Home
Alpha Hydroxy Acid - "AHA" (aka Glycolic Acid)
Naturally occurring acid which powerfully exfoliates - I prefer 10% concentrations
Spot treatment:
I use just a tiny bit when spot treating
I do the Regimen religiously every day. However, once in a while I'll still see a zit forming somewhere. In that case, I still do the Regimen, but I also blast the zit with 10% glycolic acid after applying the benzoyl peroxide. In my personal experience, this combo often prevents the zit from maturing. I asked other people to see how this worked for them, and they weighed in on it here. Keep in mind that the way this works best is if you catch it very early.
Note:
Icing a lesion for a minute or two prior to spot treating may help, but I need more input from you guys.
Body acne:
I am generous when treating my upper back
Every once in a while if I'm wearing a backpack a lot, wearing sweaty clothes that are rubbing a lot, or after I get a massage (which can be somewhat irritating to the dermis), I'll treat my back to prevent acne. You can read my bacne regimen here. When I had regular bacne (before I went on Accutane which cleared it up), I kept my bacne under pretty much complete control by applying this bacne regimen religiously.
Exfoliation/Flakiness Control:
I use a thin line when applying to my entire face. More than this and it stings too much for me.
If you're having issues with flakiness, 10% glycolic acid will cure it (jojoba oil works well too). It can be fun to use from time to time in place of your usual moisturizer to really combat flakes and give you a nice even glow to your complexion. Often when I've been using AHA as a moisturizer people will comment on how great my skin looks.
SUNBURN ALERT: AHA may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using AHA and for a week after discontinuing its use. I suggest Olay Complete for Sensitive Skin plus 4-5 drops of jojoba oil as a nice non-comedogenic sunscreen.
Important:
Do not use AHA until you have been on the Regimen for several weeks. It can be quite irritating and stinging if you use it at the onset of a benzoyl peroxide regimen. Once you've been on benzoyl peroxide for about 6 weeks or so, AHA is pretty darn cool. I always make sure I have some around.
Tip:
Ice is often recommended as an additional spot treatment home remedy. Feel free to try icing a spot for a minute or two before applying benzoyl peroxide and AHA. Again, it's important to catch it early.
Where to get it
 |
DanielKern.com 6oz. size 10% glycolic acid plus lichochalcone. |
 |
Drugstore.com or store shelves You can sometimes find this product at your local drugstore, and always at drugstore.com. I have tried pretty much every over-the-counter alpha hydroxy acid, and this is the only one I've found to work for me. |
References
Bettoli, Vincenzo, Alison M. Layton, and Diane Thiboutot. Fast Facts-Acne. Oxford, UK: HealthPress Limited, 2004.
