The Difference Between Glycolic and Salicylic Acid [DermTV.com Epi #69]

When it comes to facial exfoliation, there are two acids which do a majority of the work: glycolic and salicylic. Dr. Schultz will explain the difference between the two and what they're both
used for.


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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Exfoliating
• Exfoliation
• Exfoliators
• Glycolic
• Salicylic
• Facial Peel
• Glycolic Acid
• Salicylic Acid
• Glycolic Peel
• Skincare
• DermTV
• Dr. Schultz
• Younger Skin
• Anti Aging
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[meteorspeed]

I have tried using St. Ives green tea cleanser with salicylic 2.0%, It went good for 2 weeks, but after that I started having a major breakout... why?

[dermTVdotcom]

@meteorspeed I'm not sure that your breakout is necessarily related to the new cleanser. Obviously, after this breakout resolves, try a different cleanser. If you're really curious, try your St. Ives on one side of your face and a new, different cleanser on the other side to see if St. Ives breaks you out again. If it does, avoid the ingredients in the St. Ives cleanser in your next cleanser.

[lQueenBl]

What's the difference between Glycolic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acid? Is that the same thing?

[dermTVdotcom]

@lQueenBl Glycolic Acie is one of several different alpha hydroxy acids. Others include lactic acid and pyruvic acid.

[1969LAGIRL]

Where can glycolic acid be purchased? What brand(s) would you recommend?

Thank you in advance for a prompt response!!

[dermTVdotcom]

@1969LAGIRL: Products with glycolic acid are available at your local drugstore and over the Internet. Check out episodes on exfoliation on the DermTV website which contain specific recommended products (I'd paste the link here but YouTube doesn't allow it).

[MrSSS16]

Is it recommended to use only one form of treatment, for the last 2 months ive had mild acne on my forehead, and my doctor recommended to use a 5% BP cream, and ive seen good results. But i also like using my daily salicylic cleanser becuase it leaves me face looking more fresh and smoother. So can i use multiple treatments ??? and if yes how would i go about using it ??? because my BP treatment i only use on my affected area, forehead which is pretty much near too clear.

[Peppamomma]

I want to include glycolic acid in my regimen but im confused about if it can also be used on ingrown hair? The one i chose is a serum called "Olay Regenerist resurfacing night elixir". Im also using the sensitive skin cleanser and the Complete ageless SPF 20 lotion in the day. Im 19 i dont have acne but slight discoloration from medication. Is this a good regimen?

[ShindyK2]

Any major break-outs after using any acid = acne that were under the skin not yet visible. Must get rid of them in the first place.

[bnbn55]

I have a 9 months burn scars ( hyper-pigmination ) on legs due to laser hair removal, what do you think of doing a glycolic acid peel then after the healing putting a bleaching cream?

[Wivanunu]

@1969LAGIRL They said we can't mention brands...but think about that infomercial with all the movie stars. It comes in 3 steps and the green toner is glycolic acid. I love my glycolic acid....it must be gentle enough to do the job and it smells like flowers. I just noticed you posted this a years ago....so you probably already know what I'm talking about. Some glycolic acids at Ulta and Sephora are super expensive. I think Jessica Simpson was used to be on the infomercial.

[impulse22000]

hi Dr is it true that if u keep exfoilating over time you would reach a hayflick limit where your cells stop dividing.

[SleeKi]

will salicylic acid get rid of my deeply blocked pores on my legs? please help out with an answer, thanks!

[jjjjjokerface]

Is it ok to use Glycolic acid if I am using a topical prescription (Ziana)?

[kimberlysue2287]

Hi Dr., Is it okay for me to use both glycolic and salicylic acid in conjunction? For example using a Salicylic Acid cleanser with a Glycolic Acid treatment? Thank you!

[audilovesmusic]

I am an african american girl . I have many blemishes , but mine are ''black'' because my skin is brown . Do you think glycolic chemical peels will get rid of them , or could you tell me what will . Thanks .