Finding the Best Glycolic Acid for Eczema
The best glycolic acid for eczema is definitely not going to be the most aggressive stuff on the shelf – it’s actually the mildest formula that gently gets rid of that flaky build-up without ripping apart that already delicate skin barrier.
If your eczema is pretty calm but your skin still feels a bit rough and scaly, a mild glycolic product can really help get rid of dead skin cells more evenly, which in turn means your moisturizers will absorb way better.
Eczema-prone skin can really lose water fast, so anything that stings, over-exfoliates, or strips the skin is just going to make things worse.
Which is why the safest glycolic acid for eczema is usually around 4-7% or less and comes in a super rich moisturizer, not some harsh watery toner that’s going to strip all your skin’s goodness away.
Since glycolic acid is a potent exfoliant, it is also best for oily skin and acne-prone skin.
What to look for in the best glycolic acid for eczema
When glycolic is mixed with some super soothing ingredients like shea butter and humectants like glycerin, it really helps soften the skin and hydrate at the same time.
Your goal here is to get smoother skin and be more comfortable, not to feel that tingling ‘strong’ sensation.
Best glycolic acid for eczema-prone skin should be gentle
If you’re prone to eczema, go for something under 4% to 7%, and if you flare-up easily, go even lower.
The higher the percentage, the more likely it is to sting and make your dryness worse.
Best glycolic acid for eczema has to be in a moisturizing format
Creams and lotions are usually the better choice because they gently exfoliate and at the same time protect that skin barrier.
A watery toner might feel ‘clean’, but eczema skin will usually pay for that with some irritation later on.
Best glycolic acid for eczema has to have soothing ingredients
Look for shea butter, glycerin, ceramides, petrolatum, colloidal oatmeal, panthenol, or niacinamide.
Avoid anything with heavy fragrances, essential oils, and high alcohol – these can burn or dry out the skin something awful.
Product types that usually work best
Best glycolic acid lotion for eczema
A great example of this is GlycoShea Facial and Neck Lotion, which is basically a gentle exfoliate-and-moisturize combo with glycolic acid and shea butter.
This is usually way easier for eczema-prone skin because it doesn’t leave that stripped feeling.
Best glycolic acid toner for eczema
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner can sometimes be used by people with sensitive skin, but it really should be treated as an occasional step, not a daily habit.
If you do use it, keep the frequency low and slap on a moisturizer right after.
Best affordable glycolic acid for eczema
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% can work for some people, but for eczema-prone skin, 7% is already pushing it, so it’s usually not the first choice if you flare-up easily.
If you do use it, just apply less, use it less often, and then slather on a thick moisturizer for good measure.
How to use the best glycolic acid for eczema safely
Patch test glycolic acid for eczema first
Patch test by slapping on a teeny-tiny amount to a small area and then just keep an eye on it for the next 24-48 hours for any signs of burning, rash, or getting drier.
If you do react, it’s back to the drawing board and a gentler option.
How often to use glycolic acid for eczema
Start off once a week for two weeks and then only go up to twice a week if your skin stays comfortable.
More frequent use is not going to give you better results if it ends up making you itchy and dry instead.
When not to use glycolic acid for eczema
Only use it on pretty stable skin, not when you’ve got any open sores, cracked skin or actual inflammation going on.
And definitely don’t apply it after shaving, waxing or a really hot shower – those make your skin way more sensitive.
How to layer glycolic acid with moisturizer for eczema
Put glycolic on at night after you’ve properly cleaned and dried your skin, then right away follow it with a thick moisturizer.
If you want to extra-protect your skin, just slap on a moisturizer first, then a tiny bit of glycolic, then another layer of moisturizer on top.
Results you can expect from glycolic acid for eczema
Most people notice their skin feels way smoother and more even after a few weeks of gentle use.
Some folks also notice they scratch less because their skin feels less rough, but you’ve got to keep irritation low and moisturize properly for that to happen.
Alternatives if glycolic acid is too harsh for eczema
Best alternative to glycolic acid for eczema-prone skin
If glycolic is still too strong, have a look at lactic acid or PHAs like gluconolactone – lots of people with sensitive skin can handle these way better.
These still get rid of dead skin cells while supporting hydration, just a whole lot gentler. When to get some medical advice
If your eczema is going really badly, or its been coming back time and again, – or it just keeps getting worse -then its probably a good idea to get some medical advice before reaching for a new acid treatment. Because the last thing you want is to make things even worse with a product that just doesn’t suit your skin.