Glyco-A 12% Glycolic Acid Cream Review

Hey Everyone!

Glyco A Cream

I was introduced to AHA's or Alpha Hydroxy Acids last year and I have been incorporating them in my skin care routine ever since. Glycolic Acid is an AHA and commonly used in anti ageing products due to its ability to work on hyper pigmentation, spots and acne. 

Before I started using Glyco-A which is 12% glycolic acid in cream base, I used to a lot of pimples especially around that time of the month and always on my jawline. These pimples were quite painful and I never really understood why do I get pimples on the same area again and again! Little bit of internet research showed that it can be due to hormonal changes and AHA based products work extremely well for hormonal breakouts.

Glycolic Acid Cream In India

I have never been a fan of physical scrubs especially those walnut and apricot granules scrubs available in the market. I find them too abrasive on my skin and often leave behind oily film which I am not a big fan of. I do however enjoy gel based scrubs and face polishes but again they don't work on unclogging pores and removing blackheads/whiteheads and this is where AHA based products come in handy.
Glyco-A is 12% Glycolic Acid in a cream base formula and is available across all medical shops. It retails for around 150/- INR approx for 30g which is extremely cheap. The cream is white in color and spreads easily on the skin. If you have never used glycolic acid based products you will feel slight stinging sensation for initial few uses but later on once your skin gets adjusted the sensation will go away. The cream needs to be massaged on the skin for it to be absorbed well, once absorbed it does not leave behind any oily residue or shine. Since AHA makes your skin sensitive to sun its recommended to use this cream only during the night time and always..I repeat always use a good sunscreen when stepping out in the sun!

Now for the big question..does it really work? YES IT WORKS! Ever since I started using Glyco-A my hormonal breakouts have been stopped completely! I do get zits during that time of the month but no big painful pimples anymore! Glyco-A also works on unclogging pores as it exfoliates the skin removing the dead skin cells and revealing brighter and smoother skin. It works on keeping blackhead and whiteheads at bay and fading dark spots. Existing scars also appear smoother however it does not work on deeply rooted scars or indented scars much! I have hyper pigmentation/dark patchy skin around my mouth and initially glyco-a did lighten the pigmentation but it takes a lot of time! So if you have to be patience when using such products and don't expect miracles overnight but with continuous usage you should see your skin brighter and much smoother with reduced spots and pimples!  

I have used this as a night cream and it works very well but if you have combination/normal/dry skin it can cause redness and peeling which is normal when using glycolic acid based products. I am now using it 2 to 3 times a week as my skin has become extremely dry this winter and using it every single day was making my skin very dry. If you find 12% glycolic acid is too much there is Glyco-6 available which is 6% Glycolic acid based cream from the same brand.

Overall a must have product especially if you are having issues with acne, zits, spots and hyper pigmentation! This is probably my 4th tube so its definitely a staple product in my skin care routine. Highly highly recommended!

Rating:- 4.5 out of 5

Glyco-A Glycolic Acid Cream



A big shout out to Shweta from GlamnGloss who recommended Glyco-A to me and its been a life changing product! Thank You!

Have you used Glycolic Acid based products? Which one is your favorite treatment to tackle zits and hyper pigmentation?

I hope the review was helpful, until next time take care and stay beautiful!


Love,



87 comments

  1. Was actually waiting for the review. One Question do u apply on full face or just on affected area like on pimples, scars etc.

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    1. Sharmistha I apply it on full face but it works great as a spot treatment as well :)

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    2. please avoid using it around eyes, its not meant for that

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    3. Thanks so much parita for d help. Please do suggest a face wash besr to use with it. I have oily to acne prone skin..

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    4. I love Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam and Ducray's Keracynl Face Wash which has both glycolic acid and salicylic acid and works well on oily acne prone skin

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  2. I think I need to give this a shot. Do you use any other night creams/serums along with this? I have recently been trying out the Clarins Lotus Oil and I wonder if that oil can be used on top of this cream.

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    1. I too am using Clarin's Lotus Oil Dollie but I wouldn't recommend using both together..I use Glyco-A 2 to 3 times a week and rest of days I use Lotus Oil as night time moisturizer..however what you can try is to use Lotus oil as a serum and after about 30 mins use glyco-a on top and not the other way round..hope I didnt confuse you :)

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    2. Thanks. That was helpful, not confusing. One more thing, would you recommend Glyco A or Keracnyl for me to start off with? Also, when you start using these, do you see an initial rise in the acne? Like a purge?

