Quick Note: This product recently underwent a name change– I first started using this product when it was called Alpha Hydrox: Intensive Serum 14% Glycolic AHA.
Let me start off by stating that I use Tazorac, a prescription gel, to combat adult acne. It’s pretty rare that I breakout these days. However, it still happens from time to time. Especially if I forget to refill my prescription in time, which I did quite recently.
I’ve been dealing with a breakout for the last three days that is now mostly on its way to being healed on my chin and lower jawline. Thankfully– I have a pretty powerful breakout treatment that I can get over the counter: Alpha Skin Care Intensive Rejuvenating Serum (I pick mine up at Ulta but it’s also available online and at other drug stores).
It’s been about two two years since I’ve first started using the Alpha Skin Care Intensive Rejuvenating Serum. The serum is 14 percent glycolic acid (an AHA/alpha hydroxy acid), and is especially great for those of us who don’t react well to salicylic acid– a beta hydroxy acid often touted as being good for acne prone skin. While gylcolic acid seems to be mostly known for its ability to help diminish fine lines, it can also help keep your skin clear.
Because I use Tazorac, a retinoid, I’m careful about how I combine it with an AHA. There is some debate about retinoids and AHAs counteracting each other when used in combination, and I definitely want both products to work simultaneously when I’m breaking out. So, I don’t layer them over each other. Instead, I use Alpha Skin Care Intensive Rejuvenating Serum, especially on any blemishes I’m dealing with, in the morning and save my Tazorac application for my nighttime skincare ritual. I have also started to use Alpha Skin Care Intensive Rejuvenating Serum at least once a month as an exfoliation step in my facials.
In my experience, gylcolic acid is best thing to help me cycle through blemishes. Alpha Skin Care Intensive Rejuvenating Serum actually works faster than my prescription retinoid in clearing up breakouts and is an amazing exfoliator. The product is fragrance free as well, and is not only priced under $20 but is also available over the counter. So, while retinoids tend to help me keep blemishes and breakouts at bay– they still occur from time to time and I have the best luck clearing a breakout up with a week of applying Alpha Skin Care Intensive Rejuvenating Serum in the mornings.
What else you should know:
- As mentioned, glycolic acid a fabulous exfoliator so you should definitely limit you sun exposure and apply sunscreen (SPF30+) during use (and everyday, really!).
- This product contains 14% Glycolic AHA, and for those unfamiliar with acid percentages– this is a strong serum. Thus, irritation can definitely occur. Patch test this product before applying it all over your face and go lightly when you are first trying it out. Chemical burns and allergic reactions are awful, but they can be avoided by taking precautions. Please don’t make your breakout worse by hurting your skin!
- If you thread or wax for hair removal on your face, be sure to let the person performing the service know you are using an AHA treatment. They may recommend that you wait a few days after application to avoid an adverse reaction, etc.
I know how annoying breakouts can be for a variety of reasons and hope this may have helped some of you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment!
