I'm really curious about how glycolic acid cream works, especially if I'm already using benzoyl peroxide 2.5% for my acne. My skin is pretty sensitive, so I'm worried about potential reactions. What's the best way to use these products together to avoid irritating my skin? Any tips would be super helpful!

Dr Ibrahim Salah

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

Consult Now

Glycolic acid cream works by exfoliating the skin, unclogging pores, and promoting skin cell turnover, which can help improve acne. When used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, it can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment by further exfoliating the skin and reducing inflammation. For sensitive skin, it is important to start with a lower concentration of glycolic acid (around 5-8%) and gradually increase the frequency of use as tolerated. It is recommended to apply a small amount of glycolic acid cream to clean, dry skin once every other day initially, and then increase to daily use if there is no irritation. Always follow up with a moisturizer and use a sunscreen during the day when using glycolic acid, as it can increase sun sensitivity.

Answered 12 days ago