How to Have a Glycolic Acid Peel

Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from sugar cane. It is one of a larger family of acids called alpha hydroxy, or fruit, acids. Glycolic acid is commonly used in chemical peels applied to the skin. The peel exfoliates the top layer of the skin and stimulates collagen growth. A glycolic acid peel or series of peels can be used to treat hyperpigmentation, dry skin, fine wrinkles and acne.

Things You'll Need

• Esthetician or medical practitioner
• Facial cream

Instructions

1. Find an esthetician or a medical practitioner to apply your peel. Estheticians can apply mild glycolic peels as part of a facial, but deeper peels must be applied by a doctor. If you have skin issues you wish to treat, moderate to deep peels are recommended.

2. Determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. People who have a history of keloid scars or bad reactions to the sun or burns should not have deep glycolic peels. Discuss your skin history with our doctor.

3. Prepare for the peel starting as much as 4 weeks ahead of time. If you take Retin-A, this will have to be stopped, and you should avoid exfoliation with an abrasive sponge or cleanser.

4. Have the peel applied. The glycolic acid will be allowed to sit on your skin for several minutes. You will feel burning and tingling sensations where the peel is applied.

5. Tell the esthetician or the doctor when your skin starts to feel very uncomfortable. This usually signals that the peel is ready to be neutralized.

6. Use the cream supplied or recommended by your esthetician or doctor as your skin heals. Typically, a cream will be applied immediately following your procedure, and then you must continue to apply it for several days afterward.

7. Return for the rest of your peel series, if needed. Some people may see the results they desire after just one peel, but others will need multiple peels.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 following a glycolic peel. Sun exposure can cause skin damage and complications after the peel.

• People who get frequent herpes infections should avoid glycolic peels, or at least take a prescription antiviral medication beforehand. Cold sores can spread to the face after a peel.

• It's very important that you stay out of the sun following a glycolic peel, or the skin can develop brownish discoloration. This is one of the most common side effects, and in rare cases, it can be permanent.

• Men should not shave their faces the day they get a glycolic peel.

• Never pick at flaky skin after your peel. It should be allowed to slough away naturally, or you could cause scarring.