Secret Ingredient: Glycolic Acid

A few weeks ago, I received a Facebook message from a reader asking about glycolic acid, so I decided to do some research on this popular skin care ingredient. Glycolic acid is a highly active alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a family of acids that are used to exfoliate the skin.Glycolic acid is found in a range of skincare products, from serums and cleansers to chemical peels. As with many active skincare ingredients, the products you are able to purchase outside of a doctor's office will generally be weaker, which can be a good way to ease your skin into trying something new.  That being said, if you're unsure about how your skin will react, trying that ingredient under the supervision of a doctor is always the safest bet.  Also, as with any exfoliating product, make sure you use sunscreen when using products with glycolic acid since it will increase your sensitivity to the sun.Here are some popular products featuring glycolic acid:Whenever I try a new skincare product, even if it's meant to be used every day, I'll start using it only once every two or three nights for about a week. If I see no reaction, I will slowly increase the frequency up to what the manufacturer recommends. I've found that this can really make a big difference in avoiding strong reactions to a new product.I do not use products with glycolic acid because I use a prescription retinoid and the two ingredients neutralize each other, so I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've used any products with glycolic acid. I'm a big fan of Kate Somerville and Kiehl's and have read rave reviews about the Peter Thomas Roth line of products.Please keep the suggestions coming, and don't forget to like the beautyluxelife Facebook page here.