Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) is a chemical exfoliant used in glycolic acid peels.
It is used to improve the overall complexion, tone, and texture of the skin, making it look more appealing and healthier.
It basically explains the process of exfoliating the skin by applying acid to it.
Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) chemical exfoliation is used in glycolic acid peels, a procedure that uses glycolic acid’s tiny molecular structure to penetrate deeply into the skin’s layers.
Glycolic acid is the most popular option among certified skin therapists and the gold standard in chemical peel formulas.
Numerous skin types have shown improvements in look and health as a result of it.
After application, the acid removes excess sebum and dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin.
In this article, I will provide the information you need to make informed choices about the depth of your peels.
The Advantages of Peeling with Glycolic Acid
Dermatologists most frequently employ glycolic acid peels as an alpha-hydroxy acid peeling technique.
When used properly, they are regarded as safe, and recipients have no downtime.
A doctor can determine if more peel sessions are necessary to get the best outcomes.
Glycolic acid peels have demonstrated efficacy in treating a variety of skin conditions, such as:
Elimination of Scars from Acne
Peels using glycolic acid work well to remove zits, blackheads, and whiteheads from the skin.
Help to Reduce the Size of Pores
Regular use of glycolic acid peels has been demonstrated to be effective in removing cystic lesions and acne scars from the skin.
Reduces scarring and Ingrown Hairs
Glycolic acid has been found to be effective in reducing the occurrence of ingrown hairs on the face and body.
Glycolic acid peels also minimize the scarring caused by ingrown hairs.
Treats stretch Marks
Stretch marks frequently start out red or purple and gradually lose color to become white.
Peels using glycolic acid have been shown to increase the skin’s production of collagen and are beneficial in the treatment of stretch marks.
Hyperpigmentation Following an Inflammation
After damage, the skin may produce too much melanin, which can lead to dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This form of damage can result from a number of disorders, including chemical agent abuse, dermatitis, melasma, and acne.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation manifests as brown, black, or tan areas or as flat spots.
However, following six to eight sessions of glycolic acid peels, this problem typically disappears entirely.
Photoaging
Overexposure to the sun can accelerate photoaging, the aging process of the skin.
Signs of photoaging include:
- Dark patches
- wrinkle lines
- sagging skin
There is also evidence of actinic keratosis, which is a rough, scaly spot on photoaged skin.
They could become cancerous if they are not removed.
Peels containing glycolic acid are frequently an effective therapy for mild cases of photoaging.
A combination of glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) works better for certain people.
Severe photoaging indicators, such as deep wrinkles, typically require medical care.
Who Can Use Glycolic Acid Peels?
Are you concerned about managing hyperpigmentation or fine lines and wrinkles?
If your answer is yes, then your best bet might be to get a glycolic acid peel.
Its potent exfoliating qualities can significantly reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation.
They do this by breaking down the connections that hold the cells in the outermost layer of the skin together.
By removing dead skin cells from the skin, this enhances the complexion.
More specifically, the lipids’ capacity to hold dead skin cells together is reduced by glycolic acid’s easy interaction with the skin’s outer layer.
Treatment-related Concentration of Glycolic Acid
There are three basic types of glycolic acid peels.
The type you get depends on the product’s glycolic acid content and its duration on the skin.
The following is what to expect from each step of the in-office peel:
Light
For a light peel, a light treatment involves applying about 30% glycolic acid for a brief period of time.
This is effective for mild hyperpigmentation because it just removes the epidermis.
Not only are there no downtime experiences with the mild peel but make-up and skincare product usage is not allowed immediately afterwards.
Medium
At this level, you can anticipate receiving about 50% concentration of glycolic acid for two to five minutes.
The layer of the dermis above the epidermis, known as the papillary dermis, is accessible to the acid through that application.
In addition to improving the skin’s overall texture, medium-depth peels can help with hyperpigmentation and melasma.
You should plan on having a week or so of downtime following a medium-depth peel, as your skin may be red and sensitive.
You won’t be able to wear makeup or use some skin care products.
Deep
Dermatologists apply glycolic acid at a 70% concentration for three to fifteen minutes, at most.
These peels have the ability to penetrate the reticular dermis, which is the layer of dermis located beneath the papillary dermis.
Deep peels not only accomplish all the tasks associated with medium-depth peels, but they can also improve the appearance of acne scars.
Deep peels may require up to two weeks to heal and can cause serious side effects, like scarring and infection.
Usually, it is only used to treat precancerous growths or deeper wrinkles.
However, keep in mind that the exact method and length of exposure will vary based on your unique skin goals.
Furthermore, your dermatologist will provide you with information on the best treatment options.
Following Therapy
One to fourteen days can pass throughout the healing process.
It’s important to give your skin very gentle care throughout that time.
This means that you should never exfoliate your skin more than required, use mild skin care products, and wear sunscreen everywhere you go.
Depending on how severe your peel is, your dermatologist could suggest using an ointment (like petroleum jelly) to preserve the skin.
After a medium or deep peel, you may be able to reduce any tightness or edema in your skin by using cold packs or fanning the skin.
You can also take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain medicines.
It’s also imperative to keep skin hydrated and avoid saunas, steam rooms, and other environments where skin can dry up quickly.
