Glycolic acid is often used to perform light chemical peels, effective for treating a large number of skin conditions including acne and scars, enlarged pores, dark spots and sun damage. Although the term "chemical peel" may be intimidating, this procedure simply involves removing the surface layer of the skin, promoting cell regeneration and strengthening. Whether you decide to use a home kit or get a more effective treatment at the dermatologist, using glycolic acid is easy and affordable. Furthermore, healing is usually quick and painless.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using Glycolic Acid at Home
Step 1. Start by using a glycolic acid product with a concentration of 10% or less
Solutions with a percentage greater than 20% are not recommended for home use, and the first time it is preferable to use a lower concentration to observe how the skin reacts. The concentration of the product should be indicated on the label.
Step 2. Use a product specifically designed for the ailment you intend to treat
Glycolic acid is effective for treating a variety of conditions, including ingrown hair, skin aging, and acne. Looking for a product specifically designed for your needs will allow you to get better results.
Step 3. Use glycolic acid in the evening if possible
Applying it in the evening, the skin will have all night to regenerate. In case you can't do the procedure in the evening, be sure to apply a light moisturizer with sun protection factor before going out.
Step 4. Read all the instructions carefully before starting
Although the procedure for doing a glycolic acid peel does not change that much between one product and another, you must still read the instructions carefully. Do this before starting the process, so that you are better prepared.
Step 5. Make sure your face is clean and not greasy
Wash it with a mild detergent to get rid of any dirt, oil, or dead skin cells. In case of wounds or herpes, the treatment must be postponed until the epidermis has regenerated.
Step 6. Apply petroleum jelly to the eye area, around the mouth and nostrils
This way you will avoid that the glycolic acid solution ends up on the most sensitive areas of the face. Try not to get it in your eyes during application.
Step 7. Fill a bowl with water, which you will need to neutralize the glycolic acid at the end of the treatment
You can also make a basic solution by adding ammonium chloride, baking soda, or sodium hydroxide to the water.
Step 8. Pour some glycolic acid solution into a glass beaker to examine for the presence of crystals
Small crystals occasionally form in glycolic acid solutions. Since they are particularly concentrated, it is best to avoid applying them to the face. By pouring the solution into a glass before starting, you will be able to see and avoid any crystals that have formed.
Step 9. Apply the glycolic acid solution with a cotton swab or brush
Make sure you don't pick up too much of the product to prevent the swab or brush from dripping. Apply it as gently and evenly as possible, starting from the forehead to the left cheek, and then continuing up to the chin and right cheek. Avoid the eyes, the corners of the nose and the lips.
Rinse your eyes with saline if you run out of glycolic acid
Step 10. Wait 3-5 minutes or until the treated area turns red
Once the solution is applied, look in the mirror. After about 3 minutes the treated skin should take on a fairly uniform reddish color. However, if your skin turns red evenly before 3 minutes have passed, or if you experience intense pain or tingling, apply the neutralizing solution beforehand.
Point a fan towards your face to relieve any burning or itching
Step 11. Rinse the treated area with water or a neutralizing solution
To neutralize the product, soak a cotton ball or soft cloth with water or the basic solution you prepared earlier, then tap it on your face. Try not to let it drip or it could end up in your eyes, nose or mouth. Neutralize the skin you have treated well, using several cotton balls or cloths if necessary.
Step 12. Repeat the procedure every two weeks for a period of 4-6 months
After this time, you should start to see changes. Do the results not satisfy you? See a dermatologist for a more potent glycolic acid peel.
Part 2 of 3: Undergo Professional Treatment
Step 1. Book an evening or late afternoon peel
Since exfoliated skin is characterized by high photosensitivity, it is best to schedule the peel at a time of day that allows you to avoid the sun for several hours.
Step 2. Try to rest for at least 1-5 days for the skin to heal completely
Peeling is usually painless, but bear in mind that the skin will still be quite sensitive after the treatment. You may also notice redness or pigmentation changes during the healing process. Make sure you don't have any important events scheduled right after your treatment.
Step 3. Consult your dermatologist to find out if glycolic acid is right for you
Glycolic acid is not recommended for some people, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with particularly dark skin, and anyone who has suffered from herpes in the past. Ask your doctor how long the treatment lasts, how the healing process takes place and what the possible side effects are.
Make sure you give your doctor the full list of medications you have been taking in the past 6 months. Some medicines, such as isotretinoin, should not be taken for 6 months prior to glycolic acid treatment
Step 4. Try using glycolic acid lotion to see how your skin reacts
Once your dermatologist has given you the authorization, you can start the treatment by trying a glycolic acid lotion (which contains a small percentage of it) for a few weeks. In this way the peeling will give you more homogeneous results and you will be able to understand if you have an epidermis sensitive to glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid lotions and creams can be found in stores that sell personal care products, in pharmacies and in well-stocked supermarkets. Follow the product instructions to use it correctly
Step 5. Start using retinoid cream 2-4 weeks before treatment
Your dermatologist may recommend that you use retinoid or hydroquinone products for a few weeks before the peel, as they help protect the skin from the temporary darkening that occurs following the treatment. They should be applied following the instructions of your dermatologist.
These products should only be used if recommended by your dermatologist. Misuse can cause complications during peeling
Step 6. Stop applying any skin care products you use 3-5 days before treatment
Avoid using creams, scrubs, lotions or exfoliants for at least 3 days before your glycolic acid peel. This also includes retinoid or hydroquinone creams (if you use them). You should also avoid microdermabrasion, hair removal creams, waxing or laser hair removal. Basically, a few days before the procedure you can simply wash your face with soap and water.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Skin While Healing
Step 1. Protect the areas you have treated from the sun
Once the glycolic acid peel is performed, the epidermis will be quite sensitive during the regeneration process. While healing, protect your face from direct sunlight as much as possible. Use broad spectrum protection every day, whether you go out in the sun or not.
Step 2. Do not use harsh cleansers or exfoliants
Avoid using harsh cleansers or soaps when washing your face. Try applying a surfactant-free cleanser, such as a cleansing oil or soap with a pH below 7. You should also avoid exfoliants or scrubs, which can damage the skin during the healing process.
Step 3. Eat a balanced diet and drink lots of water
Eating healthy and hydrating will accelerate the healing of the skin following the peel, not to mention that maintaining these good habits will also make it visibly healthy and radiant.
Step 4. Avoid smoking
Smokers should try to smoke less or quit for a couple of weeks following treatment. This helps speed up the skin's healing process.
Step 5. Avoid steam and saunas
The vapor may irritate the skin during healing. You should avoid saunas, whirlpools, showers or particularly long baths.
Step 6. Touch the treated areas as little as possible
As with any type of healing, avoiding teasing, peeling, or touching the affected area will speed up the process. This will also reduce the risk of it becoming infected.