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    3. Both seems good though Glyco-a with 12% glycolic acid is stronger..correct me if I am wrong but Keracynl has 6% glycolic acid according to my knowledge though I could totally be wrong :) My skin is used to 12% glycolic acid since I have been using this one for quite a while now so Keracynl seems mild but its a good night cream which is how I like to use it..keracynl also controls oil and shine very well..I use it as night cream and in the morning my skin feel hydrated and does not feel oily or shiny which can happen with glyco-a but using lotus oil beneath works very well in keeping the skin balanced. I did not face any purging at all.

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    4. Thanks so much. I think I'll proceed with caution and start with Glyco 6%. Fingers crossed :)

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    5. Thanks Parita
      m using Glyco A 12% from last 1 year. its working on my hyperpigmentation but after some days spots and pigmentation comes again. what should i have to do ? shell i continue with Glyco A ? or can i to use any other supplement or oil with this product ?

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    6. how much days did it take to erase your dark spots?
      any before and after photos could be helpful,please

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  3. Thanks for sharing such detailed review Parita :) I will start with 6% soon and take it from there

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  4. Oh wow, I was just looking at a Paula's Choice AHA product. Which is about 10 times the price of this.
    Thank you thank you thank you, I'll be buying this immediately!

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  5. I love your reviews Parita, don't comment much but love reading your reviews, I'm gonna get this product, I love using such medicated things on my face and your review on Sebamed face wash was superb, I bought it after reading your review :)

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    1. Thank you so much Arzoo! I am glad the review was helpful :) make sure you use a sunscreen with any AHA based products

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    2. Yup I'm very genuine with my sunscreen ;)

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  6. sounds like a great anti acne product.. :) nice review Parita.. this will help a lot of people :) thanks for sharing

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    1. Thanks a lot Mayuri..I am glad it was helpful :)

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  7. I have always been wanting a review of this......i suffer from the same problem as yours.....pimples at the jaw line, at that time of the month and for me nothing helps. My GP said it's hormonal! Thank you so much I am gonna get this ASAP.
    Love......XOXOXO

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    Replies
    1. Samar if you have not used glycolic acid before try the 6% one first ..once your skin gets used to it go to 12% strength. Also never step out without sunscreen whenever using AHA based products

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  8. ditto here....pimples on jawline most of the year Parita :( Now I will start with 12% one :) and not 6% and I am sure that would suit me as mine is very oily skin!! Thanks for such a nice and detailed review answering all questions :)

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    Replies
    1. I am glad it was helpful Charu..wish you luck :)

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  9. wao... it sounds to be such a promising product Parita!! luckyliy I still dont need it as of now but will make a note of this!! you do great reviews!!

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  10. Thanks for the review Parita.. will definitely try. Could you please let me know your complete night routine. Cleanse, Moisturize and then apply this Glyco A cream - is that all? or is there some other serum or night cream you pair it with?

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    Replies
    1. Megha i do use serums and facial oils..will do a detailed blog post on it :)

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  11. Thanks a lot for this Info :) would keep it in mind...can we use it all over the face?

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    Replies
    1. yes you can..avoiding the eye contour area :)

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  12. i am also using this in my daily night time routine over a year and i agree it is a life changing product...

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  13. Sounds nice :)

    www.indianfashionandlifestyle.com

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  14. awesome review... i don't hv acne issue or oily skin.. but would like to improve my dull complexion and pigmentation around the mouth.. would this work on me.. i got normal-dry skin....

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  15. wow great review..tnx for a great budget buy tip :)

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  16. Hey just wanted to know if this cream works for ingrown hair as well. I have heard glycolic acid is really good for it. What do you suggest?

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  17. Hey just wanted to know if this cream works for ingrown hair as well. I have heard glycolic acid is really good for it. What do you suggest?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karishma..sorry no idea if this cream works on ingrown hair :(

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  18. Hey parita my skin is brown so can I use it for lighting my skin tone....???

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    Replies
    1. Hi Aks, I honestly don't believe in skin lightening products, you can use this to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots

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  19. Hi parita i am fair colour but i have dark acne scar on my face so i hate to see my face in mirror and also i cant go anywere

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    Replies
    1. Hi Divya, i would you to visit a dermatologist, but yes you can give glyco a try..get the 6% one to try and see if it works for you

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  20. Hey Parita,

    Wonderful review!

    I have the exact same problem - Uneven skin tone/pigmentation around my mouth, forehead and cheeks! :( how many weeks did it take for you to notice the skin getting better? I really would like to try something that will help my very dry and sensitive skin. So this cream is good as a night cream or should we use it with another night cream? I generally use almond oil around my eyes every night but nothing specific for my face...

    Manisha

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Manisha, I would use it as a night cream only, if you are using glycolic acid for the first time i would suggest you to get the 6% one and see, later on you can increase to 12%. For hyper pigmentation is will definitely take some time, also depending upon the intensity of the pigmentation it may or may not work. Hope this helps!