This includes using too-hot water to wash your face; always use lukewarm water instead.
You will experience a difference once your skin has fully healed, which will depend on the depth of the peel.
It also depends on the quantity of glycolic acid used and how long it stays on the skin.
But generally, new skin development can take up to two weeks.
Glycolic Acid Peel Side Effects
Depending on your skin type and the extent of the peel, additional side effects could also happen.
Redness, irritation, scarring, and discoloration are the most common negative consequences of a glycolic acid peel.
For instance, after a light or medium peel, the skin could feel tight and show a hint of redness.
Two of the more serious side effects of deeper peels are infections and scars.
1. Side effects of 30 glycolic acid peels (light)
This all-encompassing light-strength peel effectively addresses wrinkles, fine lines, minor hyperpigmentation, and other early signs of aging with little to no apparent flaking.
It is safe for all skin types; however, younger people with more sensitive skin and a normal to dry skin type are advised to use it.
With the glycolic 30% peel, there is little to no downtime and the peeling is typically scarcely noticeable.
For a few hours following the peel, the skin could feel a touch tight and pink.
Regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential to shielding treated skin during its healing process.
You can resume your usual exfoliating regimen after a week.
2. Side effects of 50 glycolic acid peels (medium)
This medium-intensity peel addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and more obvious skin problems.
All skin tones can safely undergo this peel, which is advised for those who have had a light treatment previously and are comfortable with chemical peels but are ready for more.
It’s perfect for normal to dry skin types; 50% glycolic acid may result in mild peeling or flaking.
Experts recommend performing a patch test three days before applying the peel to a substantial section of the skin to ensure there are no unforeseen or adverse reactions.
With little downtime, a 50% glycolic peel often causes mild skin peeling or flaking.
The skin may feel a little tight and pink for a short while after the peel.
3. Side Effects of 70 glycolic acid peels (deep)
More obvious signs of aging, such as wrinkles, age spots, creases, and other stubborn skin problems, are the focus of this potent peel.
The Glycolic 70% peel is suitable for normal to dry skin types, and may require some downtime with noticeable or considerable skin peeling.
Only those with prior expertise with chemical peels are advised to try it.
Those who wanted to perform a Glycolic 70% treatment should have been able to tolerate or complete a lower-level peel before going on to a deep-level peel.
This peel offers a more severe course of treatment for those with ongoing skin problems.
Because of the increased risk of hyperpigmentation, it is recommended that people with darker skin tones proceed with greater caution.
For a few hours following the peel, the skin may feel tight and slightly pink or red.
Regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential to shielding treated skin during its healing process.
Glycolic Acid Peel At Home
Peel pads containing glycolic acid are pre-soaked in a solution of the acid, making it easy for you to exfoliate your skin at home.
These pads invigorate the skin for an instant brightness boost by gently eliminating dead skin cells to expose fresher, more radiant layers beneath.
How to apply:
Wipe a pre-soaked pad over the skin after cleaning it
Then allow it to dry
After that, generously apply a layer of long-lasting moisturizer.
Once or twice a week, especially in the evening, apply the peel pads.
Glycolic Acid Peel Burn
Chemical burns are skin injuries brought on by extremely acidic or alkaline substances.
There is a chance that certain skin care products or procedures could result in acid burns.
Anyone experiencing discomfort after applying a skin care product shouldn’t attempt to leave it on their skin.
Burning and pain are not indicators that the product is working well.
Rather, these indicate that damage is being done to the skin.
The signs and symptoms of a chemical burn include:
- Blistering
2. Burning
3. Peeling
4. Skin discoloration or inflammation
5. Pain
6. Numbness and blistering.
If any of these symptoms occur after using a skin care product, the affected individual should remove any contaminated clothing immediately and wash their skin for 20 minutes under clean running water.
See your doctor for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a peel of glycolic acid work?
Skin rejuvenation is aided by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the acid.
It minimizes dark sunspots, giving the appearance of a more even and youthful skin tone.
The peel unclogs pores; it is also used to remove blackheads, mild acne, and superficial acne scars.
How long will it take for the glycolic acid effect to show?
After about a month, you should see better skin since glycolic acid keeps skin clear and unclogged.
Dark spots and pigmentation should go away after two months since the frequent use of glycolic acid encourages cell turnover and gets rid of old, dead skin cells.
What drawbacks come with glycolic acid peeling?
A chemical peel may cause a number of negative side effects, including edema, scabbing, and redness.
After healing, injuries, color changes in the skin, contamination, or damage to the liver, kidneys, or heart, chemically peeled skin usually turns red.
Does peeling with glycolic acid lighten the skin?
When mandelic, citric, and lactic acids are added to glycolic acid, the result is skin that is one to two shades lighter.
By functioning as chemical exfoliants, this class of acids, referred to as AHAs, eliminates superfluous pigment from the skin’s upper layers.
What is the duration of glycolic acid peeling?
The duration of your outcomes depends on the strength of your chemical peel facial treatment.
A medium peel may yield results that last up to six months, while those from a light or superficial peel usually fade within one to two months.
Disclaimer
This information is not meant to replace medical care by a licensed healthcare or beauty expert; rather, it is meant for educational and self-awareness purposes.
