Glycolic Peels
Glycolic peels, made from alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), are in the lightest category of chemical peels. Known as a "lunchtime procedure," due to their short duration and rapid recovery time, AHA peels can be used to remove superficial wrinkles and dry patches of skin, as well as to treat sun damage and acne scars. Recent research has also indicated that glycolic peels can help patients with acne and rosacea, making the skin more responsive to other treatments and medications. The procedure may need to be repeated several times in order to achieve the best possible results.
The Procedure
Glycolic peels are done in a doctor's office as a quick, outpatient procedure. The doctor begins by cleansing the patient's skin. Once the face is prepared, the doctor applies the solution. After about ten to fifteen minutes, the peel is removed and the patient is free to go. No anesthesia is required during the peel, and no special ointments are necessary afterwards. Glycolic peels remove the outermost layer of skin, revealing the smoother skin beneath.
After a Glycolic Peel
Recovery time after a glycolic peel is relatively short. While deeper skin peels may take over a week to heal significantly, patients who undergo an AHA peel can resume public activities right away -- almost always by the following day. Some dryness, flakiness, and redness should be expected, as the top layer of skin falls away to reveal the smoother, healthier skin beneath.
Health Concerns
Patients who smoke, who take or have taken the drug, Accutane, recently, or who have a history of keloid formation should avoid any type of chemical peel, including glycolic peels. Possible side effects and complications from chemical peels include scarring, changes in pigmentation, and infection. Because they are milder than other types of chemical peels, glycolic peels carry a much lower risk of complication than TCA or phenol peels.
