Be it India or any other part of the world, acne is considered as one of the most common skin issues. The situation becomes even more out of control when the acne and pimples leave their ugly marks or lead to permanent scars. It has been found by scientists that glycolic acid can heal acne scars (1) efficiently and fade the marks of pimples away while putting a stop to further breakouts. There are only a few glycolic acid creams in the Indian market and Glyco 6 (Glycolic Acid Cream 6% w/w) is most popular among them. It is a decent product intended for treating hyperpigmentation and can be used successfully with some restrictions. In today’s post, we will review the Glyco 6 Cream and explore its effects on acne scars and pimple marks.
About Glyco 6 Cream
- A Product By: Micro Labs Limited (made in India)
- Brand Name: Glyco 6
- Generic Name: Glycolic Acid
- Formulation: Cream
- Availability: At local medical stores and some online shops
Read Also – Expert Review: Evion 400 Capsule For Skin And Hair
Price
Rs. 170 for 30 gm.
Shelf Life
24 months from the date of manufacturing
Composition
Glycolic Acid 6% w/w in a cream base
Read Also – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ Review
Look And Feel
The Glyco 6 (Glycolic Acid Cream 6% w/w) comes in simple packaging. Let’s start with the outer carton. It is a white and purple cardboard box with the product details and other information printed on it. The product itself comes in a regular white-colored plastic tube with purple designs. There is a tight white screw cap at its opening, which prevents a mess during application as well as leakage during traveling. Apparently, the shape and design of the tube are quite ordinary and it reminds us of various medicated ointments available in the market. However, the small size allows us to carry the tube everywhere easily. The cream is pure white in color and pretty thick in texture. It is non-sticky but makes the face fairly greasy after each application. Glyco 6 cream has a typical sweet smell like other skin creams, which is not very strong. It fades away within a few minutes and should not cause discomfort to sensitive noses.
What does glycolic acid do to your face ?
Glycolic acid typically works as an exfoliant and hence it is used to remove dead skin and impurities. It has collagen boosting properties which makes it effective in treating anti-ageing related problems.
What Does It Claim?
“Glyco 6 (Glycolic Acid Cream 6% w/w) containing the active ingredient glycolic acid is a naturally occurring substance called Alpha Hydroxyl Acid (AHA) and can be found in products such as fruits, milk and sugar cane. The medication has an exfoliating effect to help break up dead skin cells. The cream has a variety of usages such as treating or preventing acne, fading of scars caused by acne, lightening of the skin color and even treats wrinkles for an anti-aging effect.”
Also Read – 15 Methods to Treat Your Breast Reduction Scars That Will Never Fail
What Does It Offer?
As said before, Glyco 6 (Glycolic Acid Cream 6% w/w) is a cream formulation containing 6% glycolic acid in a thick base. Though it has a thick consistency, it is easily spreadable and gets absorbed into the skin within seconds. The cream has a greasy texture, which turns the face shiny. Hence, it is better to avoid during daylight. However, regular usage of this cream at night can actually give you the desired results. It has a good percentage of glycolic acid, which offers excellent chemical exfoliation to help you get rid of dead cells. Consequently, the skin becomes brighter and more even-toned over time. It reduces dark or brown spots, marks, patches, and other discolorations and smoothes out pitted scarring to a large extent. The cream keeps the pores unclogged so that no further breakouts can occur. It also speeds up the healing of acne. However, it is not a miracle product and you should not expect the results overnight. It might take 4-5 months to show you a significant reduction in your acne scars and pimple marks.
Application
Cleanse your skin thoroughly and let it dry completely before using the cream. You must wait for 15-20 minutes in between cleansing the skin and applying the product. Then, gently apply the cream on the affected areas or as directed by the physician.
Pros Of Glyco 6 Cream
- One of the best glycolic acid creams in India
- Contains 6% (strong enough) glycolic acid
- Easy to spread on the skin
- Gets absorbed into the skin immediately
- The smell doesn’t linger on the skin
- Offers excellent skin exfoliation
- Removes dark spots, marks, and discoloration
- Smoothes out pitted acne scars
- Makes skin brighter and even-toned
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Inexpensive
Read Also – Lotus Sweat and Waterproof Sun Block Cream with SPF 30 Review
Is glycolic acid harmful?
Always consult a dermatologist before you decide to embrace full benefits of glycolic acid. Ideal concentration of glycolic acid ranges between 8% -30% in most of the skin care products. Repeated use may lead to damage of collagen resulting in redness and irritation. If you are using during daytime, make sure to use a sunscreen lotion before applying glycolic acid.
Cons Of Glyco 6 Cream
- Takes a long time to show results
- Makes skin greasy and shiny
- Has many potential side effects
- Does not soothe or hydrate the skin
- Cannot be used during the daytime
- No full ingredient list available
- Not very easily available
Side Effects Of Glyco 6 Cream
Glyco 6 Cream comes with the risks of potential side effects, such as stinging sensation, mild burning, scaling/peeling, erythema, etc. However, if you experience any other rare side effects like dryness, irritation, rashes, hives, redness, swelling, allergies, photosensitivity, and hypopigmentation, stop using the cream immediately and get in touch with a dermatologist.
Verdict
Glyco 6 (Glycolic Acid Cream 6% w/w) is certainly a great treatment for acne scars and pimple marks. But it is recommended that you consult an expert before using it in order to avoid any unwanted skin or health issues.
Can I be allergic to glycolic acid?
Avoid glycolic acid if you have a dry or super sensitive skin. If you experience irritation, burning sensation or redness, consult your dermatologist immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Often Should I Use Glyco 6 Cream?
Do not use the cream daily. Rather, apply it on your skin every alternate night.
What Is The Right Time To Apply The Cream?
You can apply Glyco 6 Cream anytime as per your convenience. But always use a full-spectrum sunscreen while using the cream during the day. Also, try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sunlight as much as possible.
What Are The Precautions To Take?
Clean your hands thoroughly right before applying the cream on your skin with your fingertips. Make sure that you do not apply the cream around your eyes and mouth area. Also, stay away from applying the cream on dry, chapped, irritated, or sunburnt skin. Excessive use of the cream is also not recommended. Hence, you need to consult a physician before starting Glyco 6 cream treatment (2).
Read Also – Expert Review: Yugard Facial Cream Review
References:
- “Chemical Peels for Acne and Acne Scars in Asians“, nih.gov
- “Glyco 6 Skin Cream“, TabletWise.com
