20% Glycolic Acid? Is It Too Strong for Your Skin?

Dermatologist Q&A: Accutane for Teens, Glycolic Acid, Skin Cysts & Skincare Ingredients Is Accutane safe for teenagers? Can 20% glycolic acid be used on the face? What causes small cysts on the forehead, and should controversial skincare ingredients like BHT be avoided? In this skincare Q&A, dermatologist Dr. Dray answers questions from viewers about acne treatments, skincare ingredients, skin growths, and collagen products. She discusses the benefits and potential risks of isotretinoin (Accutane) for teenage acne, explains what to consider before using high-strength glycolic acid, and addresses common concerns about ingredients found in skincare products. Topics covered in this video include: Accutane (isotretinoin) for teenagers: Safety considerations for a 15-year-old with severe acne, common side effects, required medical monitoring, potential mood changes, and whether isotretinoin affects male fertility. 20% glycolic acid on the face: Potential irritation from high-strength exfoliating acids and why the overall product formulation, free acid concentration, and pH matter when evaluating glycolic acid products. Small cysts on the forehead: What causes epidermoid cysts, whether they disappear on their own, and how dermatologists can permanently remove them. BHT in skincare: What this synthetic antioxidant does, why it is used in cosmetic formulations, and whether concerns about its safety are supported by evidence at typical topical concentrations. Collagen patches