I’m asian and would like to keep my skin clear and glowing – will these skin care products help??

Hi Dr. Irwin, I am asian with brown skin tone in my early 40s. I live in Ireland. Recently I have started using no 7 glycolic acid peel kit (10%) by boots. It has 8 little bottles to be used over a period of 4 weeks. I have used it for 3 weeks now and have noticed a nice glow. But I am afraid to continue, as I was reading somewhere that glycolic acid peel can darken browbeat skin. Please advise. I am also thinking of using microdermabrasion kit which is available over the counter. Is it advisable? Can I combine both glycolic acid peel and microdermabrason ? My skin is mixed type and don't have many wrinkles. I look younger than my age. I want to do these procedures for a glowing and brighter skin and reduce aging . Am I on the right track? Or shall I use retinoid instead?

Good questions let’s start at the beginning and some comments:

  1. A short series of home 10% glycolic peels since you live in Ireland are probably fine but if you lived in a sunnier climate, even with the same skin, you would be at risk for pigment problems. Even now, I would stop and switch to home care and the next time do the short series in the fall. Any irritation, even mild, invisible irritation, can cause asian, latina, mediterranean or african-american skin to darken. Don’t overpeel!
  2. If you don’t have acne, you really don’t need a home microdermabrasion kit. If you do have acne, I’ve tested several and I recommend the PMD Personal Microderm Home Use Device.
  3. After a short home glycolic series 1-3 times a year (never when in sun), I think you will like the results if you use the SkinCeuticals Phoretin CF antioxidant (also helps to lighten) under an excellent sunscreen like DermaQuest ZinClear SPF 30 Tinted (this also comes in clear). Every morning and at night alternate (so one night one and the next night the other) a retinoid with good glycolic night cream like the Vivite night renewal which is coming soon on this site.
  4. The retinoid and the glycolic both will cause microscopic peeling so that you don’t need to overpeel to get glowing, more youthful skin.
  5. As usual, start one product at a time about a week apart and if you get irritated, stop the product.

Dr. I

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Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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