always avoiding the eye area.
If you have a glycolic cream, put a pea sized amount in your palm and with a finger from your other hand dab tiny bits all over your face, again avoiding your eye area and then spread it around.
I recommend using glycolic at bedtime. And it should be the first product applied after you cleanse and tone... With one exception: if you're using a blemish spot treatment and a glycolic in a cream vehicle, apply the spot treatment first.
Your glycolic treatment shouldn't be irritating or cause your skin to turn red. The right glycolics are gentle yet effective. They may tingle for 10 seconds... which is normal... but the tingling shouldn't increase and there shouldn't be any burning. If there is, wash your face with water, which immediately neutralizes the glycolic.
Finally, as with most skincare, remember that less is more. Once applied, your glycolic should dry and set in less than thirty seconds. If not, you've used too much, tissue off the excess and next time use less.
So for more beautiful skin... it's so easy to exfoliate regularly.
[ABOUT DERMTV]
Everyone can have beautiful, healthy, and younger looking skin, and DermTV, the Internet's daily skincare video show, will demonstrate how by revealing expert tips and techniques and by providing real solutions for real skincare issues.
Skincare (whether cosmetic or medical) previously required a trip to your dermatologist or a shopping spree at the pharmacy. And that's if you have a trusted nearby dermatologist or a local informed pharmacy. But not anymore. We at DermTV are committed to making best-in-class dermatology and skincare guidance accessible to everyone, anytime, at your computer.
Every weekday, our host, Dr. Neal Schultz, one of New York's most trusted and respected dermatologists, teaches skincare's most timely and timeless issues. Topics include: the best at home techniques and new technology for facial rejuvenation, preventing and fixing sun damage from wrinkles to skin cancer, breaking news in dermatology, general skincare topics, and more.

[@dermtv]

For more information, see the DermTV episode "How Often You Should Exfoliate" youtube(dot)com/watch?v=9fi9w0GhXyk

[@dermtv]

For more information, see the DermTV episode "At What Age to Start Exfoliating" youtube(dot)com/watch?v=A3iAAb4TZfs

[@atebebeful]

Having to start using glycolic exfoliants is the best beauty advice that i learned years back from you and now everybody cant believe that i am in my mid 40's .

[@livingxdeadbeat]

Starting to use a glocolic gel at night has dramatically improved my skin! I suffer from dark spots and pigmentation and haven't had any luck with anything I have tried for around 3 years, and after using la roche posays glycolic acid gel, my skin is so much clearer and brighter and its only been around two months! Thank you so much for all your expert advice

[@dermtv]

While order depends on the weight of the products (lightest product to heaviest), with my BeautyRx products, I recommend using the glycolic first and the vitamin c after.

[@dermtv]

The key is to get a skin type appropriate product. Those used in the demonstration would both be appropriate for oily/acne prone skin. However when beginning exfoliation we suggest beginning with a gentle, lower strength product, around 8%. Of the demonstration products used, the serum is the lower strength product.

[@dermtv]

It may be that you are using the wrong vehicle for your skin type. For example, if you have combination to oily/acne-prone skin, a glycolic in a cream base may cause breakouts. Try switching to a skin type appropriate product to get the full benefits from glycolic acid.

[@songofangels777]

Obviously i'm not the doctor but with regular exfoliation (Glycolic) my rosacea dramatically improved over time to the point i no longer have it. Of course your experience may be different and i'd advise going slow (ALWAYS use a sunscreen when using Glycolic acid) but that is my experience, i hope yours is as good :)

[@dermtv]

You should look for a starter strength (~8%) glycolic product (you can increase strength over time) that is pH-adjusted and buffered for gentle yet effective exfoliation, and of course, that's appropriate for your skin type.

[@dermtv]

Hi Kimberly, I'm glad to hear that you've been enjoying the Maximum Exfoliating Therapy Gel! While it is usually not necessary to continue use of the Epiduo, if by your judgement, you need both, then you can use the Epiduo just as a spot treatment, using a very small amount, applied only to the site of the blemish.

