Chemical peels containing glycolic acid or lactic acid improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers and may help reduce acne scarring. The procedure can take up to 30 minutes or longer, depending on the type of peel that you are having.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and rehydrate the skin by increasing its capacity to hold water. Collagen is also stimulated to firm and tone the skin.
Because of its small molecular size, Glycolic Acid has the greatest penetration potential of all the hydroxy acids. Glycolic Acid reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reduces roughness and dryness - all important benefits that have made AHA products an essential part of daily skin care routine.
Which skin types can benefit from a Glycolic Acid Peel?
Most skin types can benefit from a Glycolic Acid Peel and varying strengths of peel can be applied.
Anyone with abrasions, open sores or sunburn should not have a peel and should not use Glycolic Acid products. If you have been using Roaccutane within the last six months then you should avoid using products containing Glycolic Acid and should not undergo this treatment.
Other contraindications include sunburn and allergy to asprin.
Does it thin the skin?
Glycolic Acid only removes dead skin cells, not the skin itself. It only removes excess build-up of skin cells to reveal a normalised stratum corneum. It does not make the skin thinner.
Results of a Glycolic Acid Peel
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and other specialised ingredients help exfoliate dead skin cells and moisturise the skin. As the dry outer skin layer is exfoliated fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable, skin tones become balanced and younger, healthier, smoother-looking skin is revealed.
Aftercare advice
If any redness persists do not go back to using Glycolic Acid until it resolves.
You may feel your skin tighter or drier - this is quite normal.
Always use an SPF of at least 25 - even if you are inside all day.
Avoid hair removal treatments including bleaching for 48 hours.
Do not use any Glycolic Acid products for 12-24 hours.
Do not use a sun bed, sauna or steam room for at least 24 hours.
Do not sunbathe or swim in chlorinated water for 24 hours after treatment.
Do not perform excessive exercise immediately after treatment. |
