Does gycolic acid & Sylicilicacid combo cause break outs
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free skin care · Wed Oct 11, 2006 6:49 pm

A facialist recently told me that gycolic acid in combo w/ sylicilic acid will cause a break out. I knew that the 2 acids in combo can neutralize one another but I didn't know it could be the source of the break out. If it is true that these acids in combo cause breakouts, then why do certain products put these 2 together in products? Is it the concentration? My facialist warned me against using a sylicilic wash flollowed by a gyucolic acid toner. Does anyone know why or have some extra input? I would apprecitae hearing your experience w/ these 2 acids. Thanks.

free skin care · Wed Oct 11, 2006 8:27 pm

I think that they can cause breakouts if the combination IRRITATES your skin. If your skin can handle both acids, then I think that you are fine. As I am still a newbie, hopefully a more experienced forum member will chime in???

priscilla

free skin care · Thu Oct 12, 2006 7:48 am

I totally agree with Priscilla about irritation from acids causing breakouts. I also think that the fact that these products can be drying is also a factor in them causing acne or clogged pores. I just think that perhaps using both acids would be too much for some people. If you can use both without irritation or overdrying then it shouldn't be a problem. Personally I think that it is best to use the least amount of acids that will do the job. More is not necessarily better.

Personally I cannot use salicylic acid at all as it irritates my skin at even very low percentages. I have also experienced a worsening of my acne from using glycolic acid on a regular basis. I was getting glycolic acid peels once a month and these did not cause any real problems. However, I did notice that I usually got a pimple or two about 10 days after my peels.

free skin care · Thu Oct 12, 2006 8:02 am

I am prone to mild breakouts but never had a problem using PeterThomasRoth Max Complexion Correction Pads with 10% glycolic and 2% salicylic acid. My skin has been better since using this product.

free skin care · Thu Oct 12, 2006 9:04 am

It took me quite a time to find out what caused the pimples all of a sudden : it was the salicylic acid (active serum). I have no problems with the glycolic acid though (vitC either).
My most recent "pimple-causer" is HA (although have no problems using it around my eyes...).

Looks like there is always a "pimple-maker" somewhere...

free skin care · Thu Oct 12, 2006 10:40 am

Until recently, I had been using the MD Formulations Clearing Complex which contains AHA/BHA, and this also caused me to breakout. My facialist said that this was quite normal - basically it's clearing out your pores. With continued use, this will settle down. I still haven't gone back to using this, but am considering doing so.

free skin care · Thu Oct 12, 2006 2:48 pm

I hadn't heard about this. But I do know that if you use drying products then your skin is more likely to break out. If there's no moisture your skin will create sebum to even out. Using a strong salicylic product followed by a strong glycolic products probably isn't a good idea....

When products have both in them, they are probably designed in the right quantities so they don't cause breakouts. Or at least with the good brands.

I also use PTR pads which have salicylic and glycolic (i use the gentle correction pads). I only recently started using them. I would say they are the single most effective thing i have ever used in terms of keeping my pores clear. My skin has been pretty near perfect the last month.
*Touches wood*

free skin care · Fri Oct 13, 2006 5:17 am

I've used lots of different acids over the years - I love them. Even though I don't have sensitive skin, I still need to be careful.

I agree that the irritation/overdrying could cause breakouts. I also agree that they can cause some purging while your pores are being cleaned out. There are some people who's skins are just too sensitive to use most acids.

For *me* it's usually not JUST the acids that can cause problems...I need to be really careful about the types of moisturizers/makeup I use. I'm very prone to clogged pores/blackheads. For example, right now I'm only using a combination of HA/emu as a moisturizer as I have yet to find anything else that doesn't cause pimples.

Just my $.02.

Sat Oct 14, 2006 6:16 am

I do not know why your facialist would say such a thing.

If anything, a salicylic acid and glycolic acid combination would have a 'synergistic' effect; that is, the acids would strengthen each other, and you would experience a deeper, more effective peel.

At some spas, 'bi-phasic' peels are performed when an individual would like a more thourough exfoliation. Prior to the application of a strong glycolic acid solution, the client's skin is treated with a salicylic acid solution.

Salicyclic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid which means it is oil-soluble and can permeate the fat-filled pores. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is an alpha hydroxy acid which is water-soluble only. Salicylic acid combination would effectively clean the skin of excess oils in and on the skin allowing the glycolic acid a more efficient exfoliation.

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