The way estheticians mix their acids is driving me nuts

Honestly, I keep seeing people at my day spa in Austin just pouring glycolic and salicylic into the same bowl without checking pH first. I had a client last Tuesday who ended up with a red, burning face for two days because someone layered too many active ingredients. It's not about being fancy, it's about knowing your percentages and layering rules. Does anyone else have a basic rule they stick to for mixing acids safely?

2 comments

2 Comments

julia_jones7214d ago

Wait, has nobody else seen what happens when someone throws too many acids together without testing? A friend of mine went to this trendy spot in Portland and walked out looking like a tomato with blisters. She was so embarrassed, she wore a scarf over her face for a week. I mean, she paid good money for that and it set her back months on her skincare goals. That's why I always say, if you're mixing, stick to one acid per layer and wait a good 5-10 minutes between them. Your mileage may vary, but keeping it simple is what works for me and the people I know.

derek9914d ago

People get real dramatic about this stuff. One bad reaction doesn't mean the whole practice is dangerous, it means that esthetician messed up. I've mixed glycolic and salicylic plenty of times with zero issues, you just gotta know your percentages and not go crazy. Julia's friend probably went to some Instagram hype spot that doesn't know what they're doing, not a real pro.