[@dermtv]

From a chemical perspective, you can use Retin-A and glycolic acid at opposite ends of the day (one in the morning and the other at night). From an over-exfoliation perspective, however, you should be careful using both products. Glycolic acid should be sufficient for your exfoliation needs.

[@emilyemily7921]

Would you recommend the pads or the serum then, for oily/acne prone skin?

[@morganjen1962]

Again, great info in this video. Have a question: is lavender oil/extract bad for the skin?

[@cutienoli]

Thank you so much! My question was answered and you explained it very well

[@datboibutters]

You're so great. Pleasant to watch and listen to as well.

[@Candy1469]

I am in love with my glycolic cream from Neostrata!

[@leikld]

What are some good glycolic exfoliation products you recommend ? I don't use one currently and am looking into buying an exfoliant. Thanks :)

[@RiceARonia]

Daily? That seems too much. I thought exfoliation was to be done only once or twice a week. What if we like to use physical, gentle exfoliators during the week and glycolic once a week? I wonder if that would be better for sensitive skin. My skin always turns red with glycolic acid. Which is the "right" glycolic? And what vehicle of delivery is best: cream, serum, toner etc?

[@allthingskim]

I just ordered a third bottle of the glycolic gel from you! I love it so much. I was on Epiduo which wasn't enough so I went back to your glycolic and my skin is glowing again within 3 days and it's so much smoother. Can I still spot treat with the Epiduo or do you find that isn't necessary? Thanks :)

[@upoojatube]

Can we use moisturizer after we applying glycolic cream?

[@izonkt]

Which glycolic acid/cream/gel do u recommend? Which is the best and most effective??

[@sontzi]

as always, what an informative video! Thank you Dr. Schultz!!! I always look forward to your videos. :-)

[@dermtv]

That's great to hear!

[@rionkarina]

Thank you! I am almost out of my Alpha Hydroxy cream, so I'm going to try replacing that with a glycolic cream.

[@Salsa207]

Hello Dr. Schultz, I just purchased my very first glycolic acid cream and I was wondering when should I expect to start seeing results? Days? Weeks? or Months? TIA

[@mysteryimagine244]

When did you start seeing results

[@msamarants]

what kind of skincare products should I use at what age? I use the glycolic exfoliant every other day and then just a moisturizer. Should i be using antioxidants etc.? I am 27.

[@Hazal.14]

My skin is very dry sensitive with some visible red lines on my cheeks .. Should i use or not??

[@TheOrganiclady]

I have had full facial laser done about 8 years ago. It wasn't the kind that they do over a period of time. I was put to sleep and when it was done I was fully bandaged and was put on pain killers. I took many months for my red face to get back to normal but it gave me beautiful skin. My question is---Is it alright for me to use glycolic acid on my face having had that type of laser done? Thank you.

[@lilqtxanq3l]

CAn you explain how glycolic works in terms of exfoliating? How long does it take glycolic to actually start working on the face?

[@BlessedEternally1]

Is it safe to use glycolic on skin with rosacea? I believe I have a mild case of it (no pimples or papules, just slight redness and broken capillaries on my dry/sensitive cheeks) and don't want to do anything to exacerbate this condition but really would like the benefits of glycolic. Thanks for your time doc! =-)

[@milroseescarcha5160]

Hi doctor! Can I use Glycolic Acid Cream 10% on my face during day time? Can you give some instructions on how should I apply the cream? Thank you.

[@baycoralore]

much needed video. thanks

[@ilovedavygrolton]

Dr.Schultz, does reoccurring acne above the cupids bow (on the upper lip) have specific causes? I don't use any lip products or anything special in that area that would irritate it and I only break out in that area. Thank you.

[@TeaPotParty]

If water deactivates glycolic acid, does that mean that water-based peels are useless? Also, could you explain the importance of pH and buffering?

[@MsBowers35]

I use retinae so should I use my glycolic in the morning or can you use it both at night

[@patel0020]

I want to start glycolics... Whats a good one to start with?

