If you're considering a glycolic acid peel, understanding the treatment process can help you feel more confident before your appointment. Glycolic peels are one of the most popular professional exfoliation treatments because they can help improve skin tone, texture, and overall radiance.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. Because it has one of the smallest molecular sizes among AHAs, it penetrates the skin effectively to loosen dead skin cells and encourage healthy cell turnover.
Professional glycolic peels may help:
- Improve skin texture and tone
- Brighten dull-looking skin
- Minimize the appearance of fine lines
- Reduce the appearance of acne scars and discoloration
- Support collagen production
- Improve skin hydration
Your esthetician will determine the appropriate strength based on your skin type, concerns, and treatment goals.
What Happens During a Glycolic Peel?
Every skincare professional has their own treatment protocol, but most glycolic peels follow a similar process.
Step 1: Cleanse the Skin
Your esthetician will thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and impurities. Starting with a clean surface helps ensure even product application.
Step 2: Apply the Glycolic Acid
The glycolic solution is carefully applied to the treatment area and left on the skin for a controlled amount of time.
Many professionals use Intrinsics Glycolic Applicators, which feature lightly absorbent tips that help distribute the solution evenly without absorbing excess product. This allows for greater control and more precise application.
During this step, it's normal to experience mild tingling, warmth, or a slight stinging sensation. These feelings are temporary and typically subside once the peel is neutralized.
Step 3: Neutralize the Peel
After the desired treatment time has elapsed, your esthetician will apply a neutralizing solution to stop the exfoliation process. This is an essential step that helps ensure both safety and comfort.
What to Expect After Your Peel
Following treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink and feel tight or sensitive for a day or two. Over the next several days, you may experience light flaking or peeling as dead skin cells naturally shed.
During the healing process:
- Keep skin moisturized.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
- Avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible.
- Do not pick or peel flaking skin.
- Follow your esthetician's post-treatment instructions carefully.
Is a Glycolic Peel Right for You?
A professional consultation is the best way to determine whether a glycolic peel is appropriate for your skin type and concerns. Your esthetician can recommend the right treatment plan based on your goals and help you achieve the best possible results.
While at-home chemical peels are widely available, professional treatments provide customized care, controlled application, and guidance that can help minimize the risk of irritation or unwanted side effects.
