Glycolic acid is a skin-care heavyweight, showing up inexfoliatingcleansers, toners, and masks.
But what kinds of benefits can you get from a professional glycolic acid peel?
What is glycolic acid?
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Glycolic acid is a colorless, odorless alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane.
AHAs like glycolic acid are water soluble, which means they dissolve in water.
But that doesnt mean AHAs arent effective.
2. Who should try a glycolic acid peel?
Do your skin concerns include managing hyperpigmentation or fending off fine lines and wrinkles?
If yes, then a glycolic acid peel might be the treatment for you.
That allows the outer skin to dissolve, subsequently revealing the underlying skin, Dr. Kreptic says.
Regularly exfoliating can also help manage acne because it prevents pores from getting clogged.
Slowing this process down results in less hyperpigmentation.
Can you get a glycolic acid peel if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin?
We know that chemical peels can, over time, improve the appearance of some acne scars.
But can you get them done if you have active acne?
Its also important to avoid doing a peel if you have a sunburn or active skin infection.
Can you get a glycolic acid peel if youre pregnant?
But at higher concentrations, the acid makes its way deeper into the skin and possibly into the bloodstream.
Still, Dr. Garshick says these peels should generally be avoided while pregnant, just to be totally sure.
What concentration of glycolic acid should you ask for?
This will only peel the surface layer of the skin, which is helpful for mild hyperpigmentation.
Medium-depth peels can be helpful for melasma and hyperpigmentation as well as improving the skins overall texture.
Deep peels can do everything that medium-depth peels can, as well as even improvethe appearance of acne scars.
Deep peels also typically require downtime of up to two weeks.
What happens during a glycolic acid peel?
During the first stage of the actual treatment, the technician will cleanse the skin.
After the required exposure time has passed, the glycolic acid is neutralized with water or another solution.
Once the acid is off your face, your dermatologist will likely apply a cool compressto soothe your skin.
How should you care for your skin after the peel?
As noted above, the healing time can take anywhere between one and 14 days.
During that time its important to be super gentle with your skin.
you’re able to also use over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen.
What kinds of side effects should you expect?
Deeper peels can lead to more severe side effects, including scarring and infections,SELF explained previously.
How long will it take to see results?
The general rule is that youll see results once your skin has fully healed.
Overall, it can take up to two weeksfor new skin to develop.
But remember that in many cases it will take repeated treatments to see really noticeable results.
And your skins personality will stay the same.
How often should you get peels?
But the amount of treatments thats right for you depends on both your desired results and your budget.
Its also good to remember that peels arent usually covered by insurance.
And know that once you start the treatment, the course might change.
