Why Does Glycolic Acid Sting Skin? A Dermatologist’s Tips For Preventing and Minimizing Discomfort

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It is a popular ingredient in many skin care products due to its effectiveness for exfoliation, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, fading hyperpigmentation, and clearing acne.

As one of the smallest acids that can penetrate the skin, glycolic acid is able to get into the outer layer of skin and break apart the bonds between dead skin cells. This helps to remove dull surface skin and reveal the fresh, radiant skin underneath.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Using glycolic acid provides many noticeable benefits for your skin, including:

• Deep exfoliation
• Evens skin tone
• Unclogs pores
• Reduces acne breakouts
• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
• Brightens dull, tired skin
• Lightens brown spots and discoloration

Because it packs a bigger punch than other AHAs like lactic acid and mandelic acid, glycolic acid also tends to cause more sensitivity and stinging.

Why Does Glycolic Acid Sting Your Skin?

The stinging sensation many people describe when applying glycolic acid products is primarily due to glycolic acid’s efficiency and potency as a chemical exfoliant.

It Exfoliates Powerfully

The glycolic acid molecule’s tiny size allows it to rapidly penetrate the outer skin layers and get to work breaking apart and dissolving dead, dull skin cells. Compared to other AHAs, glycolic loosens and sweeps away accumulated skin cell build-up much faster.

This accelerated “new skin turnover” rate means fresh new skin is revealed at a quicker pace. But the speed and intensity of this process tends to irritate skin nerves, triggering temporary itching, prickling and stinging sensations.

It Adjusts Skin pH

Glycolic acid lowers the pH of skin surface when first applied. Healthy skin prefers to sit at a mildly acidic pH between 4.5-5.5. Glycolic acid brings skin to around 3-4 upon application which facilitates its penetration.

This rapid shift away from skin’s preferred pH range causes a reaction that skin nerves perceive as stinging or burning when glycolic acid is used, especially at higher strengths.

It Boosts Blood Flow

Research shows that glycolic acid enhances microcirculation and blood vessel dilation (vasodilation) in treated areas of skin. This rush of blood flow to the skin’s surface can translate as redness, warmth and stinging.

Increased blood flow allows better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to nourish skin cells. But the initial surge may overload sensitive nerve endings, much like the burning sensation felt during exercise as blood pumps to muscle tissue.

Other Factors That Can Worsen Glycolic Acid Stinging

While glycolic acid commonly causes mild tingling due to its mechanism of action, the intensity and duration of stinging can be influenced by other factors:

Concentration Percentage

Glycolic acid is available in a range of concentrations from 5% to 70% for professional treatments. Most at-home glycolic products sit between 10-20%. Unsurprisingly, products featuring the highest glycolic acid concentrations tend to provoke the most significant stinging reactions.

Low pH Formulas

Closely tied to concentration percentage, products boasting the lowest pH contain the highest free acid levels and activity potential. Lower pH glycolic formulations are great for results but exacerbate sensitivity and stinging.

Layering Actives

Using multiple potent skin care actives concurrently can backfire. Combining glycolic acid along with ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide may be too much for skin to handle.

If you experience intense, prolonged stinging from glycolic acid, reassess whether you are overdoing combinations and need to scale back on layering harsh actives.

Unprimed or Damaged Skin

Applying glycolic acid to skin unaccustomed to acids frequently provokes discomfort. Those with sunburns, open wounds/sores, eczema patches or severely dehydrated skin are most prone to adverse reactions like stinging when using glycolic products.

Building skin tolerance with lower intensity AHAs before progressing to glycolic acid can help minimize risk of irritation and discomfort.

Tips to Prevent Glycolic Acid Stinging

While glycolic acid often goes hand-in-hand with a tingling bite, there are ways to curtail the intensity so it remains at a manageable, even enjoyable level:

Start Slowly

Get skin acclimated by initiating a regimen with lower percentage glycolic formulations and less frequent use. Starting with a 5% cleanser or serum a few times per week allows tolerance to build up before working up to stronger 10-20% glycolic daily use.

Apply to Dry Skin

Water dilutes glycolic acid, reducing effectiveness. Apply glycolic products to clean, completely dry skin and allow them to absorb fully before rinsing or layering other products to enjoy maximum benefits with minimum sting.

Follow with Hydrating and Soothing Skin Care

Replenish delicate exfoliated skin post-glycolic application using soothing ceramides, fatty acids and peptides coupled with hydrating humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice.

Avoid Glycolic Acid with Retinoids

Combining glycolic acid with vitamin A derivatives like prescription Retin-A, retinol OTC products or beauty supplements has higher chances of fireside reactions. Speak to your dermatologist before mixing these two actives.

Protect Skin from Sun Exposure

Glycolic acid makes skin ultra-photosensitive. Always pair use with broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to defend against UV damage exacerbating irritation and stinging side effects.

When to Stop Using Glycolic Acid

Despite smart precautions, some individuals find glycolic acid too irritating for their sensitive skin even at lower doses and reduced frequencies.

Cease glycolic acid use if you experience any of the following:

• Significant discomfort, burning, stinging beyond 10 minutes post-application
• Visible redness lasting over one hour after use
• Swelling, inflammation, hives, blistering or peeling skin reactions
• No noticeable improvement in skin after 6-8 consistent weeks of use

The ideal glycolic products should provide radiant, smooth glowing skin showing signs of enhanced collagen and elastin - not chronic red, sensitized and disrupted skin barriers.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your dermatologist promptly if you develop concerning symptoms suggestive of an allergic reaction or chemical burn such as:

• Sudden onset facial swelling
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Hives or rash spreading across body
• Blisters, oozing/weeping/crusted skin lesions
• Painful tingling, numbness lasting over 48 hours

Severe reactions warrant immediate medical care to avoid lasting damage or scarring.

The Bottom Line

Glycolic acid is an AHA superstar known for transforming lackluster complexions by accelerating skin cell turnover. But its intensity and efficacy come at the cost of stinging many glycolic acid fans must withstand to reap the glow-boosting rewards.

When introduced cautiously and buffered appropriately, glycolic acid tingling can be temporary and tolerable. But for some with highly reactive skin, the trade-off proves too high.

Pay close attention to your skin’s feedback as you incorporate glycolic acid. Be willing to tweak concentrations, frequencies and combo pairings to create a regimen generating radiance - not redness.

With smart scaling, the glycolic acid sting should strike a harmonious balance ensuring your complexion stays fresh, smooth and comfortable long-term.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.