FAQs
Q1. What concentration of Glycolic Acid does ISIS Pharma Glyco-A Medium Peeling contain, and what does 'Medium' mean?
A1. The 'Medium' designation refers to the potency tier of this at-home Glycolic Acid peel — formulated at a concentration above typical leave-on AHA products (5–10%) but below professional clinic peel concentrations (30–70%). Home medium peeling products commonly use Glycolic Acid at 15–25%, adjusted to an active pH (below 4) for meaningful exfoliation. The Ammonium Hydroxide neutraliser in the formula controls pH and prevents excessive skin penetration, distinguishing it from unpH-adjusted professional peels that require neutralisation by a clinician. This positions Glyco-A Medium Peeling as a more effective home exfoliant than standard AHA creams while remaining safe for home use with proper technique.
Q2. How frequently should ISIS Pharma Glyco-A Medium Peeling be used?
A2. Begin with once per week. After 4 weeks of weekly use with good tolerance, some individuals move to twice weekly. Using it more frequently than twice weekly is not recommended — the exfoliation cycle requires adequate time for new, healthier skin cells to rise to the surface before the next peeling application. Daily or near-daily use at these concentrations would over-thin the stratum corneum and cause chronic irritation, sensitivity, and barrier disruption. Always apply SPF the morning after use.
Q3. Is ISIS Pharma Glyco-A Medium Peeling suitable for Indian skin tones that are prone to post-peel PIH?
A3. This requires careful management for Fitzpatrick types IV–V Indian skin. High-concentration AHA peels can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in melanin-rich skin — a paradoxical worsening of dark spots that the peel was intended to address. To minimise PIH risk: start with once weekly only, patch test on a less visible area first, do not use during sun-heavy periods without stringent daily SPF 50+, and avoid if skin is simultaneously using retinol or other AHAs on non-peel nights. If any redness, swelling, or prolonged burning (beyond 5–10 minutes) occurs, discontinue and consult a dermatologist before continuing.
Q4. Can Glyco-A Medium Peeling be combined with retinol or BHAs in the same routine?
A4. Not on the same evening — combining Glyco-A with retinol, BHAs, or other AHAs on the same application night significantly compounds irritation and barrier-disruption risk. On nights you use Glyco-A, use nothing else active. Retinol or BHA treatments should be reserved for alternate nights. This is particularly important at medium-peel concentrations where the skin is already undergoing significant turnover stimulation.
Q5. Who should avoid ISIS Pharma Glyco-A Medium Peeling?
A5. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding (high-concentration AHAs are not recommended during pregnancy). Avoid if under 12 years of age. Do not use on sunburned, irritated, or broken skin, or over active eczema lesions. Those using prescription topicals (tretinoin, adapalene, prescription-strength AHAs) should consult their dermatologist before adding Glyco-A to their routine. Anyone who has had a recent chemical peel, laser procedure, or dermabrasion should wait until the skin has fully healed before using Glyco-A.