Hi Everyone

I have been using the MD Forte 15% Glycolic acid cleanser now for a few weeks and I love it!! My skin feels smoother and also holds moisture better; so I know the stuff is working...

However, I was just reading Paula Begouin's Beauty Bible and in her book she said a few things about AHA's that confused me...

First she talks about using higher concentrations of AHA’s being dangerous:

“Removing the outer layer of skin can be taken too far, and many cosmetic dermatologists and researchers worry that the increased irritation and exfoliation caused by higher concentrations (above 10%) of AHAs may be too much for skin. Without more evidence showing a benefit from higher concentrations, I feel that you can achieve great results without any unwanted side effects. Further, the positive results women and men perceive with higher concentrations of AHAs may come from the swelling and edema they cause. That may diminish the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin feel smoother, but it is most likely not best for the long-term health of the skin due to the increased amount of constant irritation.”

I am assuming she is talking about when AHA’s are used in a lotion and stay on the skin, not so much as in cleansers where the higher concentration is rinsed off. OK. But could I be irritating my skin and not even know it? It doesn’t FEEL irritated; doesn’t even sting. Hmmm...

Paula B also mentions that Glycolic acid cleansers don’t do any good b/c in order to work they need to be ABSORBED into the skin and hence need to sit on the skin for longer than it takes to wash with a cleanser. Anyone have a take on this? Glycolic acid Cleansers vs Glycolic acid lotions? Does one work better than the other?

Dr. B recommends the cleansers for the DRPW routine and I am sticking to those as they seem to be working; could her reasoning be b/c if you are using retinol/retinoid product the cleanser is the best option so the two products (retinoids and AHA/BHA) don’t sit on the face together?

Thanks!

Sarah