Everything you need to safely and successfully balance your skin’s pH levels after using glycolic acid products is included in our “How to neutralize glycolic acid” package.

Your skin will feel renewed and invigorated if you simply follow the simple, step-by-step directions to neutralize the glycolic acid on it.

With our specifically made solution, bid redness and irritation farewell.

Try our “How to neutralize glycolic acid” kit today to see the difference and attain smooth, glowing skin⁣.

Our skin creates a thin layer known as the acid mantle to properly protect us from external attackers. Sebum, the lipids released by the glands in your skin, makes up the acid mantle. With a pH of 4.5 to 6, this protective secretion is somewhat more acidic than water, which is why we call this layer an “acid” mantle. The layer serves as a strong defense against impurities like viruses and germs. These will adjust to the pH of your acid mantle when they come into contact with your skin. Skin bacteria or viruses will face an environment to which they have not adapted and will probably perish if they manage to enter your body and contact your blood.

As recalled in a publication from the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology  According to the Cosmetic Dermatology European Expert, the earliest use of acid peeling procedures—or chemical peels, as they’re known today—was noted in Egyptian medicine as early as 1550 BC. This implies that the effectiveness of chemical peels dates back to before the reign of Cleopatra! She used acids like lactic acid (found in sour milk), tartaric acid (found in wine), and citric acid (found in lemon). Ancient Greek and Romans were also fans of acid peels.  In the 19th century, acid treatments began to resemble their modern form when glycolic acid was first formulated. The first recorded use of medical-strength acid being used for treatment was in 1874 in Vienna, when the dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra used specially designed peels to treat melasma and freckles. Today in the 21st century, dermatologists use acid chemical peels, most commonly glycolic acid, to treat acne, skin pigmentation, anti-aging, and more. 

What is Glycolic Acid?

Made from sugarcane, glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that is frequently used as a chemical peel therapy in dermatology offices (the process of applying acid to the skin to exfoliate). The word “chemical” may sound scary, but it just means that it exfoliates and cleans your skin without the need for scrubbing or scraping. Just applying it to the skin produces greater results than using harsh scrubbing brushes or beads. In addition to promoting natural cellular renewal, non-neutralized glycolic acid provides a natural means of eliminating dirt, dead skin, and pore-clogging chemicals. What will be the ultimate result? The skin appears brighter and fresher, free from harsh scratches and scrapes.

How to neutralize Glycolic Acid Peel with Baking Soda

The Procedure: During the chemical peel procedure, your skin’s pH temporarily increases from slightly acidic to extremely acidic. The chemical peel will create a superficial wound that will reveal softer, smoother, and more radiant skin as it carefully damages your skin. If frosting occurs, a neutralizer will help you manage how deep it peels and halt it. Additionally, it will guarantee that after your therapy is over, the acid on your skin will cease to function.

This process refers to neutralization. The idea of a base’s neutralizing characteristics may already be familiar to you. Neutralization results from the addition of a base, which raises the pH of the mixture. You can use a gentle washcloth or your fingertips to apply a neutralizing solution to your peel.

What happens if you don’t neutralize glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid will:

• More than any other acid, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles and prevents them from returning over an extended period of time.
• Even out discoloration caused by sunspots
• Minimize pores for a smoother appearance of the skin.
• Give you a noticeably “fresh face” where people start to say, “you look so…bright!”

Non-neutralized glycolic is the most effective form of the acid and will provide the best results. Using products containing higher percentages of glycolic acid (50% and higher) will probably not give the results you want—after all, the percentage is high, but so is the neutralization! Instead, using a lower percentage of non-neutralized glycolic can and will give you fewer wrinkles, firmer skin, and an all-around healthier, brighter look!

How do you calm your skin after glycolic acid?

1. Start with a lower concentration of glycolic acid: If you are new to using glycolic acid or have sensitive skin, it is best to start with a lower concentration of glycolic acid (around 5–10%). Note that the nature of this chemical exfoliant may cause some dryness after using glycolic acid. Dermatologist and founder of Dermatologist’s Choice, Dr. B., recommends the mild glycolic acid cream, the Facial Enhancement Cream, to start with instead of the more potent Ultra Anti-Aging Cream. This formulation will allow your skin to gradually get accustomed to the acid and reduce the chances of irritation.
2. Use glycolic acid in your evening skincare routine. Glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive if it’s your first time using the ingredient or if it’s a high concentration for your skin’s tolerance, so it is best to use it in your evening skincare routine. Such usage will allow your skin to repair itself while you sleep and reduce the chances of further irritation. Also, incorporating the glycolic in a cream form like the Facial Enhancement Cream reduces any redness that may be caused by the ingredient by itself.
3. Follow with a moisturizer: After using glycolic acid, it is important to follow with a moisturizer to help hydrate and nourish the skin. This procedure will help reduce dryness and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
4. In the AM, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. As mentioned earlier, glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive. To protect your skin from further irritation and damage, it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
5. Take breaks from using glycolic acid: If you are using glycolic acid regularly, it is important to take breaks from using it to give your skin a chance to recover. These steps can be especially helpful if you are experiencing redness and dryness after using the acid. As a general guideline, begin using non-neutralized glycolic acid products such as Dermatologist’s Choice once a week for three weeks, and then gradually increase the dosage by one day each week. This approach will help your skin grow a tolerance to the non-neutralized glycolic without being overwhelmed.
6. Avoid using other exfoliating products, such as physical exfoliants (e.g., scrubs) or other AHAs, because they will help the glycolic penetrate deeper: These products can further irritate the skin and increase redness and dryness.
7. Use a calming skincare product: If your skin is feeling particularly red and sensitive after using glycolic acid, it can be helpful to use a calming skincare product, such as a pre-bath oil, lotion, or cream. These ingredients can help soothe and calm the skin.
8. Consult a dermatologist: If you are experiencing severe redness and dryness after using glycolic acid and are unable to find relief after using moisturizers for a week, it is important to consult a dermatologist. This type of treatment is rarely necessary. They will be able to assess your skin and provide you with prescription products to reduce irritation and improve its overall health.

Overall, glycolic acid is a powerful skincare ingredient that can provide numerous benefits for the skin. However, it is important to use it properly and take steps to reduce redness and dryness if they occur. In general, redness and dryness need not worry you just decrease the use until your face tolerates it

Conclusion

A neutralization reaction occurs when an acid and a base react to form a neutral solution— e.g., pure water. Without being too scientific, a neutralized acid—in this case, neutralized glycolic acid—loses its strength and has no more effect on the skin than water. Most products on the market that advertise high glycolic content are neutralized. This implies that while they are gentle on the skin, they achieve the same results as soap and water.

If you have acne or want to lighten your skin, you may be frustrated trying to find a solution. The solution you need may be a glycolic acid peel! You must thoroughly prepare your skin, apply the glycolic acid peel sparingly, and take excellent care of your skin thereafter to utilize it effectively and avoid injury.