Glycolic acid belongs to a group of acids called AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). It has the smallest particles of all the AHAs which means that it can penetrate really fast into the skin. It is a medium-strength peel and is also the most studied form of all the AHAs. It’s a water-soluble acid.
Fun fact: The term Glycolic acid was coined in 1848 by a French Chemist August Laurent.
Generally, anyone 18 years or older can use a glycolic acid peel. Besides the age factor, if you have congested skin, blackheads, oily skin, acne, and large pores you will benefit from a glycolic acid peel.
With that said, if you have dark skin, you should proceed with caution; start out with low strength and slowly ease your way into the peel, and max out at 30% if you’re doing the peel at home. People with dark skin are prone to PIH (Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation). Unlike Lactic acid, glycolic acid is not as forgiving as it is a medium peel. Medium peels go a little deeper than superficial peels.
If you have never used a glycolic acid peel before, start with 5% strength. Do the peel every two weeks and increase the strength by 5%. Max out at 25%-30%
Leave the glycolic peel for 3-5 minutes at a time.
Apart from the time, pay attention to how your skin feels. It’s normal to feel a tingling sensation. However, if your skin feels like it’s burning and you feel extremely uncomfortable, then neutralize immediately even if the 2-3 minutes are not yet complete.
Be extremely cautious if you have sensitive skin, or you suffer from rosacea
- Wash your face thoroughly. Facial oils will prevent the Glycolic Acid Peel solution from effectively penetrating your skin.
- Apply a small amount of the Glycolic Acid Peel 10% solution using a thin cotton pad or gauze.
- Apply the solution in a thin layer to your skin. Avoid the immediate eye area, lips, and inside the nostrils. The skin should not be dripping wet but just damp with the solution.
- Leave on the skin for 3-5 minutes at a time
- Apply a pH neutralizer.
- Wash face thoroughly with cool water only.
- Gently pat the face dry with a soft towel.
- Don’t use any moisturizer on your face during the peeling process (about 7 days).
- Don’t exfoliate or try to peel the skin physically. Leave it alone.
- After the 7 days, you can gently exfoliate your face with a face towel and follow with a good non-comedogenic moisturizer like this one
There are so many benefits to using glycolic acid peels. Here are a few:
- Glycolic acid helps to texturize skin by making it feel and look even. Dull skin feels dry and rough and glycolic acid helps smooth it out the skin.
- It helps reverse the signs of aging by keeping the skin smooth.
- Using glycolic acid makes enlarged pores appear smaller.
- It helps reduce acne and acne scars.
- It also improves hyperpigmentation by removing the top layer of skin that is hyperpigmented.
Everyone is different and so their skin. Some people may experience no adverse reaction when using glycolic acid while others may experience mild to extreme reactions. Here are a few common reactions experienced by people when they use glycolic acid peels:
You might experience redness, dryness, itchiness, and peeling. In some cases, your skin might breakout. This is because glycolic acid goes deep into your pores and brings to the surface built-up dead skin cells, hairs, and oils. This is the reason for the breakouts.
- Handle chemical peels with care. Misuse of these chemicals could lead to injury to the skin.
- Store away from the reach of children.
- For external use only
- Perform a patch test in areas that can’t be seen and observe for up to 24 hours.
- If you experience excessive itching, stinging, or burning, rinse off with cold water and consult your doctor if the symptoms persist.
- If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult with your doctor before you use this Lactic Acid Peel.