AHA use while going through electrolysis?

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

I am currently going through electrolysis but also wanted to combat old scar marks and acne. I’ve used a 10% glycolic acid lotion in the past with very good results prior to electrolysis, but it does sting at first. I realize that this may make my skin more sensitive during treatments. Should I hold off on purchasing something like this until I am done with the hair removal process?

Here’s the product I was thinking: http://www.amazon.com/Reviva-Labs-Glycolic-Acid-Cream/dp/B00014DMQE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Very good ingredients overall. They do have a 5% strength as well.

#2

I would definitely urge you to wait until you are finished with electrolysis and then go for a professional series of peel treatments, tailored to your skin. Home kits are effective superficially at up to 10% concentration, as I understand it whilst an aesthetic nurse for example can use up to 50% concentrations and a medical practitioner can use up to 75% concentrations- of the CORRECT type of peel for your skin. (Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Salicylic etc)
(I understand that Beta Hydroxy Acids are better for oily skins as they are fat-soluble)
I would advise saving the money from the home-kits and spending it on a medical peel instead, after your electrolysis is done. This is just my opinion.
best of luck
june

#3

Hi,
Thanks for your response. Would you urge me to wait simply bc I could save up for a higher concentration later or because of potential damage while going through treatments? Superficial improvement would be great to be honest and the thought of putting 50% acid on my face probably won’t be happening.

#4

What about this one? http://www.amazon.com/AmLactin-12-%-Moisturizing-Lotion/dp/B000TTPZQ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1382279032&sr=1-1&keywords=amlactin

You can buy a HUGE bottle of it at Costco. It’s 12% so it’s a little stronger. I personally don’t use it on areas that will be exposed to the sun for a long period, and I stop using it for about 1-2 weeks before laser/electrolysis treatments.

#5

Hi there, unfortunately that product is preserved with parabens. Not good.

The reason I liked the product above is also for the ingredients as well. I’m glad you don’t experience any issues if you hold off on using prior to treatments. Thanks for the feedback. :slight_smile:

#6

As a chemistry graduate student, I believe the hype over parabens is just another one of those crazes. See here:

Of course, your decision on what you want to get! But definitely don’t be out in the sun for a long period of time for whatever area you put it in (or lather that area in sunscreen as well)

#7

I think you will be fine with a relatively weak AHA m, maybe stop a day or so before and after treatment???
Some still receive electrolysis whilst on retin a etc so AHA should be fine in my opinion!!

#8

There are several lines that have a gentle cleanser you should be able to use while having electrolysis.

Gly-Med wash could be used once a day or every-other day for a gentle exfoliation. Its strength depends on how long you actually spend massaging the cleanser into your skin and how often you use it.

Visual Changes has an enzyme cleanser with AHAs that could be used once or twice a day without irritation.

I believe that consumers either do too much or do too little!!! It seems hard for a consumer to find the balance of home care. A big problem I see is when a consumer attempts to keep their skin “super-peeled.” That is really hard on skin and can contribute to premature skin-aging IMHO.