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Sun May 20, 2012 7:21 pm  |
I know that dermatologists usually recommend salicylic acid for acne-prone skin.
However, does glycolic acid also help improve acne-prone skin? Is it beneficial at all for such skin? |
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holisticwomencare
New Member
 
Joined: 21 May 2012
Posts: 4
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Mon May 21, 2012 3:35 am |
Hello Friends......
Glycolic acid belongs to a group of chemicals known as the alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or fruit acids. It is a natural product which is isolated from the sugarcane. Ideally it should not be applied in concentrations that are higher than 10% , otherwise it can prove to be quite damaging for the skin. That's why most products that are available in the market having glycolic acid as an ingredient, contain concentrations between eight to ten percent.
Thanks |
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Mon May 21, 2012 4:19 am |
| Yes it can be helpful for acne. Some find it more helpful then BHA. |
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Mon May 21, 2012 5:52 am |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| Yes it can be helpful for acne. Some find it more helpful then BHA. |
Interesting. Could you please explain? |
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Mon May 21, 2012 8:15 am |
| VeronicaM wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| Yes it can be helpful for acne. Some find it more helpful then BHA. |
Interesting. Could you please explain? |
Are you asking how can AHA help with acne? Since AHA helps with exfoliation, its clear off the dead cells which can clog pores. For some their skin prefers AHA over BHA so you just need to try and see what works best for you. |
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Mon May 21, 2012 9:08 am |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| VeronicaM wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| Yes it can be helpful for acne. Some find it more helpful then BHA. |
Interesting. Could you please explain? |
Are you asking how can AHA help with acne? Since AHA helps with exfoliation, its clear off the dead cells which can clog pores. For some their skin prefers AHA over BHA so you just need to try and see what works best for you. |
BHA should theoretically work better for acne-prone skin because it can actually get inside the pore and exfoliate it from the inside out whereas glycolic (AHAs) only exfoliates the very surface (basically only the skin that you can see) of the skin. But if you can exfoliate your skin enough with AHAs without experiencing sensitivity, then it would work by the same principle as retinoids do, which work to thin out the top layer of skin so that the pore is "shorter" to decrease pore clogging. But of course, BHAs can do this as well since they also exfoliate the surface of the skin AND they have anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for acne-inflamed skin. |
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Mon May 21, 2012 10:56 am |
| oasisjc wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| VeronicaM wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| Yes it can be helpful for acne. Some find it more helpful then BHA. |
Interesting. Could you please explain? |
Are you asking how can AHA help with acne? Since AHA helps with exfoliation, its clear off the dead cells which can clog pores. For some their skin prefers AHA over BHA so you just need to try and see what works best for you. |
BHA should theoretically work better for acne-prone skin because it can actually get inside the pore and exfoliate it from the inside out whereas glycolic (AHAs) only exfoliates the very surface (basically only the skin that you can see) of the skin. But if you can exfoliate your skin enough with AHAs without experiencing sensitivity, then it would work by the same principle as retinoids do, which work to thin out the top layer of skin so that the pore is "shorter" to decrease pore clogging. But of course, BHAs can do this as well since they also exfoliate the surface of the skin AND they have anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for acne-inflamed skin. |
Can anyone recommend a good BHA toner/treatment, or even a combination of AHA and BHA together?
I heard I Feel Pretty has good options... |
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Mon May 21, 2012 11:23 am |
| oasisjc wrote: |
| BHA should theoretically work better for acne-prone skin because it can actually get inside the pore and exfoliate it from the inside out whereas glycolic (AHAs) only exfoliates the very surface (basically only the skin that you can see) of the skin. |
I know this is true for me and I never understood why 'acne systems' (like proactiv etc) use glycolic. But some just do tolerate AHA's better though. It does have the potential to help.
| fitgineer wrote: |
Can anyone recommend a good BHA toner/treatment, or even a combination of AHA and BHA together?
