How to Purchase Glycolic Peels

Glycolic peels are a skin care technique often used by physicians or licensed estheticians to treat individuals who have skin discoloration, acne or other skin disorders. Glycolic peels consist of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit acids and lactic acid and are used on the face, neck and hands. According to Aglow Skin Care, a professional strength glycolic peel used in a doctor's office has a 40 percent glycolic acid content. Aglow asserts that when the pH level is lower, the peel will penetrate the skin more easily and lead to better results. Glycolic peels remove dead skin cells and promote faster skin regeneration, which leads to smoother overall texture.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide which strength of glycolic peel solution you want to purchase. Different strength levels have different side effects. A peel with a higher acid content may cause more peeling and redness. Generally, those with more fair skin have better results with higher acid concentrations.

2. Research prices for an at-home peel and an over-the-counter peel solution. According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, a peel in the doctor's office can cost up to $600 (October 2008), whereas at-home peels can cost as little as $35 for a series of treatments. Glycolic peels are usually between $150 and $300, because they are a lighter peel in comparison to the deeper chemical peels.

3. Purchase an at-home glycolic peel kit, depending on the strength required to meet your needs. At homepeels.com, a variety of strengths are offered, ranging from 10 to 40 percent. The cost for 20 to 25 peels at 30 or 40 percent strength is around $50. You can also purchase a kit at 30glycolic.com, where you can find glycolic skin peels with 30 to 60 percent glycolic acid content. The cost for the kits ranges from $60 to $150 for 25 peels.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when using glycolic peel products. Read directions carefully to avoid burning or discoloration. Avoid exposure to sun after a glycolic peel for at least one week. Glycolic peels might cause skin irritation and burning.

References

• Aglow Skin Care
• Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery
• The Plastic Surgery Center

Resources

• 30glycolic.com
• Perri