A glycolic acid peel is a chemical facial peel designed to take off the top, dead layer of skin cells to reveal more youthful skin underneath. You can give yourself a glycolic peel at home using special kits. Another option is to get one at a dermatologist's office, a plastic surgeon's office, or by specially trained esthetician at a salon.

Glycolic acid products are made of mild alpha hydroxy acids, which are derived from sugar cane. They are excellent for people who are seeking more radiant, younger looking skin. Glycolic acid skin care is also excellent for softening fine lines, skin discoloration, and acne scars.

This facial peel works by loosing dead skin cells from each other so they can be easily sloughed off. It also unblocks hair follicles, which helps prevent acne breakouts. Glycolic peels also help rejuvenate and stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elastin. This improves the skin's appearance by reducing fine lines and giving the skin a youthful glow.

A glycolic acid peel has virtually no side effects, and there is no need to take time off work or miss out on other opportunities. There is usually very little or no skin redness, and no need for pain relievers or anesthetics.

There are a variety of glycolic acid products on the market. Many major brands such as Neutrogena, Kinerase and Decleor offer products that are mild enough to be used at home. These are very easy to use, but it is important to read and follow the package instructions to avoid damaging your skin - especially when using any kind of glycolic acid skin care products.

If you choose to have a chemical peel done by a professional, you have many options. Many salons offer the service, and will customize a schedule for you to reap the most benefit from the treatment. Your dermatologist might also offer glycolic peels and other sorts of deeper chemical peels. He or she will be able to advise you one which sort of peel is best suited for your particular skin problems.

A board certified cosmetic surgeon is another option for those seeking to regain their skin's youthful appearance using a chemical peel. You can talk to your surgeon about the many options you have in addition to using glycolic acid products to ensure that your skin looks its best for many years to come.

A glycolic acid peel can offer people a low-risk, inexpensive way to polish their skin's appearance. It's a fabulous way to keep your skin healthy and looking radiant for many years to come!