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  21. Would suncoat with 30 spf be enough with glyco a , or suggest me another sunscreen. I have oily and moderately acne prone skin. Thank you

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    Replies
    1. Hi..I like the lotus spf 40 matte sunscreen and have been using since quite some yrs now..you can also try suncote sunscreen or check out Vichy's suncreen range

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  22. Hi, D u know the pH value of this Glyco a, coz i read that it should be lower than 5 for the product to be effective in exfoliating. Products like Neostrata ultra smoothing cream have mentioned their pH but Glyco A doesnt mention it?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Basuru..unfortunately its not mentioned on the carton but I am hoping its lower than 5 as it is definitely effective :)

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  23. Dear Parita ,
    What else could be a chic’s fave? We stumbled upon your ravings on ‘Glyco-A 12% Glycolic acid’! Not to mention your reviews on “MAC Studio Fix Powder”. Love to admit that “allthingsgirlish” is luring. We would love to show case your ventures on trend and DIY creations on our global platform.

    This is an exclusive space for your penmanship, where you can publish your connoisseur’s quest in the form of luring fashion blogs; that too you’re the one, who’s going to own this space! We would like to pass it on to others by featuring it on our global platform!
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/fashion-style/three-ways-to-wear-a-striped-skirt-by-tanvii_post_7729
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/fashion-style

    Sulekha.US would be glad to present your fashion ventures to the Indian communities living abroad. We would love to connect them through one of the most vital channels i.e. fashion & style.

    It’s all yours and you’re going to own an exclusive fashion blog with Sulekha to share your fashion posts along with their back links. We would promote it across our wall and social media.

    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/

    Featuring your little creations on our home page would be a perk for our eager Indians, who are waiting for trends and style ranging from ‘grand’ to ‘on the go’. On the other hand, it’ll be our pleasure to feature your panache of styles on our home page.
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/share
    Sharing your passion for eye catchers might rejuvenate the senses of millions of Indians living abroad.
    Dress to kill!
    Thanks & regards
    Hamida, Content Manager, Sulekha US
    HasanulhameedhaS@sulekha.net



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  24. Dear Parita,
    i have been using glyco A for past 4 days due to my acne,i can see my acne is getting down but then my skin is become very dry. so what do i do to overcome this dryness. could u pls help me with this.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sandy..use a light weight gel based moisturizer..something like Sebamed Gel moisturizer..its easily available across chemists and online

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    2. @sandy chandran you can use cetaphil moisturising cream...recommended by my dermatologist for dry skin during winters :)

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  25. Hi Parita,
    I have open pores on my face and heard that glycolic acid helps reducing it.. Is that true ?? Will this cream help reducing my open pores ??

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  26. is it for sensitive skin too?
    i am new to your blog and i wana sy a bigggg thnku fr recommending cantharidine hair oil...used it nly twice til nw and i cn clearly see the difference ^_^ i simply love ur hair and blog :* :*

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  27. Dear Parita,
    Muuaaahhh! This is how one should sport berry lips, thanks for your raving reviews on ‘MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick’…

    A big ‘viola’ for bringing ‘Glyco-A 12% ‘ to the front!

    Yes, we would love to show case your ventures on fashion and DIY creations on our global platform.


    This is an exclusive space for your penmanship, where you can publish your connoisseur’s quest in the form of luring fashion blogs.

    That too you’re the one, who’s going to own this space! We would like to pass it on to others by featuring it on our global platform!

    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/fashion-style/glamorous-dreamy-one-brand-party-makeup-tutorial_post_7992
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/fashion-style/how-to-choose-a-right-dress-for-your-body-type_post_7819
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/fashion-style/dress-for-less-budget-online-shopping-video-pictures_post_7885
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/fashion-style/dress-for-less-budget-online-shopping-video-pictures_post_7885
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/fashion-style
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/

    Sulekha.US would be glad to present your fashion ventures to the Indian communities living abroad. We would love to connect them through one of the most vital channels i.e. fashion & style.

    It’s all yours and you’re going to own an exclusive fashion blog with Sulekha to share your fashion posts along with their back links.

    We would promote it across our wall and social media.
    http://indiapulse.sulekha.com/
    Featuring your little creations on our home page would be a perk for our eager Indians, who are waiting for trends and style ranging from ‘grand’ to ‘on the go’.
    On the other hand, it’ll be our pleasure to feature your panache of styles on our home page.
    Sharing your passion for eye catchers might rejuvenate the senses of millions of Indians living abroad.
    Dress to kill!

    Thanks & regards,
    Hamida, Content Manager, Sulekha US
    HasanulhameedhaS@sulekha.net










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  28. Dear Parita

    Hii

    You know my hands were very black i used this cream only one week it shows the results my hand colour becomes lighter.
    Usually my skin tone is actually in middle this is no more fair or no more dusky. But due to pigmentation it looks darker. I used this now i am feeling happy and satisfy. I think it recovers my skin.

