A number of skin conditions can be treated with the use of Glycolic acid for light chemical peels.Peeling just means wearing away the thin outermost layer of skin, which encourages the growth of newer, stronger skin.Whether you use a home peeling kit or opt for a stronger treatment from a dermatologist, using glycolic acid can be easy and affordable, and recovery is generally quick and painless.
Step 1: Start with a product with 10% concentration or less.
It's best to start with a mild concentration for your first time to see how your skin reacts, solutions with higher than 20% are not advised for home use.The concentration of the product should be listed on the label.
Step 2: If you want to treat, use a product that is designed for that.
There are a variety of skin issues that can be helped by glycolic acid.If you look for a product that is tailored to your needs, you will get the best results.
Step 3: If possible, use the acid in the evening.
It is advisable to apply the acid in the evening to give your skin time to recover.If you can't do it in the evening, make sure you wear a light-weight moisturizer with sunscreen.
Step 4: Before starting, read the instructions carefully.
You should still read the instructions that come with your product, as the procedure for applying glycolic acid shouldn't vary too much from one to the next.You need to read them before you start the process.
Step 5: Your face should be clean and not greasy.
To get rid of grease, oils or dead skin, wash your face with a mild cleanser.If you have any open cuts or cold sores on your face, you should put the treatment on hold.
Step 6: You can apply a small amount of oil around your eyes, mouth and nostrils.
This will help keep the solution out of the sensitive parts of your face.Do not apply petroleum jelly to your eyes.
Step 7: When you're done, fill a bowl with water.
Adding some salts to the water will make it into a basic solution.
Step 8: You can check for crystals by pouring a solution into a glass cup.
You don't want to apply the glycolic acid solution to your skin since they are more concentrated.If you put the solution into a glass, you will be able to see and avoid any crystals.
Step 9: The solution should be applied with a cotton swab or brush.
Make sure you don't get too much solution on the brush or swab.The solution should be applied evenly from the forehead to the chin.Don't look at your eyes, the corners of your nose, or your lips.You can flood the affected eye with regular saline solution if the glycolic acid solution enters your eyes.
Step 10: Wait for the treated area to turn red.
After applying the solution to your skin, look in the mirror.The treated skin should be reddish in color after 3 minutes.If the skin seems to be red before 3 minutes, you can apply the neutralizing solution sooner.It's a good idea to set up a fan so it blows in your face.
Step 11: The area should be washed with water or a neutralizing solution.
You can use a cotton ball or cloth to apply the water or basic solution to your face.The solution may enter your eyes, nose or mouth if you let it run.If necessary, use cotton balls or cloths to neutralize the treated skin.
Step 12: For 3-6 months, repeat every two weeks.
You should start to see changes in your skin after 3-6 months.If you're not getting the results you were hoping for, you may want to get a stronger peel from a professional.
Step 13: The peel can be scheduled for the evening or late afternoon.
When you can avoid the sun for several hours, it is a good time to plan your peel.
Step 14: You should take at least a few days for your skin to heal.
It is unlikely that you will experience a lot of pain after your peel.While your skin heals, you may notice some redness or discolored skin.Make sure you don't have any important events after your treatment.
Step 15: If you want to see if it's right for you, consult your dermatologist.
People with a history of cold sores, pregnant or nursing women, and people with very dark skin are not good candidates for glycolic acid.Ask your doctor how long the treatment will take, what the recovery process will be like, and what possible side effects are.Make sure to give your doctor a complete list of your medications.Amnesteem or Accutane should not be taken within 6 months of using glycolic acid.
Step 16: If you want to see how it affects your skin, try a lotion.
If your dermatologist approves, you may want to use a small amount of glycolic acid for a few weeks.It will show whether or not your skin is sensitive to glycolic acid, and it will make the results of your peel more even.It is possible to find glycolic acid in specialty makeup shops and in the skin care section at your local department store.Follow the instructions on the product's label.
Step 17: Start using retinoid cream a few weeks before your treatment.
If you use retinoids or hydroquinone for a few weeks prior to the peel, it will help protect your skin from the effects of the procedure.You should apply these by your doctor.If your doctor recommends them, use them.Improper use can cause problems when you have a peel.
Step 18: Before your treatment, stop using any skin products.
If you are using retinoid or hydroquinone creams, do not use them at least 3 days before you apply glycolic acid.microdermabrasion, depilatory creams, waxing, and laser hair removal should be avoided, as well as soap and water, for the last few days of your life.
Step 19: Protect treated areas from the sun.
Your skin will be sensitive after being treated with glycolic acid.While it heals, keep your face out of direct sunlight as much as possible, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day whether you are in the sun or not.
Step 20: Don't use a harsh cleanser.
Don't use harsh soaps when washing your face.You can use a non-soap cleanser with a pH of less than 7.Your healing skin can be damaged by exfoliants and scrubs.
Step 21: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
Your skin will heal faster if you eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated.It will give your skin a glowing appearance.
Step 22: Don't smoke from now on.
If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking for a couple weeks after your treatment.It will speed up the healing of your skin.
Step 23: It's a good idea to avoid steam and saunas.
While it heals, hot steam may irritate your skin.Taking long showers or baths should be avoided.
Step 24: The treated areas should be touched as little as possible.
If you don't pick, peel or touch your skin, you will heal much faster and reduce the risk of infections.