Can chemical exfoliation using glycolic acid cause skin darkening?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Irritant dermatitis/exfoliative dermatitis may appear due to excess exfoliation using physical and chemical exfoliants. As you have mentioned, usage of exfoliants in the form of Glycolic Acid may lead to irritation, burning sensation, and later PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) which occurs in dark areas after the inflammation reduces.

My advice:

1. Kindly refrain from using exfoliants or any skin care products including face washes for four weeks or till the rashes heal.

2. Hydrocortisone cream 1% is to be applied in a very thin layer with the smallest quantity possible on the affected area at night only for seven days.

3. In case of pain or tenderness on touch, Clindamycin (antibiotic) gel alone may be used on the affected area once daily in the morning. In case of severe dryness, apply moisturizers in a very small amount on the affected area to relieve the dryness and irritation.

4. Use only water to clean your face for a period of four weeks.

5. Take tablet Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 500 mg. It is a chewable tablet, take it once daily after food at night for one month. It helps with faster healing.

6. Take capsule Evion 400 mg in the morning after food for one month. They help with keeping skin hydrated.

7. Take capsule Omega 3 (nutritional supplement) once daily after food at night for one month. They help with skin hydration along with Evion.

8. After the rashes heal, make sure to exfoliate once in two weeks only as too much exfoliation can strip off natural oils from facial skin leading to easy susceptibility to infections and dermatitis or skin irritation.

9. Avoid oily or fried food, dairy products, and sweets. And make sure to consume more fruits, vegetables, and at least 12 glasses of water daily.

10. Cold compresses may also be applied to the affected area twice daily for a soothing effect.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent.I hope this was helpful.

Take care.