How long to leave glycolic acid on face?

So, you’ve been scouring the internet for answers on the age-old question of “how long to leave glycolic acid on face?” Well, look no further my friend. In this guide, we will be taking a deep dive into everything related to glycolic acid, from how it works to how it should be applied.

What is Glycolic Acid?

First things first, let’s get down to brass tacks – what is glycolic acid exactly? It sounds like some sort of fancy scientific formula that has nothing whatsoever to do with skin care routine! Well fear not gentle reader, I assure you this is relevant.

Glycolic acid belongs in the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) family and represents their smallest molecular size member. AHAs are widely-used cosmetic ingredients known for their exfoliating properties and ability to penetrate skin layers without creating microwounds suitable for other peelings subclasses such as beta or polyhydroxy acids by example.

In layman terms, that means glycolic acid helps in removing dead skin cells while reducing wrinkles and fine lines caused by sun damage by breaking down bonds between surface epidermis keratinocytes (those dry flakes you hate so much) enabling hydration while decreasing signs of hyperpigmentation at both dermal and epidermal levels.

Benefits of Using Glycolic Acid

Why should you use something like garbanzo bean er…glycoly…gyloric…(sighs out loud)? Simply put – because when used correctly (key word) it can genuinely work wonders! Don’t believe me? Let’s go through just a few benefits:

Exfoliation

Are you tired of flaky uneven patches across your beautiful countenance? Do they taunt you every time you apply make-up? Well, through the miracles of exfoliation this can be remedied! Glycolic acid helps to break down bonds between dead skin cells which essentially lift them off revealing that beautiful baby smooth skin.

Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As aforesaid, glycolic acid is determined in reducing fine lines and superficial wrinkles combined with photodamage caused by sun exposure. This means when used regularly over time it can help you maintain youthful looking skin for longer than before.

Glowing Skin

Through its ability to remove buildup of keratinised epidermal layers, glycolic acid helps clear out dark spots or blemishes present in acne-prone skins while boosting radiance. Who doesn’t want to glow like sunshine on a bright day? I do, I do!!

Getting Started – Applying Glycolic Acid

Before we get into how long one should keep glycolic acid on their face; lets first look at some tips for applying it effectively:

Dos	Don’ts
Use products containing minimum strength of 8% up to 20%.	Exceed maximum recommended usage threshold (generally twice per week).
Cleanse your face thoroughly prior application with soap or physical exfoliant	Apply over just shaved parts or cuts after shave as feeling burned sensation will arise hurting you more than soul-sucking bosses during meetings.
Patch test any new products before general use claiming allergies events could lead severe irritations combining patches redness or even fun-filled blisters, among other surprises.	Skip sunscreen or hydration afterwards even if you’re only staying locked inside all weekend binge-watching Netflix classics in pyjamas. Why not free oxygen radicals attack luminous new-born-like epidermis bondings anyway?! That sounds fantastic answer indeed! +_+

Once these important basics are applied, glycolic acid can be used for prolonged periods of time while simultaneously enjoying its benefits.

How Long to Keep Glycolic Acid on Face?

Now onto the main event – how long should you let this magical, potential saver sit upon your face? Thank heavens after all that reading we finally have our question answered! The answer is not straightforward, unfortunately. Allow me to clarify:

Skin Type and Tolerance

The length of time it takes to leave glycolic acid sitting on your skin will differ from person to person with different skin types and tolerances being factors in determining an appropriate duration. Do you have oily or acne-prone skin types? If so, then keeping the product on for no more than two minutes may work best as it decreases reactivity risk caused by over-exfoliation triggering extra oil production resulting further breakouts (No thank-you please). Individuals with dry or sensitive skins are recommended not exceeding 5 minutes at initial stages before slowly increasing treatment period when observing properly-hydrated epidermis under microscopic examination techniques.

Product Strength

Another dynamic factor involves strength level use where weaker formulas require longer application upkeep while stronger concentrations usually necessitate faster wash action adopted swiftly.

%
8% -15%
16% -20%

It’s important when starting off with a lower-grade solution (a.k.a cowardly alternative) that one progressively moves up towards higher levels if desired. To maximise the benefits sought through this beloved chemical you might need a little bravery in trying new thresholds but never ever going beyond twice per week applications rounds otherwise risk damaging dermis which can lead potentially gruesome inflammation reactions…. EEEK!!

Wrapping Up

Glycolic acid has become quite popular over recent years due to its ability (and sometimes scary reputation) of revitalising counting looking skins making them glow like teenage zombies again. Hopefully this article helped answer the almighty “how long to leave glycolic acid on face?” question while simultaneously providing additional background in ingredients properties, and added some humour into your daily routine (one can only hope)! One last advice I would like to impart: it’s essential to perform a patch test before first use so that you are aware of any sensitivities or allergies.

Wishing everyone the best possible results!