Glycolic Acid

[atti]

I used Neutrogena Healthy Skin cleanser with Glycolic acid in it for the past 4 days, and I've broken out so much worse than before. I was down to mild acne and now it looks like I have severe acne!!

I know that one cause of acne is improper shedding of skin cells and clogging of pores. If the glycolic acid got rid of the dry skin yet breakouts increased, could the problem be bacteria or a fungus?

Should I use Safeguard soap?

[OhMyFace]

The fact that you are breaking out means that the glycolic is working. It is bringing junk out of your pores. Just try to keep in mind....those pimples were going to surface eventually anyway....at least you are getting most of it out right away and hopefully, it will not return.

I use glycolic too and it was one of the best things for my skin. Your skin tone will improve and your acne, if used consistently, should get better. That depends, of course, how severe it is....but if you just get the occasional breakout, it should help.

Stick with it!

[atti]

I have moderate acne as it is. The wash I have also has .4% salicylic acid in it, plus I also use a salicylic face wash by itself. Will using that help?

[atti]

man, my face is a mess because of the glycolic acid crap. it worked soo well before, now it's horrible. My face was almost clear before this.

[seriousperson]

It could be the time of the month? Or maybe glycolic acid or the soap it's in is too harsh for you. Did it dry out your face when you used it? Being too dry or sun burned is not good, because it blocks the pores at the surface, which can give anaerobic bacteria a great environment to multiply. Try exercising and drinking lots of water to open the pores and give your system the tools it needs (water) to carry away the bad guys in the pores.
You have a dermatoloigist, right? The dermatologists today have much better medicines than even just 10 years ago, and way better than 30 years ago. It's worth it to see one. You are worth it.