Side Effects of Glycolic Acid Peels
Glycolic acid is a popular ingredient often used for cosmetic purposes as a natural skin exfoliant and moisturizer. Glycolic acid is extracted from sugarcane and many citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. It helps to burn the dead cells present on the skin and removes them so that fresh skin is exposed. This acid is also effective for slowing down the aging process and reducing wrinkles. It takes minimal time to carry out the process of refreshing the skin using glycolic acid peels. However, special care should be taken when using them as there are a few side effects of glycolic acid peels to consider. Does this Spark an idea?
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On the First Day
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When a layer of glycolic acid is applied, you'll probably feel a mild stinging or burning sensation. Sometimes the color of your skin pigmentation changes, and white patches might appear. A risk of infection is also noticed in some patients with such medical history. In some cases, cold sores might even arise. Typically, these side effects remain for just a few hours or for a day, and they subside on their own or with the proper medication.
The Next Few Days
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Over the next few days, a slight swelling of the face might occur. The color of the face might turn into a darker shade, and small white patches also might appear. It takes around a week for the skin to heal and come back to its original form. When this skin peels, a pinkish color is revealed. An itching sensation is also felt during this process, and scarring is experienced in rare cases. These side effects are normally found in medium-depth glycolic acid peels.
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Deep Glycolic Acid Peels
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For many, unbearable pain is experienced during deep glycolic acid peels. However, this pain can be relieved with the use of medication. Heavy swelling of the entire face might be found for a couple of days after this type of peel. Itching is another side effect of a glycolic acid peel, along with loss of pigmentation around sensitive areas such as the mouth. Scarring of the skin and redness because of hyperpigmentation is also found. Hyperpigmentation generally gets resolved in a few months by applying sunscreen lotion.
More Side Effects
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An epidermal coagulation is the initial reaction to a chemical glycolic peel, and a stinging sensation is common during its application. Day-to-day usage of glycolic acid peels is known to cause erythema, dryness and peeling of the skin.
Side Effects on Acne
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Salicyclic acid is often combined with a glycolic acid peel when treating acne. Depending upon the sensitivity of the skin, the strength of the glycolic acid peel should be moderated. A stronger glycolic acid peel will lead to an appearance of a sunburned skin. In the case of acne treatments, a non-comedogenic and oil-free sunscreen should be applied after a glycolic peel to avoid skin damage.
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