I heard I Feel Pretty has good options... |
IIRC I Feel Pretty products are alcohol based, I'd avoid that if you can. Take a look at Paula's Choice products, she has a variety of BHA's. My favorite is her Clear Acne regular toner. Its the most basic formula which I like because there is less of a chance of reacting to an inactive. |
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Mon May 21, 2012 11:26 am |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| IIRC I Feel Pretty products are alcohol based, I'd avoid that if you can. Take a look at Paula's Choice products, she has a variety of BHA's. My favorite is her Clear Acne regular toner. Its the most basic formula which I like because there is less of a chance of reacting to an inactive. |
Why is an alcohol-based toner bad for you? |
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Mon May 21, 2012 11:40 am |
| fitgineer wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| IIRC I Feel Pretty products are alcohol based, I'd avoid that if you can. Take a look at Paula's Choice products, she has a variety of BHA's. My favorite is her Clear Acne regular toner. Its the most basic formula which I like because there is less of a chance of reacting to an inactive. |
Why is an alcohol-based toner bad for you? |
Alcohol is very stripping on your skin! |
_________________
I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Mon May 21, 2012 11:42 am |
| DarkMoon wrote: |
| fitgineer wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| IIRC I Feel Pretty products are alcohol based, I'd avoid that if you can. Take a look at Paula's Choice products, she has a variety of BHA's. My favorite is her Clear Acne regular toner. Its the most basic formula which I like because there is less of a chance of reacting to an inactive. |
Why is an alcohol-based toner bad for you? |
Alcohol is very stripping on your skin! |
Duh!  |
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Mon May 21, 2012 11:44 am |
| fitgineer wrote: |
| DarkMoon wrote: |
| fitgineer wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| IIRC I Feel Pretty products are alcohol based, I'd avoid that if you can. Take a look at Paula's Choice products, she has a variety of BHA's. My favorite is her Clear Acne regular toner. Its the most basic formula which I like because there is less of a chance of reacting to an inactive. |
Why is an alcohol-based toner bad for you? |
Alcohol is very stripping on your skin! |
Duh! |
No No,
We all have those moments, I know I have my fair share!  |
_________________
I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Mon May 21, 2012 12:37 pm |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| Yes it can be helpful for acne. Some find it more helpful then BHA. |
Yes! I am one of those people lol. While I think BHA can be great for acne and anti-aging, I never ever get the skin clearing, skin smoothing and even tone effects from a BHA that I get from an AHA.
I use the Paula's Choice Skin Resurfacing System and her 10% "Weekly" treatment is wonderful. It's gentle too, and I use it every night with no irritation and the 5% AHA Lotion during the day.
If you love AHA's its worth checking out. |
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Mon May 21, 2012 12:39 pm |
| fitgineer wrote: |
| oasisjc wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| VeronicaM wrote: |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| Yes it can be helpful for acne. Some find it more helpful then BHA. |
Interesting. Could you please explain? |
Are you asking how can AHA help with acne? Since AHA helps with exfoliation, its clear off the dead cells which can clog pores. For some their skin prefers AHA over BHA so you just need to try and see what works best for you. |
BHA should theoretically work better for acne-prone skin because it can actually get inside the pore and exfoliate it from the inside out whereas glycolic (AHAs) only exfoliates the very surface (basically only the skin that you can see) of the skin. But if you can exfoliate your skin enough with AHAs without experiencing sensitivity, then it would work by the same principle as retinoids do, which work to thin out the top layer of skin so that the pore is "shorter" to decrease pore clogging. But of course, BHAs can do this as well since they also exfoliate the surface of the skin AND they have anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for acne-inflamed skin. |
Can anyone recommend a good BHA toner/treatment, or even a combination of AHA and BHA together?
I heard I Feel Pretty has good options... |
I have been pretty dormant around here for a while, but now that I'm posting again expect me to always recommend Paula's Choice lol. I don't work for her, I just really friggin love her stuff! Anyway, she has a massive range of BHA products (some good, some not-so-good for my skin) that might be worth checking out. A lot of drugstore BHA's are poorly formulated, unfortunately.
