Common "Glycolic Acid" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It is present in various skin care products, as it an excellent exfoliant. It sheds dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin underneath. It is also used during chemical peeling.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

I have tanned skin. Please suggest whitening pills.

Query: Hello, I am a 22 year old, male. I have a very sensitive skin, even after using sunscreens, it is tanned. Suggest me any skin whitening pills.  Read Full »


Dr. Kalpana Pathak

Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing to us. As such there are no skin whitening pills. Glutathione pills are marketed as skin whitening pill, but its use is not recommended by doctors. It is essential to know how you use your sunscreen. Sunscreens with SPF 30 are good for regular use. Sunscreen should be a...  Read Full »

Can you suggest the best possible treatment for skin discoloration?

Query: Hi doctor, What is the best option for skin discoloration? I have had a few laser treatments, but it does not seem to be working. I am not sure if it is sun damage or melasma, but it definitely got much worse after having a baby last year. I had a total skin rejuvenation laser treatment three times....  Read Full »


Dr. G. S. S. Sandeep

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your concern is melasma, that is, pigmentation due to photosensitivity. It can be reduced but cannot be removed. All procedures will be temporary. So, never depend on any procedures for removing the pigmentation. We can reduce the pigmentation and can be maintained. I s...  Read Full »

Reasons for burning sensation after peeling treatment for acne.

Query: Hi doctor, About 3 weeks ago, I was prescribed Retin-A 0.5 % and Acticlate for an unusual breakout on my forehead by my dermatologist. The anaesthetician who also took a look at my face recommended Glytone PA chemical peel to help treat some discoloration that the acne had caused. I went in to see h...  Read Full »


Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. She is right, and these are common post-peel effects. By looking at your photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity), I can tell that in your condition medicines are very unlikely to effect and chemical peeling and lasers are the only options. Glycolic acid ...  Read Full »

Can I know whether chemical peels control scars on the skin?

Query: Hi doctor, I did liposuction a few years ago which left me with scars. I did a mistake and used TCA 50% on them. It ruined them and left me with a dark scar. I want to use chemical peel but I do not know which one to use and which brand is good other than that? Right now, I cannot afford laser trea...  Read Full »


Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Chemical peeling is done in mild superficial scarring. Pitted scars and deep scars with severe atrophy will not respond to peeling. A chemical agent like glycolic acid is used to cause a chemical burn and a superficial one is enough to cause regeneration, resurfacin...  Read Full »

How to get rid of acne and acne scars?

Query: Hi doctor, I am asking questions on behalf of my son. Due to pandemics, we are not allowed to consult a dermatologist in person. But his skin has changed drastically. He is 16 years old and his face looks old. He has dark spots due to acne scarring and so he decided to use Ambi skincare fade cream....  Read Full »


Dr. Vikash Paudel

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Acne occurs commonly in teenagers. They appear and disappear with age. They occur due to sebum production from the oil glands present in the face. It blocks the oil tract present on the surface of the skin. It gets aggravated by oily cosmetics and bacteria. Treatment de...  Read Full »

Can use of stem cell creams worsen melasma by increasing melanin?

Query: Hello doctor, I am undergoing Q-switched laser treatment along with the use of Hydroquinone to treat my melasma. However, I would like to know if the use of stem cell creams can worsen the melasma by encouraging the growth of melanin? Currently, I am taking Tranexamic acid, Cipramil, Valdoxan.  Read Full »


Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Stem cells have higher doses of pigment in them. So, theoretically yes, the creams that stimulate stem cells may worsen melasma.   Read Full »

How can I manage tan, dark, dry and itchy skin?

Query: Hello doctor, I am 32 years old. My hands are very tan, dark, dry, and itchy. I have this in my whole body. Please suggest sunscreen for my hands and to clear my dark skin as I am getting married in two months.  Read Full »


Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Tanning from sunlight needs a few weeks to fade. People having type 4 skin produce more melanin on exposure to sunlight. Tanning is a kind of protection from the sun so that we do not burn. To remove this sun tan and avoid further exposure to sunlight, I suggest using su...  Read Full »

Can microdermabrasion and glycolic acid peel make my skin look darker?

Query: Hello doctor, I am very much worried about my skin color. I have taken two sittings of microdermabrasion and two sittings of glycolic acid peel. But, I am not able to see any change, and that too, my skin looks darker. Would it be a chemical peel side effect? Now I am using branded face wash and sun...  Read Full »


Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Microdermabrasion and chemical peel are the procedures to improve skin texture. They exfoliate the damaged superficial layer of skin, thereby lightening the hyperpigmentation on the skin. This removes the dead cells in the skin, facilitating the new layer of cells to gr...  Read Full »

Can AHA revitalizing lotion 20 be used for body acne?

Query: Hello doctor, I am 25 years old and I weigh 165.34 Ibs. To cure my persistent moderate body acne and KP of past 10 years which was not responding well with topical treatment, the dermatologist put me on Isotretinoin course starting with a dose of 5 mg. Along with this, he has also prescribed AHA Rev...  Read Full »


Dr. Sunil Kumar Kothiwala

Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.Regarding the dose of Isotretinoin, it can go up to 20 mg easily. There is no serious side effect except for dry and cracked lips. With regards toGlycolic Acid 20% lotion, I will suggest you use it for short period first then increase it slowly. Concomitant use of Isotre...  Read Full »

Are underarm skin peeling treatments effective?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 24-year-old female. I have dark underarms. I used hair removal cream when I was a teenager. I went to a dermatologist and she suggested a skin-peeling treatment. It is expensive. So, I just wanted to know if such procedures are effective and for how long? Or are there any creams...  Read Full »


Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern. You may use Litearm Lotion for dark underarms. It contains Glycolic acid as the main active ingredient which has a skin lightening and exfoliating action. Chemical peeling too induces skin exfoliation thus shedding off excess pigment. ...  Read Full »

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