topic Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin? in Beauty

Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:33:55 GMT

I saw a Mario Badescu product recently - Glycolic Foaming Cleanser - and was wondering if this would be suitable for sensitive, mature skin?

My skin seems to be in need of some clarifying and is kind of dull. I was wondering if a product such as this would do the trick, but wouldn't be too harsh.

What does everyone think? Thanks for being kind enough to give me your thoughts!!!

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

turtle52 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:00:51 GMT

I recently started using Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle which contains 12% glycolic AHA. I apply it to my clean, dry skin in the morning, before my serum. It was given a "best" rating by Paula on beautypedia dot com and is very affordable especially during their sales. It is great for mature skin. I started using it to give my skin some extra help because it exfoliates. It has made my skin much softer. It did sting a little when I started using it (this is normal), but it feels fine now. FYI, I am in my 60's. I also use Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ at night before applying my serum and moisturizer.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:16:17 GMT

Many people with sensitive skin can use glycolic products with no problem and some cannot so you will just have to try it to see if you can handle it.

I will suggest though if you are going to try a product to find another one because this product has some irritating ingredients in it like sage extract and yarrow extract and both cause irritation and photosensitivity so with sensitive skin this isn't the best choice.

Another thing with glycolic acid is that using it in a cleanser you don't get the benefit of the glycolic acid. Glycolic acid and other chemical exfoliants need to sit on the skin to work. When you use it in a cleanser it only stays on the skin for a minute or two and then you wash it off. Second, chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, etc... only work when they are in a pH of 3-4. Cleanser are supposed to be a pH of around 5.5 to be an effective cleanser so the glycolic acid cannot work to exfoliate in a base that high of a pH.

One more thing about this cleanser, it contains sodium lauryl sulfate which is way too drying and irritating for ANY skin type.

If you are looking to use a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid, choose one that stays on your skin longer. I put mine on after washing my face and leave it on all day under my moisturizer. If that is too much for you then you can leave it on for only 15-30 minutes but you get more of a benefit the longer you leave it on. Paula's Choice sells a good one (8% Alpha Hydrox liquid or gel) and Alpha Hydrox (the brand name product) sells products too like their Souffle or serums.

Here is a list of some good ones and they are all the correct pH.

http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews/best-skin-care-products/Skin-Care/AHA-Exfoliants?sort=product&direction=asc&pageNumber=1&pageSize=100&treenodeid=b32149ca-3c4b-497c-82a5-95674521ef36

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

maestra — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:42:31 GMT

That MB cleanser flared my sensitive skin but also DH's after 1 use. See about a travel size or sample to try.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

Iwantcoffee — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:45:57 GMT

I cannot use glycolic acid. I think a gentle cleanser without glycolic acid would be a better choice for sensitive skin. There are several drugstore cleaners that work well for me.

Simple facial wash - I like this one in summer but not for dry skin in winter

Cerave Hydrating cleanser- good for dry winter months

Aveeno ultra-calming

Eucerin Soothing cleanser - this is was recommended by my derm and I like it very much.

Cetaphil gentle cleanser

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:56:38 GMT

Thank you so much for your answers! So much good information!

I knew nothing about Glycolic Acid before I posted here.

My skin seems to have a bit of a roughness to it right now. I feel like I need something to slough it or smooth it out. But not harsh or abrasive.

I was thinking about some type of scrub, but I was afraid that would be too harsh for me.

My skin tends to just light right up (redness) unless I am very gentle with it.

Also, I seem to be plagued lately with those little whitish spots under the skin. They are not whiteheads, possibly plugged pores?

These are the main reasons why I feel I need something, but nothing too strong.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

itsmagic — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 14:07:48 GMT

I've tried the MB glycolic cleanser and it did not agree with my sensitive skin either.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

turtle52 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:22:05 GMT

On 1/10/2014 turtle52 said:
I recently started using Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle which contains 12% glycolic AHA. I apply it to my clean, dry skin in the morning, before my serum. It was given a "best" rating by Paula on beautypedia dot com and is very affordable especially during their sales. It is great for mature skin. I started using it to give my skin some extra help because it exfoliates. It has made my skin much softer. It did sting a little when I started using it (this is normal), but it feels fine now. FYI, I am in my 60's. I also use Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ at night before applying my serum and moisturizer.

You can start by using glycolic acid every few days to see if your skin can tolerate it and to get used to it. I was able to use it every day from the beginning, but you might need to start more slowly.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:25:03 GMT

Angelpuppy, another product that would be definitely worth a try is Clinique Turnaround Radiance Renewer. It exfoliates the skin with polyhydroxy acid (PHA) which is similar to AHA's but it can be slightly less sensitizing. It is a silky serum that has lots of good things for your skin like antioxidants and skin repairing ingredients.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

Katcat1 — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:54:31 GMT

Angel, Take a look at the Acure Organics line on their website. Ingredients are listed to see if anything would work out for you. I have been extremely pleased with their Night cream, Day and Line Eraser and recently purchased their lavender body lotion which is heavenly (smells like lavender in the fields). Good luck.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

kmbcincy — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 17:23:12 GMT

Angel your skin sounds a lot like mine. I am nearly 61, with very fair, sensitive, reactive skin. For all the mois- turizing I was doing, my skin was still rough. I knew I needed to exfoliate, but every one I tried was too much for my skin. I finally tried the Tatcha Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder and it has really made a huge difference in my skin. I only use it a few times each week (M-W-F) or else I get too dry/irritated. My JM Argan oil absorbs much better now and my skin feels a lot healthier.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

