Chemical Exfoliation vs. Spot Treatment: When to Use Glycolic Acid Gel for Acne

Not all kinds of acne and pimples are the same and no single approach of treatment can be used for every kind of breakout. Each breakout has a different underlying concern. Some of them might be dealt using targeted spot treatment while others might be relieved from an overall approach. 

This brings out two strategies for acne control i.e. spot treatment and chemical exfoliation. Both are said to work well but you need to know when which approach is to be used depending upon the acne.

A glycolic acid acne gel is majorly meant to be used for chemical exfoliation on the surface and not as a spot treatment. But it can be used for surface acne concerns as a spot treatment. Glycolic acid performs by improving skin’s natural renewal process and surface cleansing action. 

It deals with surface concerns like rough texture and recurring breakouts. You need to understand its action and how it takes care of your skin concerns. Also you need to know where to use glycolic acid for what purpose.

What glycolic acid is and its role?

Glycolic acid is a water soluble alpha hydroxy acid which is derived from sugarcane. It performs as a surface exfoliant. This AHA is unique from the rest because of its smaller molecule size which makes it easily penetrate and perform exfoliating action. 

• Glycolic acid is an AHA with small molecule size so it goes deep and clears pores by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. It helps in removing them from pores.
• Regular exfoliation with glycolic acid helps in preventing oil mix up with dead skin cells. This helps in preventing buildup.
• Glycolic acid is known for fastening the skin renewal function which helps in removing the discolored patches with time and removes acne marks.
• Glycolic acid helps in reducing the appearance of enlarged pores with time. Declogging pores reduces the bumpy texture of the skin.
• Glycolic acid helps in making skin a smooth textured surface which makes it easy to layer products easily without making it look patchy or uneven.

Difference between chemical exfoliation and spot treatment

Chemical exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation uses AHA, BHA and PHAs like ingredients for removing the dead skin cell build up and other debris. It works by loosening up the dead skin cells bonds which help in removing the build up from the surface. 

Instead of harsh scrubbing they help in removing the outer skin deposits and promote a smooth textured skin. Chemical exfoliants are used for the purpose of overall skin clearance and breakouts. It gives overall protection for further breakouts in the long term.

Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant which is used most commonly. It helps in-

• Clearing the skin build up
• Smoothens the bumpy texture of skin
• Declogs the surface pores
• Fades away pigmentation marks due to acne
• Promotes even complexion

If used as an overall exfoliant for the skin glycolic acid decloggs the pores and prevents further acne.

Spot treatment

Best spot treatment for pimples are meant for taking care of specific skin concerns. They are the products meant for the purpose of taking care of specific kinds of pimples. Their major function is to kill bacterial infection, reduce acne inflammation and clear out particular kinds of pimples. Ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide can be used. 

Glycolic acid can not be used for the purpose of spot treatment because it has a surface action and removes the surface impurities only. If applied directly on an inflamed skin it can cause skin irritation and redness, which worsens the acne. It can cause chemical burns as well. It can only be used for clearing out the surface problems and works as an overall exfoliant.

The key difference:

The major difference between these two methods of acne control is the target area. Chemical exfoliation performs on the surface and gives a long term protection by clearing impurities. Whereas spot treatment has a direct approach in  reducing the  pimple and reduces its inflammation and breakout.

When should glycolic acid gel be used for pimples?

Certain situations make glycolic acid the best spot treatment for pimples like

• If there is frequent acne breakout on the cheeks, forehead, chin, or jawline, removing only the visible pimples won’t be helpful instead using glycolic acid consistently helps reduce the buildup that contributes to future breakouts.
• Acne prone skin becomes rough in texture usually and glycolic acid helps here by removing the buildup on the skin.
• After acne, sometimes dark spots occur on the same area, glycolic acid helps in reducing the spots eventually.
• Glycolic acid helps in keeping the pores clear by preventing any buildup which reduces the chance of a breakout.

How to use glycolic acid gel for acne?

• Firstly wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
• Then pat dry.
• Apply gel on targeted areas using your fingers. Take small amounts only.
• Let the gel get absorbed into your skin.
• If required apply a moisturizer and while going out apply sunscreen always.

Final Thoughts

Spot treatment and chemical exfoliation are not two separate methods. They both have different approaches for acne treatment. While we can consider chemical exfoliation as a protective measure, spot treatment helps in reducing the current one or two acne that may be stubborn. 

Acne spot corrector performs its role more broadly and preventively, it helps in keeping the  pores clear and texture of the skin smooth. For most people who are dealing with recurring acne, the best results do not come from picking one single treatment option, but by opting both with the right understanding and the right situation and letting them work together.