A Comprehensive Guide on How to Use a Glycolic Acid Peel

Want to have beautiful skin and save hundreds of dollars? Instead of going to your local dermatologist or med-spa for a glycolic acid peel, you can now do so right in the comfort of your home and at the fraction of the cost!

But first, you should know how to apply it safely and effectively to get the flawless, beautiful skin that you want.

At-home glycolic acid peels are not that different from professional chemical peels, and just like all other chemical peels, they have their risks. To increase your chances of getting the desired results at a fraction of the price of a professional treatment, you first need to understand what to expect.

Keep reading to learn more about chemical peels and know how to use them safely and effectively at home.

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels work by deeply penetrating the layers of the skin thus promoting more rapid skin cell turnover. Over time and with consistent continued use, the uppermost layers of the skin will slough off revealing newer, younger, fresher skin below.

A common misperception about glycolic acid is that users will experience noticeable peeling within a day or two after use. This is often not the case as glycolic acid penetrates so deeply into the skin, the top layers are not immediately affected.  Rather, the upper layers slough off over time.

The result? Users have fewer fine lines and wrinkles, and those with acne noticed that their skin is much clearer and less oily.

What is Glycolic Acid?

The most popular alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skincare products is glycolic acid and it is naturally derived from sugar cane. It has the smallest molecules out of all AHAs giving it significant exfoliating abilities that treat a lot of our skin concerns: hyperpigmentation, scars, sun damage, and skin aging.

Aside from all that, it also has impressive antimicrobial properties that help prevent acne breakouts. Glycolic acid is the most commonly recognized chemical peel solution because it is beneficial to all skin types and can be used as a very superficial peel or even a medium depth peel.

What are the benefits of using a Glycolic Acid Peel?

How Often Should You Use Glycolic Acid Peels?

It is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different and how often one uses a glycolic peel depends on each person’s individual skin type.

Glycolic acid peels have a cumulative effect and are recommended once every other week for a total of 8-10 treatments. Once you've completed 8-10 treatments and are seeing good results, a maintenance treatment of one peel a month is all that's needed.

This will avoid over-peeling effects such as thinning or sensitivity. Consistent use gives the best results. It is extremely important that you monitor your skin for increased redness, burning and puffiness and adjust the frequency of your peels in response.

Where to Start?

For at-home use, it is best to start off with a 30% percent solution of glycolic acid with a pH of 2-3. Do not use a product with a higher concentration than that if you are a first time user.

Look for products that include full instructions and follow them accordingly.  The misuse of these products can lead to injury or severe burns and we STRONGLY recommend that you follow the step by step procedure as outlined in those instructions.

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How to Use a Glycolic Acid Peel?

Pre-peel treatment

1. For at least 48 hours before using the peel, avoid using masks, exfoliating agents, scrubs, self-tanners, retinol serums, and creams or any other product that can potentially irritate your skin.

2. Stop the use of other topical products that contain AHA, BHA, and Vitamin A,48 hours before the peel.

3. Do not shave or wax facial hair within 48 hours on the peel area.

4. 1 week prior to the peel and 1 week after the peel, avoid sun exposure and tanning. 

Patch Test for First Time Users:

1. Test a small spot under your chin before applying the solution to your entire face to ensure that you have no allergic reaction to the peel.

2. Leave the peel on for 15-30 seconds only.

3. Remove the peel by cleansing the area with water.

4. Wait 24-48 hours and monitor for excess redness or irritation.

 Peel Procedure:

1. Complete a patch test; see instructions above.

2. Remove your make-up and thoroughly cleanse your face. Pat dry.

3. Apply the acid solution to a cotton pad or swab and apply to the face starting with the forehead, working your way down to the cheeks and chin. Avoid contact with eye area, ears, and lips.

4. FIRST TIME USERS: Once you have completed your patch test and are ready to apply the peel to your entire face, still only leave the peel on for 30 seconds while determining skin sensitivity. This is an important step in determining how much time your skin can tolerate the acid before increasing the duration of the peel. The longer the peel is left on, the deeper it penetrates and the longer the recovery time.

5. Apply to less sensitive areas first, such as the forehead, chin, and cheeks, and then to the nose and neck. You may also apply Vaseline to areas where you don't want the acid to be, like your eyebrows, eye, nostrils, and lip area.

6. Watch your skin and not just the clock. When your skin is turning pink, it is time to neutralize the acid by thoroughly cleansing the face with water.

7. DO NOT leave the peel on your face for more than 10 minutes total.

8. To stop the peel, thoroughly rinse with cool water.

9. Gently pat the face dry with a soft towel.

10. Moisturize the skin with YEOUTH L-22 Anti-Aging Moisturizer or YEOUTH Day/Night Cream (use a very generous amount) as often as needed and always wear a minimum of SPF 15 to protect the skin during the day. It's best to avoid the sun for a few days after the procedure.

11. Wait at least 2 weeks before applying another peel. Continue this for 8-10 weeks. Then apply the peel once a month as maintenance (if your skin does not have a negative reaction, ie; redness, burning) to attain maximum results.

 Post-Peel Treatment:

1. Do not exercise or induce sweat for 2 hours after the peel.

2. Do not use exfoliating scrubs for 3-5 days after the peel.

3. Do not use Retinol (Vitamin A) for 48 hours after the peel.

4. Apply YEOUTH L-22 daily moisturizer or YEOUTH Day/Night Cream 2 times per day as you normally would.

5. It’s safe to use YEOUTH's Balancing Facial Toner and YEOUTH’s HA serums, including the Vitamin C and E serum, following the glycolic peel.

6. Do not rub, pick or scratch skin. This can cause irritation.

7. Do not wear foundation for 12 hours after the peel.

8. Apply sunscreen, SPF 15-30+ each time you go outside.

After you have included a glycolic acid peel as part of your skin care routine, you'll have everyone wondering where your youthful glow is coming from. Enjoy its plumping, clearing, and rejuvenating benefits!

Have you tried our at-home peel before or are you a beginner? Do you have any skincare questions for us? Talk to us in the comments!

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