- Nathan |
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Mon May 21, 2012 1:42 pm |
Nathan,
How are they poorly formulated? What makes you say that? |
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Mon May 21, 2012 1:44 pm |
| VeronicaM wrote: |
Nathan,
How are they poorly formulated? What makes you say that? |
PBI - not all AHA/BHA's (high end or drug store) are properly formulated to work effectively. pH is very important. |
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Mon May 21, 2012 1:51 pm |
This is the one I've been using, because it is oil free, and I've definitely noticed smother skin, and it has helped me get my breakouts under control, too:
http://www.neotericcosmetics.com/product-details.aspx?iid=66
| Quote: |
| Ingredients: Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Sodium Lactate, Green Tea Extract, Carrageenan (Sea Kelp Extract), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer |
Not sure if it is properly formulated however, and I'm sure EDS members would question some of the ingredients. It is 10% concentration, pH of 4.
I am looking however for an AHA/BHA combo. |
_________________
Female, born 1985. HW Engineer, Fitness nut. Embarking on the war against the signs of aging... |
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Mon May 21, 2012 2:06 pm |
fitgineer,
That looks like a solid product.
Why are you unsure if it's properly formulated? |
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Mon May 21, 2012 2:36 pm |
| VeronicaM wrote: |
fitgineer,
That looks like a solid product.
Why are you unsure if it's properly formulated? |
Simply because I haven't done the research on every ingredient in the product 
I figured someone would point out a skin irritant or something along those lines... |
_________________
Female, born 1985. HW Engineer, Fitness nut. Embarking on the war against the signs of aging... |
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Mon May 21, 2012 2:39 pm |
| fitgineer wrote: |
| VeronicaM wrote: |
fitgineer,
That looks like a solid product.
Why are you unsure if it's properly formulated? |
Simply because I haven't done the research on every ingredient in the product
I figured someone would point out a skin irritant or something along those lines... |
LOL. fitgineer someone always does, but you need to find what works for your skin, not everyone has the same positive or negative results/reactions!
Listen to your skin. |
_________________
I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Mon May 21, 2012 2:48 pm |
| DarkMoon wrote: |
| fitgineer wrote: |
| VeronicaM wrote: |
fitgineer,
That looks like a solid product.
Why are you unsure if it's properly formulated? |
Simply because I haven't done the research on every ingredient in the product
I figured someone would point out a skin irritant or something along those lines... |
LOL. fitgineer someone always does, but you need to find what works for your skin, not everyone has the same positive or negative results/reactions!
Listen to your skin. |
Indeed! However, what if it works for my skin and they've actually done studies that one of the ingredients it cytotoxic? I'd be happy to have that pointed out! |
_________________
Female, born 1985. HW Engineer, Fitness nut. Embarking on the war against the signs of aging... |
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Mon May 21, 2012 11:48 pm |
Im one of those people that cannot tolerate BHA so I find Glyolic/AHA much better.
To find a BHA/AHA product is virtually impossible and they are very irritating.
Paulas Choice BHA burned my skin and made it very sensitive...I didnt know at the time it was it so I used it for 2/3 years and every few months I would get red dry 'burned' skin from the BHA.
I use Mario Badescu's Glycolic Toner and Neostrata's Ultra Smoothing Cream every night which is 10% AHA |
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Tue May 22, 2012 11:45 am |
Veronica-
The first toner has witch hazel and only 2% AHA with no indication of pH. Probably won't do much exfoliation. The second toner looks interesting but they didn't put the percentage or ph of product  |
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Tue May 22, 2012 11:56 am |
| natefan87 wrote: |
I have been pretty dormant around here for a while, but now that I'm posting again expect me to always recommend Paula's Choice lol. I don't work for her, I just really friggin love her stuff! Anyway, she has a massive range of BHA products (some good, some not-so-good for my skin) that might be worth checking out. A lot of drugstore BHA's are poorly formulated, unfortunately.
- Nathan |
Nathan, I checked out Paula's Choice, but her exfoliants aren't labeled as alcohol free...
| Quote: |
| This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.2-3.6 for superior exfoliating properties. Every Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with additional soothing agents. |
http://www.paulaschoice.com/product/skin-perfecting-one-percent-bha-gel/bha-aha-exfoliants |
_________________
Female, born 1985. HW Engineer, Fitness nut. Embarking on the war against the signs of aging... |
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