Can AHAs cause light spots and blotchy skin?

Question

I just started using a daily face wipe pad that has glycolic acid, salic acid, and lactic acid in it. I'm not sure, but for some reason I feel like my skin is blotchy on the sides of my face and there are two light spots on the bridge if my nose. I 've only used the pads a couple of times. Is it possible the pads could be causing this? Or could I just be looking at my face more closely? The pads are only about 7% glycolic acid

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Absolutely the combination of acids might be too much for your skin and may be causing uneven tone and texture.  I would stick with professionally recommended products as cleansers and leave-on creams or solutions so you don't mix and match too much, causing irritation.  The skin is a constantly changing organ and sensitive to many environmental factors, including things we put on it.  See an experienced aesthetician that is supervised by a dermatologist and is known to have happy clients.  Best of luck!

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Yes, your skin could be red and irritated and therefore appear blotchy from those wipes. Those chemicals aren't great when combined into one thing. They are actually not supposed to be used all at the same time as it's exceptionally irritating to the skin. Might want to just toss those in the trash! "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Can AHAs cause light spots and blotchy skin?

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Can AHAs cause light spots and blotchy skin?

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