The name sounds frightful, but it's really a highly effective means of developing smoother, more beautiful skin. If you have acne scars, freckles or other blemishes that trouble you can be happier about the reflection in your mirror. A glycolic acid peel can fit into almost any budget and takes little time from your busy schedule.
Mild chemical peels have been making a name for themselves for being inexpensive and quick, so quick in fact they are sometimes known as lunchtime peels. This makes them ideal even in busy schedules where deep peels and recurring dermatologist appointments are not feasible due to the combination of time and expense involved.
Chemical based facial peels are skin treatments that burn off a layer of damaged skin, which brings the cleaner and smoother layer to the surface. Peels can be used on any part of the body, but are normally limited to the face. Glycolic acid peels are considered one of the most gentle alternatives. The effect on the skin is generally mild and recovery is normally very quick. Best results can be achieved with several applications in a few weeks.
Deep peels should be performed by dermatologists, but a glycolic acid peel is one that can be offered by a cosmetologist or even self administered at home. Mild peels are normally used to focus on thin problem areas of the skin, such as wrinkles, freckles, acne scars and similar blemishes.
A deeper peel may be called for if you have more significant pigment damage. Mild peels may typically result in a tingling sensation and a redness of the affected skin, which will normally fade over a few hours. These peels stimulate collagen growth which helps maintain and develop soft, smooth skin.
Before starting your first peel, you should consult your dermatologist, and unless instructed to the contrary by such a professional, you should not use any other skin lightening or darkening products in conjunction with the Glycolic acid peel.
Glycolic acid peels are popular because of their gentle strength, and using the naturally occurring acid extracted from sugar cane which is a component in many beauty and skin care products available on the market today.
While peels are available in a variety of strengths, usually anywhere from 10 to 70 percent, it is best to stay with lower concentrations such as the 10 percent strengths. Before considering a stronger glycolic acid peel, it is heartily recommended you discuss this with your dermatologist, and heed his or her advice.
Keep in mind, although a mild, you are using an acid and as such, there are measures to be observed for both safety and for best results. The peel functions by stripping away the damaged surface layer of skin. So keep your application times short. The peel should be on your face only for a short time, not more than 10 minutes, and your dermatologist may recommend a shorter time. If your dermatologist does not recommend a particular length of time, it would be best to have a short peel the first time, to help make sure you don't have any unexpected reaction to the acid.
