Two years ago, in my eternal quest for beautiful skin, I went in for a series of chemical peels. I can not say it was an enjoyable experience. In fact, it hurt like heck. Something about having the skin burned off your face within a matter of minutes, the stinging, the throbbing, the tears borne from nothing but the sheer pain of it all, is not pleasant. This, exacerbated by the fact that I had to either stay indoors for two weeks (emerging only under the dark of night), or wear a disguise before going into public, made the whole experience questionable. That said, the peel did work exceptionally well. All those sunspots and blemishes which had beaten at my self-esteem for so many years improved significantly after the treatment. My skin looked much, much better.

My experience is not uncommon. However, I did go in for a deeper, more intense peel. There are other chemical peels available which are less intense, offering results with very little down time and pain. The glycolic peel is one of those options.

A glycolic peel is a light chemical peel used in the treatment of fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, age spots, superficial acne scars and dryness. It is most effective for fair skinned people and may not be recommended for darker skin tones. Through the use of alphahydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, the glycolic peel removes the outermost layers of the skin. Although it may not be as effective as a deeper peel, time and again the glycolic peel has been shown to improve the appearance of skin markedly. What’s more, no anesthetic is necessary, and there is virtually no down time so patients can continue to go about their business without hiding under big hats, sunglasses and 20 layers of cake make-up.

Glycolic peels work in three key ways. First, the application of glycolic acid to the skin loosens the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together. This causes the skin to exfoliate its outermost, damaged layers, leading to more radiant, younger looking skin. Secondly, glycolic peels unblock the skin’s follicles, reducing and preventing acne. Lastly, glycolic acid works deep in the skin, rejuvenating and regenerating collagen and elastin which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This three part action is what makes glycolic peels so effective: exfoliating, clearing, and regenerating.

The procedure itself is mild enough. First, glycolic acid is applied to the skin with a sponge. The acid is then left on the skin for a few minutes. The strength of the acid, as well as the severity and type of problem being treated, determine just how long this will take. Finally, the acid is washed off with water or a neutralizing solution such as sodium bicarbonate. Your doctor may then give you some topical creams such as vitamin E and sun block to protect the skin and aid in the healing process. Although there is little down time with a glycolic peel, redness is not uncommon, and your skin is likely to exfoliate for 7 to 10 days after the procedure. Multiple treatments may be necessary for optimal results.

If you’re looking to try a chemical peel but the side effects of more intense peels don’t fit into your lifestyle, glycolic peels are a good way to go. For more information, contact your dermatologist.