Is Glycolic Acid Safe for All Skin Tones All Year Round? ChatGPT Responds to Marzia Rahmani

At Real Skin Retinue, we believe skincare must be thoughtful, inclusive, and backed by experience and unbiased insight. Founder Marzia Rahmani, a skincare therapist with over 20 years of expertise, recently asked ChatGPT a question that many brands avoid — and it’s one that affects consumers of all skin tones, from fair to deep tones.

The Question

"Can glycolic acid be considered safe all year round for all skin colours? and can it be used freely, even at low percentages?"

ChatGPT's Response

No, glycolic acid should not be considered universally safe or suitable for all skin tones to use casually all year round, even at low percentages.

Here’s the breakdown, based on science and unbiased research:

Why Glycolic Acid Isn’t a One-Size-Fits-All Ingredient

☀️ Sun Sensitivity All Year Long

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. This holds true even at lower percentages (5% or less), especially if sunscreen isn’t used consistently.

🟤 Greater Risk of Pigmentation in Melanin-Rich Skin

Those with olive, brown, or black skin tones have more melanin, which makes them more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Incorrect or unmonitored use of glycolic acid can cause dark spots or uneven tone — the exact issues many are trying to fix.

🧬 Low Percentage ≠ Low Risk

Even low-strength glycolic acid can disrupt the skin barrier if the product is poorly formulated or used on stressed, dry, or sensitised skin.

🧖♀️ Barrier Health Varies

If you’re fasting, using retinoids, or exposed to pollutants or harsh weather, your skin barrier may already be compromised. Adding glycolic acid on top can silently cause micro-damage, which may not show until later.

📆 Context is Key

Skin type, tone, lifestyle, SPF habits, and seasonal exposure all matter. What works for one person in winter may be harmful to another in summer.

Marzia’s Professional Insight

“After working with thousands of clients of all skin tones, I’ve seen the damage caused by misused exfoliating acids. Many people apply glycolic acid year-round thinking it’s mild — but for some, especially with melanin-rich skin, it can trigger pigmentation or barrier damage that takes months to correct.”

A Better Skincare Philosophy

At Real Skin Retinue, we take a protective, preventative approach. Our formulations are designed to nourish and support the skin — not overwhelm it. We prioritise:

• Photoprotective antioxidants

• Barrier-repairing ceramides and peptides

• Non-photosensitising ingredients

• Skincare that works during fasting or non-fasting states

Final Thoughts: Be Informed, Not Just Influenced

Glycolic acid isn’t “bad” — but it’s not “safe for all” either. It requires education, SPF discipline, and sometimes professional guidance, especially for those with deeper skin tones.

Explore Our Safer Alternative

If you want visible results without compromising your barrier, discover our Savef Skin Essential Face Serum — a luxurious, antioxidant-led formula that supports collagen, hydration, and skin resilience for all tones, with or without exfoliating acids.

👉 Shop Now: www.realskinretinue.com