Acne.org AHA+ (Glycolic Acid – 10%)

This is how I describe what AHA+ (Glycolic Acid – 10%) does: The Regimen will get you completely clear. Adding in AHA+ will take clear to perfect. In other words, careful application of The Regimen works to get people completely clear. However, adding in Acne.org AHA+ enhances the efficacy of The Regimen even further, adding insurance that your skin will stay perfectly clear. It also improves skin tone so your skin will appear glowing and healthy. Basically, expect compliments once you start using it.

Acne.org AHA+ contains 10% glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid – AHA), which is the legal limit in over-the-counter products. It also contains 2% Niacinamide. Acne-prone skin tends to be irritated, and Niacinamide helps calm the irritation and bring the skin into balance. It is fragrance-free and dye-free, and of course, it is completely non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).

I formulated Acne.org AHA+ at a pH right around 4.0, which is just enough to powerfully exfoliate, but not too acidic that it stings too badly (it will sting a bit though – that’s how you know it’s working). Oddly enough, many manufacturers formulate their glycolic acid products at too high a pH to be effective, so be careful when choosing glycolic acid products, and make sure you know the pH.

For the face (and front of the neck): Perform The Regimen for 1 month before you add in Acne.org AHA+ to be sure you have given your skin enough time to become accustomed to Acne.org Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide – 2.5%). If you use it sooner than this it may sting very badly. Trust me. Give it a month. When you are ready to use it, here’s how to use it:

• Use a dime-size amount of Acne.org AHA+ in place of Acne.org Moisturizer every other evening. DO NOT use it every day at full strength.

For the body and back of the neck: Acne.org AHA+ works alongside Acne.org Treatment to completely clear body acne and acne on the back of the neck. See The Body Regimen or The Neck Regimen for instructions.

As a spot treatment: Make sure to catch the zit early. Once it’s formed, there’s not much you can do. Apply Acne.org Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide – 2.5%) and allow it to dry, then apply Acne.org AHA+ (Glycolic Acid – 10%), twice a day. This will help keep the zit from forming. Note: Treating the skin like this will help, but you can also use ice to help prevent a zit from forming. Put an ice cube in a Ziploc®-type bag and hold it on the lesion for 5 minutes twice a day (you can do it more frequently than this if you want but make sure you leave 2 hours between applications).

To combat physical irritation of the skin: When anything rubs against the skin repeatedly, such as a chin strap or helmet, it irritates the skin and can cause a breakout. Attempt to avoid or reduce irritation when possible. However, if you do end up irritating your skin, apply Acne.org AHA+ after your next regimen application (reminder: make sure you don’t introduce AHA+ until you have been on The Regimen for 1 month). This can help prevent an irritation-induced acne flare up.

 SUNBURN ALERT: Any alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using AHA and for a week after discontinuing its use.

See the Acne.org AHA+ FAQs for answers to frequently asked questions.