Glycolic acid chemical peels are a form of alpha hydroxy acid chemical peel derived from sugar cane. Also known as fruit acid peels, glycolic acid peels can be used to treat a number of skin conditions. While considered a mild chemical peel, applying glycolic acid peels too frequently can increase skin sensitivity and irritation. For this reason, it is important to carefully time the skin applications of glycolic acid chemical peels.
Significance
Chemical peels are applied in varying concentrations. The higher the chemical peel number, the deeper the peel penetrates the skin, according to CosmeticSurgery.com. Glycolic acid peels performed at a 30-percent concentration are considered mild peels, while 70-percent solutions penetrate more deeply.
Benefits
Glycolic acid peels are considered skin-freshening peels, according to the Johns Hopkins Cosmetic Center. This is because glycolic acid works to loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells to healthy skin cells. The 30-percent chemical peel helps to reduce fine lines, acne and areas of hyperpigmentation.
Time Frame
A glycolic acid chemical peel typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes to perform. Because the 30-percent glycolic acid peel does not deeply penetrate the skin, the peel can typically be repeated every two to four weeks, according to the Johns Hopkins Cosmetic Center. This may vary based on your skin's reaction to the peel itself. When spaced appropriately, you can undergo glycolic acid peels as often as you like. Johns Hopkins states that at least six sequential treatments are needed to experience results such as reduction in fine lines or acne. After that time, you may wish to undergo "maintenance" peels every few months.
Side Effects
The level of side effects you experience can determine how often you undergo a 30-percent glycolic chemical peel. Common side effects include redness, irritation and skin itching. Your skin also may peel or flake for a few days, according to Glycolic.org. If you experience irritation and redness leading up to the time to undergo your next glycolic acid peel, your aesthetician may recommend waiting one to two additional weeks before undergoing another.
Treatment
If you wish to undergo glycolic acid peels as frequently as two weeks apart, you may wish to take a few steps to encourage skin repair between peels. This includes wearing a sunscreen containing a sun protection factor of 15, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This can help to minimize sun damage and irritation between treatments. You also can apply moisturizer to the skin to reduce redness between treatments. If you experience redness or inflammation, apply cold compresses; dip a washcloth in cold water and apply it to the skin for 10-minute intervals.
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