are there any glycolic acid being sold in shopper's drugmart or something? has anyone tried using GA? I don't have any active acne just red marks and (damn) moderate scarring on my cheeks - but i don't know what type of scars i have. even if it wouldn't help with the scarring will it help reduce the redmarks?

In Canada Shoppers Drug Mart and/or London Drugs carry the following glycolic acid based products: Neostrata line, Reversa line, Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel, L'Oreal Dermo Expertise ReNoviste Anti Aging Glycolic Peel Kit etc. Just inquire at the cosmetics counter. Make sure the concentration is at least 8% for maximum results.

As for the effectiveness of glycolic acid on red marks, it all depends on your skin type, concentration of the product, the degree of buffering of the glycolic acid, the frequency of application and the duration of treatment. I've done glycolic peels ranging from 30% to 60%. Some of the red marks will become much worse before getting better. I think the intense peels remove the top layers of skin revealing the marks deeper within the skin. By peeling repeatedly, these deeper marks will be brought to the surface until they are full removed. Also, these strong peels traumatize the skin so it increases production of collagen and other recuperative properties which can be beneficial in the healing process.

Lastly, with retail glycolic products, you won't get much higher than an 8-10% concentration in products intended for use on the face. Even with my 30-60% weekly peels, it required numerous treatments to start seeing an improvement, so don't expect overnight results.

if you have the money try going to a good facialist in your area.

The only glygolic acid products I could find were by Neostrata and Reversa, which both seemed to be going for about 30$ for a 50 ml bottle. Is this a normal price? It seems to be a bit expensive. How long would this amount of product last if I were applying it to my entire back daily?

I bought the NeoStrata Body Lotion with 10% glycolic acid at Shopper's for under $30 and have been using it twice daily on my butt It's been lasting a long while with great results!

Hehehehehehh... on your butt? LOL

I use the NeoStrata 8% glycolic acid smoothing cream on my face for red marks and I like it a lot. I also like the 8% toner.