Are you worried about acne scars, sun damage, or fine lines and wrinkles that come with aging? The word "chemical peel" may scare you. But it's actually not as scary as you think. It's a cosmetic treatment performed by qualified doctors that can treat a wide range of skin problems. One of the most common ingredients used in this treatment is glycolic acid. So, let's talk about it in more detail today.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Simply put, glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid . They are also known as (AHA) for short. You may have seen these (AHA) in many of the skin cosmetics you use. They can also be obtained naturally from things like sugarcane trees.
A glycolic acid peel gently removes the top layer of dead skin cells. This process is called exfoliation . Removing the top layer of skin in this way has many benefits.
The most important thing is that this removes the dead skin on the top layer of the skin, revealing the healthy, fresh skin underneath.
But there are things that this treatment can do, as well as things that it can't do. Let's take a clear look at that.
| Benefits of a glycolic acid peel | Things that cannot be cured with this |
|---|---|
| Smoothing fine lines caused by sun and aging. | Very deep wrinkles or scars. |
| Improving skin texture. | Sagging skin. |
| Treating some types of acne. | Swelling or lumps on the skin. |
| Reduces sun spots and liver spots and evens out skin tone. | Severe conditions like these require treatment such as surgery. |
| Healing minor scars. |
How is this chemical peel treatment performed?
This is not something you can do at home. You should first see a dermatologist and discuss this. Your doctor will explain your medical history, skin condition, and the risks of this treatment.
Then, the doctor will decide what concentration of glycolic acid solution to use based on the nature of your skin problem.
Things to prepare before treatment
Sometimes your doctor may advise you to do certain things to prepare your skin before treatment.
- Take antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Apply a retinoid cream to help the skin heal faster.
- Apply a bleaching agent to reduce the chance of side effects.
- Avoid exposure to strong sunlight.
- Avoid other cosmetic treatments for a while.
How to treat
First, your face will be thoroughly cleansed. Then, you will be covered with gauze or tape to protect your eyes and hair. If you are having a deeper peel, you may also be given pain medication.
The doctor will then apply the glycolic acid solution to your face using a cotton ball, sponge, or brush. Your skin will feel warm at first, followed by a stinging sensation after a few minutes. This is normal.
A light peel is left on for a few minutes and then removed, while a deep peel can be left on for up to 20 minutes. During this time, glycolic acid is used to loosen dead skin that has adhered to your healthy skin. Finally, the doctor neutralizes the acid and rinses away the dead skin.
How to take care of the skin after treatment?
It is very important to take care of your skin after the treatment, as the success of the results depends on it. The way you care for your skin after a light peel and a deep peel is slightly different.
| After a Light Peel | After a Deep Peel |
|---|---|
| It takes about a week for the skin to fully heal. | It takes about two weeks to heal. |
| During this time, the skin may become red and flaky. | The skin becomes red, swollen, and flaky. Blisters may also form. |
| You can apply makeup immediately after treatment. | You have to wait about two weeks to get your makeup done. |
| You should definitely apply a moisturizer (lotion) as prescribed by your doctor. | You should moisturize your skin daily and apply an ointment prescribed by your doctor. |
| To get good results, you will need to have several treatment sessions (at least three). | Sun exposure is strictly prohibited. The doctor may sometimes recommend antiviral medication. |
Things not to do after treatment
- Using facial scrubs.
- Anything that exfoliates the skin.
- Rubbing the skin with rough objects like loofahs.
- Itchy, peeling skin.
Are there any risks with this treatment?
Yes, like all medical treatments, there are some minor risks involved. It's important to be aware of them.
- Skin discoloration: Sometimes the skin color can become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) . People with darker skin are at a slightly higher risk.
- Scarring: Very rarely, skin scarring may occur.
- Infections: If you don't take the antiviral medications prescribed to you properly, infections such as the herpes virus can recur.
The best way to minimize these risks is to have this treatment performed by a qualified, experienced doctor and to follow his instructions exactly.
If you use glycolic acid at home...
There are many products on the market that contain glycolic acid. There are even at-home chemical peels. But you have to be very careful when using these.
If you use something like this, choose the lowest concentration possible and leave it on your skin for the shortest amount of time . If you experience any pain or irritation, stop using it immediately . If you have any doubts, talk to your doctor before making any decisions on your own.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. For some severe acne and scarring, glycolic acid peels can be used in combination with other treatments such as microneedling, microdermabrasion, and light therapy. However, this should all be decided by your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Glycolic acid peels are an effective treatment for skin problems such as blemishes, fine lines, and acne.
- Since this is a medical treatment, always consult a qualified dermatologist for advice.
- It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully before and after treatment, especially regarding sun protection and proper application of cosmetics.
- Keep in mind that there may be minor risks, such as skin discoloration.
- If you are using glycolic acid products at home, be very careful. If in doubt, seek medical advice immediately.
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