Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel

If you want a cosmetic procedure you can do at home and that will give your skin a refreshed, healthy look you could try a glycolic acid chemical peel. At home glycolic peels have been used for many years for reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the face, scars, fine lines and the redness associated with acne. They can also reduce the frequency of acne flareups and help to improve skin and been damaged by the sun. Glycolic acid is a very small molecule that can easily penetrate the surface of the skin to reach deeper levels. It is an excellent exfoliating agent cleans the skin thoroughly making your skin feel refreshed and soft. Glycolic acid chemical peels are available in concentrations that range from 10% to about 70%. the higher concentration should only be used by a skilled professional.

The outer layer of the skin contains cells whose job is to protect the deeper layers from effects of the environment and to keep moisture in. These epidermal cells are naturally shed over time to leave healthy cells behind. This natural exfoliation can be speeded up by using a chemical peel which strips off the outer layer of dead cells leaving behind a healthier looking skin. Glycolic acid breaks down bonds that hold cells together to allow them to be easily removed. Unlike microdermabrasion which physically removes the cells, glycolic acid works by a chemical process and is often used in combination with a microdermabrasion process to give a more thorough exfoliation.

Some Advantage of a Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel

• Helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Can help to reduce age spots
• Reduce the frequency and severity of acne outbreaks
• Reduces redness associated with acne
• Improves skin damaged by the sun
• Helps regenerate skin by stimulating the production of collagen
• Can be used on most areas of the body
• Can minimize the appearance of scars particularly those associated with acne
• Can be used to remove blackheads

Using a Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel at Home

Glycolic acid peels can be safely used at home provided you use one suitable for this and follow the instructions carefully. They will contain low-level glycolic acid typically between 4% and 12% and sometimes they are blended with salicylic acid. There are however a few chemical peels sold for home use that have 30% or more glycolic acid. Unless you know exactly what you are doing you should not use these at home. Always choose a well-known brand as there are some unbranded chemical peels, usually sold online, that may cause problems and have higher levels of glycolic acid than is safe to use at home.

Although glycolic acid is a mild acid it should still be approached with caution and the instructions followed carefully. During the procedure the acids are neutralized to prevent burning so always take care that you do this properly.

What Can't a Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel Do?

• It cannot improve the appearance of keloid scars
• It has no effect on the appearance of tiny blood vessels on the surface of the skin
• It does not reduce the size of pores
• It does not act as a facelift
• For those with dark skin it is not suitable for improving any skin discoloration

You might also want to read about another type of chemical peel at Salicylic Acid Chemical Peel

More information on glycolic acid can be found at

Glycolic acid Skin Care Products

Glycolic Acid Wash - What Are The Benefits?

Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products - Some Benefits

Over the Counter Glycolic Acid Skin Care Products

Over the Counter Glycolic Acid Products

Total health and Body

A glycolic acid chemical peel can be very effective in improving the appearance of your skin and making it look younger and healthier. Home kits can safely be used provided you use a low concentration of glycolic acid and follow the instructions carefully.