The Dangers of Glycolic Acid

Steam fills the room as I reach for the second step of my facial cleansing wash, the bottle of Glycolic Acid. Said to 'Heal and condition while tightening and smoothing skin, as well as aid in rejuvenation,' I am willing to slather a generous amount on my face, hoping it 'cleanses deep into my pores,' as the bottle claims. Suddenly, the temperature sensor on the electric heater in the bathroom kicks off with a click, and I peek my eyes and nose (white with Glycolic Acid cream) out of the floral-printed shower curtains to investigate. Did someone try to open the door? Did something fall off the shelf? I ask myself as my eyes scan the small room. Nothing of suspicion.
A terrible stinging in my eyes causes me to sharply draw my head back in, but a little too quickly, I realize, as my head slams against the wall of the shower. I convince myself that if Glycolic Acid was used in Medieval times, it would have been for torture, while I try to open my eyes under the stream of water, to rinse out the horrible syrup. A bitter taste overwhelms me as a drop of Glycolic Acid enters my mouth with a cough. Great. Now my eyes are burning and I am gagging. This is the worst taste I have ever experienced in my life. Clear skin is not worth this.
I stand with my face being pounded under the flow of steaming water, mouth agape and eyes closed tightly, and at last, (although I have lost all feeling in my face) the pain recedes.
On my way to the kitchen, I step into the living room in my pajamas and fluffy slippers, completely unaware of the strange looks being sent from across the room. "You're face is really red" Acknowledges my brother, "were you crying?"
"Shut up" I add defensively, "I got soap in my mouth."