Beautiful skin can boost your self-confidence. Skin care treatments can improve the appearance and condition of your skin. One common skin care treatment is a glycolic peel. The glycolic peel involves applying glycolic acid on your skin to draw out impurities and improve skin texture. Glycolic peels can also stimulate the skin to repair itself after sun damage and acne breakouts. Although glycolic peels can be very effective, to avoid the risk of irritating side effects such as burning and redness, you can dilute the glycolic acid.
Step 1
Pour equal portions of glycolic acid and water into a bowl to make a 50 percent strength solution. Stir until the ingredients are well-combined.
Step 2
Add an additional portion of water if you think a 50 percent solution is still too strong. For example, a total of 1/2 cup of water and 1/4 cup of glycolic acid will create a 25 percent strength solution. Stir well.
Step 3
Test the diluted glycolic acid on a patch of clean skin for 10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse off. Dilute further if the solution causes redness, flaking or itching. Wait at least a week before reapplying. Dilution may help if you have extremely sensitive skin, but dermatologist Dr. Eric F. Bernstein, director of the Centers for Cosmetic Laser Surgery in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, states that 10 percent glycolic acid solutions are too weak to be effective.
Step 4
Clean your skin and apply the diluted peel on your face according to the product directions. A mild stinging sensation is normal and will usually go away within a couple hours after use, though skin may be more sensitive for several days. The glycolic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun and more prone to sunburn; this is a normal effect of the product.
Tips and Warnings
- Use sunscreen after having a glycolic peel. If you do not see results from use of glycolic acid peels at home, see a professional. Doctors have access to stronger glycolic acid peels, which may be more effective.
- Stop use if the peel causes swelling, blistering or flaking skin, or if the peel causes intense pain. Mild irritation and stinging is normal immediately following a peel, but you should not be in severe pain.
Things You'll Need
- Glycolic acid
- Water
- Bowl
- Measuring cup
Member Comments