Glycolic acid making my skin break out

[SouthernComforts]

I started using the Aldi 5% glycolic acid toner at weekend and now have 5 big red sore spots on my face. Is this my skin getting rid of all the crap and it will clear up soon, or shall I stop because it doesn't agree with my skin?? First time using anything like this so not sure. Or c) is it cheap crap? The nip + fab glycolic pads have brilliant reviews but don't want to try if it's the acid causing the spots.

Hi, its more likely to be clearing your skin out, if you havent used any glycolic products before then your skin will need to adapt to it, bit like having a deep facial, skin has several layers we dont often look after, then we may get a bit spotty from all the pores that normally get blocked up, as they are cleared out, but leaves our skin glowing a few days later. I also use the Aldi one & im bit of skincare fanatic! Used the M&S version and this is the same but cheaper! It will take around 2 - 3 weeks for your skin to get used to it. As long as your skin hasnt a 'burning' feeling im sure it will be fine! It will probably help using an gentle exfoliator ( not a face scrub!) once a week to help with the spots, until your skin settle, id do it after 5 days using toner. Hope this helps!

Thank you that's reassuring! I've got a night out on Saturday so debating stopping until after then so I'm not going out looking full of spots.

My skin "purged" at first with glycolic acid too, then looked amazing and clear and has stayed that way ever since.

I had a similar situation to you with a night out and I didn't use the glycolic again all week until the night before the night out, then used it and thoroughly moisturised.
My skin looked fantastic the next day, and then after my event I started using the glycolic again as I would do normally and reentered the purge phase.

Do make sure your moisturiser isn't a chemical exfoliant too, I thought my skin was rather enthusiastically purging and then realised the second ingredient on the list in my moisturiser was lactic acid!
The purging calmed down a lot when I switched moisturiser and wasn't over-exfoliating.

Ohh good to know thanks! I just put a bit of Palmers cocoa butter on when I remember so think that should be ok?

If that's what you usually use, yes it should be fine.
I've just googled the ingredients and there doesn't look like any chemical exfoliants in there.

If make sure you moisturise thoroughly after each time you use the glycolic (I give it 15 mins to dry before moisturising if I've got time) as it really helps your skin glow.

I've been using the glycolic on my neck, décolletage and the backs of my hands too, its an absolute miracle worker product for me and has really helped my dry skin.

I found this and it made my skin really red. I think it’s just not for me. Someone on here recommended something more like mandelic or lactic acid as they are gentler I think, but I haven’t tried either yet.

Ok I'll make sure I moisturise more! Thanks.

I've not had any redness or burning markle but if the spots don't clear I'll look into those too, thanks

Mine had an initial hideous purge when I first started using glycolic acid! But it cleared very quickly and then I stared seeing results from the GA toner