UMDTerpFan — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:24:27 GMT

I like this. Just bought it last weekend at Ulta. I would suggest using it only once a day though to see how your skin responds to it. In Mario Badescu's pamphlet, it is listed as suitable for all skin types. Ulta is giving some free samples with a purchase right now and if you order from Mario Badescu's website they give three samples with every purchase. I ordered a couple of things that were not carried at Ulta or Nordstoms and got my order in two days.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

SandGirl — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:28:29 GMT

try Mario bandescu Glycolic Cleanser and Vitamin C serum, both are great for sensitive skin types!

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

UMDTerpFan — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:28:37 GMT

On 1/10/2014 kmbcincy said: Angel your skin sounds a lot like mine. I am nearly 61, with very fair, sensitive, reactive skin. For all the mois- turizing I was doing, my skin was still rough. I knew I needed to exfoliate, but every one I tried was too much for my skin. I finally tried the Tatcha Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder and it has really made a huge difference in my skin. I only use it a few times each week (M-W-F) or else I get too dry/irritated. My JM Argan oil absorbs much better now and my skin feels a lot healthier.

Personally, I had a disaster with the enzyme rice powder so I know it is not suitable for some skin types. And another person that writes here on BB had the same type of reaction that I had but hers was even more severe, she had to make an emergency trip to the dermatologist. Tatcha's enyzme powder has both talc and papaya enyzme in it which can cause bad reactions for anyone that has sensitivities. If anyone has ever had any burning sensation after using a mineral powder, then do not use the enzyme powders.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

UMDTerpFan — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:31:52 GMT

On 1/10/2014 AngelPuppy1 said:
Thank you so much for your answers! So much good information!

I knew nothing about Glycolic Acid before I posted here.

My skin seems to have a bit of a roughness to it right now. I feel like I need something to slough it or smooth it out. But not harsh or abrasive.

I was thinking about some type of scrub, but I was afraid that would be too harsh for me.

My skin tends to just light right up (redness) unless I am very gentle with it.

Also, I seem to be plagued lately with those little whitish spots under the skin. They are not whiteheads, possibly plugged pores?

These are the main reasons why I feel I need something, but nothing too strong.

Those white bumps are probably milia and are clogged pores. The glycolic foaming cleanser should help with that. Are you using a retinol product? That will also help with the issues you mentioned. Plus it is the one proven antiaging product that all dermatologists recommend.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

Ranchergal — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:51:25 GMT

I just heard a beauty expert say that ladies with mature skin should never use glycolic acid.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

Akane — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 05:57:48 GMT

On 1/10/2014 Ranchergal said:
I just heard a beauty expert say that ladies with mature skin should never use glycolic acid.

Who?

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 14:21:28 GMT

Oh, my!!!! I am really confused! I am very appreciative of each and every post and they are all so informative and make a lot of sense to me, but I have no idea what to do??? I am so unhappy with my skin. I know it definitely needs some type of exfoliation but since my stupid skin is so reactive and sensitive, I have to tread lightly.

My skin is at the point now where it's almost like, I'm applying moisturizer but it's not really able to sink it.

Aren't Retinol products kind of hard to handle also? I know they do a lot of good, but I just figured they would be too much for me.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

Harpa — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 15:32:03 GMT

You could contact Mario Badescu with your skin concerns. They send out generous samples for a whole routine. (Frankly, I don't know who else does that!) And they also make products for sensitive skin types. Their percentages are on the low side.

Also, Paula's Choice has glycolics on the low percentage side, too. If you are just starting with some type of chem exfoliation, you need a low percentage. PC has 8%. Alpha Hydrox starts at 10%; I think Badescu does, too. Badescu also has a lactic acid, (I think), which is much gentler for certain skin types, yet still provides exfoliation.

Do you remember a while back the Board was all a-buzz talking about cleansing with just powdered milk? That is such a good choice for someone who has sensitive skin (lactic acid.) I know people say you don't leave cleanser on your skin long enough for it to be of any value, but I disagree: I always leave both a.m. & p.m. cleansers on my face for at least several minutes while I brush my teeth.

As you may be introducing any acid into your skin routine, please proceed slowly. You needn't use those things every day to start, and especially if you may have reactive skin. There are also buffers, too...I still use a buffer (rose water & glycerin), and my skin is not sensitive, and I use just a little higher percentage of glycolics (the AH Souffle, retinol, L-ascorbic acid.)

If you are trying to get rid of the dullness in your skin, glycolics are a good way to go, but you need to find the right ones for your skin type. Think about a vitamin C....Badescu has good vit. C things (w/ low %) before you think about a retinol. (or Kiehl's) or something with C ester.

Re: Products with Glycolic Acid - Safe for Sensitive, Mature Skin?

henderson — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:35:26 GMT

Go to the Beautypedia website for recommendations of dept/store products.