Acidic joys for the face: what can glycol peeling do

Glycolic peeling refers to cosmetic facial cleansing procedures. Despite the fact that glycolic acid – the basis of such peeling – belongs to the class of AHA acids and is considered quite harmless, experts recommend not using it at home. Superficial chemical peeling of the face with AHA acids has a good cleansing effect and a rejuvenating effect due to the correctly selected concentration of acids, depending on the skin problem to be solved. Glycolic peeling should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist cosmetologist to avoid burns or an allergic reaction.

The essence of the effect of glycol peeling on the skin

Glycolic acid belongs to fruit acids, its special properties are valuable for peeling. So, it has a very small molecule that can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. At the same time, glycolic acid molecules absorb water, affect the production of melanin, and stimulate the synthesis of certain protein structures. Destroying intercellular bonds in the stratum corneum, glycolic acid promotes intensive exfoliation of dead skin scales and skin cleansing.

Properties of glycol peeling:

• cleansing and exfoliating;
• stimulation of the synthesis of elastin and collagen fibers;
• moisturizing the skin and eliminating hyperkeratosis;
• reduction in the appearance of stretch marks and scars;
• elimination of sagging skin and fine wrinkles;
• reduction of skin pores and reduction of sebum secretion;
• whitening effect, pigmentation reduction.

Glycolic peeling is sometimes used as a preparatory procedure before plastic surgery on the face. Depending on the problem being solved, the concentration of glycolic acid for facial peeling can be from 10 to 70%.

Peculiarities of Glycolic Facial Peeling

In order for glycolic peeling not to harm the skin and bring the maximum effect, you need to prepare your face for it in advance. The patient is advised to start using home care products with a low content of glycolic acid two weeks before the proposed glycolic peel. This will loosen the stratum corneum a little & nbsp; and adapt the skin  to AHA acids. It is also important that such preparation will be able to identify a possible skin rejection of this type of fruit acids or an allergic reaction to glycolic acid, which will help to avoid complications after peeling in the future.

In the process of glycolic peeling, after cleansing, the skin is treated with a gel with 5% glycolic acid, and then the peeling composition – strictly in the direction from the forehead to the chin. At the end of the procedure, careful alkaline neutralization of the glycol composition is very important – and in the same order from the forehead, nose and temples to the cheeks and chin.

The beautician must carefully monitor the condition of the skin, and if one or two particularly hyperemic and edematous points appear during the peeling process, then they must be urgently neutralized. If there are three or more inflamed areas – all peeling is immediately neutralized. Then the alkaline neutralizing compound is washed off with plenty of cool water.  Next, a moisturizing mask, a soothing mask, an anti-inflammatory agent are applied to the face.

The patient should be warned that skin hyperemia will be observed after glycolic peeling, as well as about the means that he can use at home to relieve inflammation, itching and possible crusts on the skin, about means for skin photoprotection. The course of glycolic peels can be up to 8-10 sessions, during which you can gradually increase the concentration of glycolic acid.