Glycolic Acid (GCA) is one of the alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs), a group of naturally occurring substances often referred to as “fruit acids” because they are found naturally in various fruits and other foods. In its natural state, glycolic acid is found in sugar cane juice. Leading dermatologists and plastic surgeons worldwide have long appreciated the positive results of AHA treatments. Numerous clinical publications have demonstrated their benefit in improving skin appearance and texture. Improvements have been observed in patients with dry skin, oily and acne-prone skin, and with pigmentation concerning age spots and melasma.

Many skin problems are caused by or associated with an excessive build-up of dead skin cells that makes the skin thick and dull, and may cause clogged pores. AHAs help to loosen and remove the surface layers of skin, as well as promote more even pigmentation and deeper skin firming effects.

What is a Glycolic Acid Peel?
A glycolic acid peel treatment is a specific technique for skin renewal. During this process, a high concentration of GCA is applied to the skin for a short period of time and then chemically neutralized to end the treatment. This procedure rapidly removes the damaged layer of surface skin cells revealing fresh skin, and stimulating cell rebuilding and restructuring of deeper skin layers. This procedure can help the skin appear smoother, healthier, plumper and tighter, with more even pigmentation.

Can Anyone be Treated with a Glycolic Acid Peel?
To determine if you should have a chemical peel, you need to meet with your doctor and discuss your medical history, skin sensitivities and peel expectations. Your doctor will design a program especially for you with the appropriate type and timing for a peel.

Many conditions can affect the sensitivity and reactivity of your skin to the GCA peel. Your physician may recommend that you briefly discontinue using certain products, depending on you product-use practices and medical history.

Some conditions may make it unsafe to have a peel. It is important to inform your physician of the following conditions:

• allergies
• atopic skin reactions/eczema
• rosacea
• seborrheic dermatitis
• a history of pigmentation disorders (too much or too little color on parts of your skin)
• recent anticoagulant therapy or circulation disorders
• collagen disease/autoimmune disease
• viral infections (including herpes siplex)
• hypertrophic or keloidal scarring
• cryotherapy/cryosurgery within past 6 months
• Accutane or other retinoid use within past 6 months
• use of tobacco
• pregnancy

Under certain circumstances, your doctor may decide to postpone a peel treatment. You may be asked to discontinue cosmetic procedures for a short while before and after a peel. It is essential that you inform your doctor if you have experienced any of the following conditions with the previous month:

• active herpes simplex
• warts
• cosmetic surgery (sensitive/healing wounds)
• sunburn or windburn
• radiation treatment
• peels, laser, light therapy, microdermabrasion or dermabrasion topical retinoid use (Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac)

The following cosmetic procedures can enhance your skin’s reactivity. You may be required to discontinue use of certain procedures a week before a peel. Inform your doctor of use of the following within the previous two weeks:

• waxing
• depilatories
• masks/facials
• electrolysis
• hair dying treatments
• artificial tanning/sun bathing
• permanent wave or straightening treatments
• topical exfoliators
• loofah or other types of exfoliating sponges

What Kinds of Improvement Can I Expect with a Peel Treatment?
Be sure to discuss the type and degree of skin improvements you hope to gain from the peel treatment program. Together, you can decide if your expectations are realistic and redefine your goals if necessary to get the desired improvements that are possible with the GCA peel treatment program and items to discuss with your doctor:

Skin improvements that may result from a peel series:

• softening of fine lines from sun damage
• diminution of coarse lines from sun damage
• increased smoothness in skin texture
• mild or moderate smoothing of acne scars
• lightening of pigmentation irregularities
• increasing skin glow or radiance
• some minimization of pore size

Speed of improvement needed or wanted:

• textural smoothening and improvements with acne prone skin can occur within a month
• deeper textural changes require multiple peels. Noticeable improvements usually occur within 3 months

Amount of healing/recovery time possible:

• no time, back in your routine the day after the peel
• a few days, up to a week

How Will I Look or Feel Right After the Peel Treatment?
Initially your skin may be somewhat red or puffy. It may take up to one week for the renewal and rebuilding process to allow your skin appearance to return to “normal.” During this repair/renewal period some patients have experienced some of the following: stinging, itching, burning, mild pain or discomfort, tightness, sun sensitivity, and peeling of the superficial layer of the skin. Light peeling is an expected result, of course, but not necessary to see the improvement you want. The sensations will lessen over the course of the week as the skin returns to its “normal” appearance. There may be some crusting and or puffing, particularly if the peel has been intense (deep). This should be allowed to heal naturally. Infrequently, swelling occurs; ice water compresses intermittently for 24 to 48 hours will diminish this. Analgesics can be used to treat any mild pain. Any changes in skin pigmentation, or uncomfortable irritation should be reported to your physician’s office right away.

Are There Any Possible Negative Reactions to a Peel Treatment?
The GCA peel process can possibly cause:

• an acne flare due to deep pore cleansing
• a herpes simplex flare in patients who have had previous herpes infections (particularly if no preventative treatment was used)
• an acne-like inflammation around the mouth (called peri-oral dermatitis)
• Some patients may experience transient spots of hyper- or hypopigmentation (coloration or discoloration) after a GCA peel procedure. If these conditions are left untreated, they usually resolve themselves. However, you should inform your doctor if you develop changes in skin coloration.

A peel which is deeper than a superficial peel may result in the following possible negative effects:

• moderate to severe redness and peeling, swelling, light scabbing, post inflammatory hypo- or hyperpigmentation, scarring, risk of infection, sun sensitivity and skin sensitivity/irritation.

Back to Treatments & Services