Chemical skin peels have several advantages, including decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reducing freckles and aging spots on the skin and keeping skin clear of acne. Skin peels used to require a visit to a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician, but now, glycolic acid peels are available over the counter for home use to those who cannot afford weekly or monthly office visits.
Step 1
Test your skin's tolerance to the glycolic acid by testing a small area on the forearm. Your forearm is a sensitive area, and any allergic reaction will generally develop quickly in this area. Apply the acid solution with a cotton ball and leave on for 30 seconds to a minute. Once you have tested the area, clean off the glycolic acid solution thoroughly.
Step 2
Cleanse your skin with a gentle facial scrub 24 hours before your peel. This will remove excess oil and dirt, giving you less chance of infection or adverse reactions to the solution.
Step 3
Apply the pH prep solution or petroleum jelly to your face with latex or latex-free medical exam gloves, focusing on your most sensitive areas such as the nose, cheeks and lip region. This will help prevent chemical burn and balance your skin before performing the peel.
Step 4
Apply glycolic acid solution to your forehead, chin, and cheeks first, as these are the least sensitive areas of your face. Then, apply to your neck, lower eyelids and nose. Do not get the solution in your eyes or mouth.
Step 5
Watch the coloration of your skin. Once it has turned pink, apply neutralizer with a cotton ball, starting with the sensitive areas such as neck, nose and lower eyelids. Then, neutralize your least sensitive areas, such as your forehead, chin and cheeks.
Step 6
Allow your skin to relax and cool before applying moisturizer. The skin will be pinker than normal and have the look of a sunburn. You can safely apply make up a couple hours after your peel, but avoid liquid makeups, as they contain oils and could clog your freshly cleaned pores.
Tips and Warnings
- A fan can help cool down the skin once you have applied the glycolic acid. Keep it on a low setting.
- Always consult a dermatologist before performing a glycolic peel at home. Never try to remove moles or scars with an at-home peel. Stop use of possible skin irritant facial products a week before performing your peel. Since the peel will be exposing new skin, skin irritant products can make your peel painful and cause burning and possible scarring as the chemicals mix. Always use latex or latex-free medical exam gloves when handling the chemicals in a peel to avoid injury to your hands.
Things You'll Need
- Glycolic acid peel solution
- Cotton balls
- Gentle exfoliating scrub
- pH prep solution or petroleum jelly
- Medical exam gloves
- Neutralizer
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