    Can we use this on leg, elbow, neck.
    How long it takes time to recover my original colour really i am worry about this.

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  29. whey parita, thank you for such a wonderful review, how long should i leave the cream?

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  30. Can I use it with vit c serum I have uneven skin tone

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  31. Hi, I get these massive red acne of my face before periods. And they are like three to four together around the chin and cheeks. One a month my skin breakouts badly, then on the other days its totally fine. Please suggest something. This has been on since four years. Have consulted a derma, and the problem has been solved till an extent, but this monthly attack is ruining my face. I am left with so many scars :( TIA

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sameen, apologize for the delay in reply, for dark spots try using vit c serum, check out OST Vit C Serum from wishtrend, it works amazingly well, use the serum in the day time followed by sunscreen.
      I would suggest incoporating AHAs in your routine as well, as they work best for hyperpigmentation, marks, scars etc
      Hope this helps

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    2. Hi dear,can you suggest me good sunscreen for oily n dark skin

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  32. Hey Parita,
    Can I use Glyco A on my hands to brighten it?

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  33. Hi parita your review helpful me

    I hav mid acne scar . my dictor said for complete results lazer only .But before depends upon the user reviews and your suggestion now I will try glyco 6 & also I bought bio oil same for scar, streach mark, hyper pigmentation, even texture .

    Now my question is both can use @ night .? how can use it as both one by one or any problem will come by both usage?

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  34. Hi. I have oily skin and my face has a tan that I dont like it and I dont know how to get it away. I can use Glyco-A 12??? It will flay the skin or give it red for a long time? By the way it looks like Glyco-A 12 of Isis Pharma. Can you tell me de ingrediente list? Thnx

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  35. I just have started glyco A cream.Before it i tried livalite lotion which also contain glycolic acid but low concentration.livalite is good but works very slowly.i have light black patches on my nose and i want to prevent my dirty acne.now i am waiting to see results from glyco A.thanks for ur review dear.

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  36. Using these face washes with salicylic acid is what makes the skin dry and scaly . I had acne like a year ago and a lot of black heads and white heads . My derma recommended adaferin gel and a bit of 5% benzoyl peroxide every night and wash my face twice with sali fresh foaming face wash which has salicylic acid . Used it for 5 and a half months and no more pimples at all. Just some scars and dark spots . So my derma has told me to use glyco a12 at night and wash my face with gorgeous face wash and use sunmate spf30 during the day. I'll tell you the outcome after a week or so. But after I stopped using salicylic acid my skin never got dry at all.

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  37. i have also used it to remove black and thick skin. It works really well. I just want to know that can i use it to remove black spot of any household insect bite? Also i am facing a problem that is my beard is not coming on the face properly. It is limited on the chin. Only my age is 25. Please suggest what should i do.

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  38. i have use this cream 5 years ago and today i am searching acne marks on my face.
    this is amazing product which i have ever use, i suggest this product to my frend

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  39. My dermatologist recommended this to me. Before using this, I wanted to know about it and your blog was helpful. Thanks for your encouraging words..!!!

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    Replies
    1. When to use this cream.. Day Or night time

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  40. I have black dark spots from acne since two three months? Can I use glyco a cream?

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  41. Its better to use with doc recommendation. Doc prescribed to me for once in a week. Also, doc prescribed elovera alongwith this.

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  42. Its better to use with doc recommendation. Doc prescribed to me for once in a week. Also, doc prescribed elovera alongwith this.

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  43. Your content is very very informative and helpful.

    similar information we have,..

    so if u want more info please visit us...

    Thank u...

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi..I was going through the comments..
    I just wanted to know if Glyco A truly works for hyperpigmentation. I am really tired of this and currently using Glyco 6% as recommended by my dermatologist

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  45. Can I use this cream on my nose to get rid of an acne scar ??

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  46. How long did it take to work?any before and after photos could be helpful

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  47. By using glyco A my skin become dry what to do?

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  48. Which type of face wash can i used with the glcoA cream my skin is oily

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  49. Hi
    My skin colour is Wheatish ,can I use it for fairness and pimple marks

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  50. Helo ...I was using this cream from 6 days ...I have been facing some..irritaion on .My face ..???what I have to do ?

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  51. I don't have acne now but all the deep undulations on the face, they are deep. Is glyco 12 a good solution? No dark patches or marks, but you know what happens if you have plucked acne in puberty. Please suggest

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Hi Everyone!
Thank you for visiting my blog, I highly appreciate all your comments and suggestions. If you would like to get in touch with me for any query or concerns kindly write an email to at paritasworld@gmail.com

Thank you!