Neutralizing 10% Glycolic Acid with 12% Sodium Bicarbonate and Daily Use

Regarding your concerns about using 12% sodium bicarbonate solution after 10% glycolic acid:

Based on the information provided (from C7), a 12% sodium bicarbonate solution has a pH ceiling around 8.x. This level is generally not considered highly irritating to the skin, especially when it's used to counteract the acidity left by the 10% glycolic acid. The pH of this solution is comparable to or even lower than some soaps used for cleansing. Therefore, according to this information, wiping your face with this solution and leaving it on for 30 minutes is unlikely to make your skin excessively alkaline or cause significant damage/imbalance solely due to high pH, as it's working to raise the pH from a very low acidic state. It will raise the skin's pH after the AHA, but likely not to a damaging level significantly above 7, considering the context of neutralizing the acid.

Regarding daily use:

This routine involves a relatively high concentration (10%) of glycolic acid, which is a strong chemical exfoliant, followed by a pH adjustment step. While the neutralization helps, applying a strong exfoliant like 10% glycolic acid daily is generally not recommended for most skin types. Daily use can lead to over-exfoliation, irritation, redness, dryness, and potential damage to the skin barrier. It is typically advised to start with less frequent application (e.g., 1-3 times per week) and monitor your skin's reaction. Daily use of such a strong treatment might be too aggressive.