[@letti630]

dear doctor, could you do a video on peeling when applying multiple layers of skincare products. i almost never had this before, but am getting a lot peeling these days. i am worried that it could mean the ingredients are having chemical reactions to each other and be bad for the skin. thank you so much

[@lilqtxanq3l]

Is using a 10% glycolic toner the same as using the glycolic pads? what's the different or similarity? Do they workt the same?

[@rionkarina]

Can you incorporate glycolic acids into your skin care routine while using Retin-A? I currently use .05% Retin-A every other night and use an Alpha Hydroxy cream on the other nights. Thank you!

[@kpp0517]

Are glycolic eye creams effective?

[@amarilizutube]

I've seen eye creams with glycolic acid. But I've heard you say to keep glycolic acid away from the eye area. Are eye creams with glycolic acid safe?

[@noworriesmile]

If I use a toner with salicylic acid should I use it before glycolic gel?

[@LouLouLucyy]

you talk about glycolic serums and gels. what about a glycolic toner?

[@candyplum90]

what about moisturiser? can you use it straight after the glycolic gel?

[@Dr.NessmaMohamed]

can I use glycolic acid gel after aooling anti gaining serum and vitamin c cream?

[@rionkarina]

Thank you!

[@graciegonzaga7796]

Hi Dr. Is it true that ultra sonic treatment can expoliate skin? Is it safe to use 1 MHz ultrasonic at home device?

[@arwarwra7854]

Thanks dr,, greeting from middle east

[@101gecko]

I´ve got the most discoloration on the highest part of my cheekbones and therefore I use glycolic acid (gel for the face) nightly. Is this too close to the eye area, on the outer corner there is only 1-2cm in between discoloration and eye and should I use a glycolic eyecream instead, although I don´t have discoloration on the lid area itself?

[@strawberryvin]

Why do we get facial acne but not body acne? Or at least not to the same extent?

[@sarikagupta1]

Dr Schultz I use a .05% retin a cream in night and weakly 35% glocolic acid peel.are glycolic gels/ creams better than peels

[@soo2131]

What age should you start using glycolic acid? Im 24

[@missnadi19]

Hi Dr. I use 15 % glycolic acid at bedtime, i want to get rid of my blemishes but sometimes I notice black spots when I woke up is it normal? ans will they fade?

[@Pennys33]

can I use lemon or lime oil as a peel product?

[@becks56]

does too much glycolic acid make your skin thinner?

[@dermtv]

Glycolic acid is used for a range of purposes, and in each case is formulated accordingly. You are correct: do not use a regular, facial glycolic treatment for the skin around your eyes. However, I would recommend glcyolic eye creams / serums / etc. that have been specifically formulated for the more sensitive and thinner eye area skin.

[@dj4uadib]

I want to know, can I use glycolic acid peel during pregnancy?

[@KeventeLewis]

Syed Junaid Yes you can. Went to the dermotologist and asked the same thing. they said it's safe and I can let them continue to apply the acid

[@karanSharma-wf6uu]

Can i use the glycolic acid 12%w/w cream for acne scars please reply

[@concisekrevin3802]

Yes, you can. But you need to start with lower concentrate like 5-8%

[@noworriesmile]

so we leave glycolic treatment all night?

[@dj4uadib]

can we use peels during pregnancy?

[@rooslauraalqarni6357]

can we use vitamin c serum with glycolic acid ?

[@roazav2278]

Yes,but be careful don't use the vitamin c during the day.vitamin c it's only for the night.

[@mohammadshahid7538]

is glycolic cream removes the scar's ?

[@ahuma]

Very true like it !!

[@theresabucadon5983]

how to avail your products?

[@ELV547]

Holy shizz the girl on the thumbnail looks just like Judy from itsjudytime and itsjudyslife

[@destinyfate49]

im first :P

[@dermtv]

You should look for a starter strength (~8%) glycolic product (you can increase strength over time) that is pH-adjusted and buffered for gentle yet effective exfoliation, and of course, that's appropriate for your skin type.