Glycolic acid peel

You should not use glycolic acid immediately after The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution or any other strong chemical exfoliant. The Ordinary's peeling solution is already a potent combination of acids including glycolic acid (an AHA), and layering additional glycolic acid on top would cause excessive exfoliation, severe irritation, compromised skin barrier, increased sensitivity and potential chemical burns. After using The Ordinary peeling solution (which should only be left on for a maximum of 10 minutes as directed), you should rinse thoroughly, follow with gentle, hydrating skincare, avoid all other active ingredients for at least 24 to 48 hours, and wait several days before reintroducing any acids including glycolic acid products. If you want to use glycolic acid products as part of your routine, you should alternate them with The Ordinary peeling solution, not use them together. A safe approach would be to use The Ordinary peeling solution once per week maximum, use glycolic acid products (like toners or serums) on other days if your skin tolerates it, always ensure at least 24 hours between using any acid products after the peeling solution, and listen to your skin, reducing frequency if you experience irritation. The key principle is that chemical exfoliants should not be layered or used too frequently, as this leads to over-exfoliation which damages the skin barrier, causes redness, sensitivity, peeling, breakouts and long-term skin damage. If you are using The Ordinary peeling solution, you likely do not need additional glycolic acid products, as the peeling solution provides substantial exfoliation on its own. Focus on supporting your skin barrier with hydrating, soothing products between exfoliation sessions rather than adding more acids.

Prices vary between clinics, but Glycolic Acid Peel typically ranges from around £75 to £399. The cost depends on factors such as peel strength and formulation, the treatment area and complexity, the number of sessions required, and the practitioner’s experience and clinic location. If you’re wondering how much Glycolic Acid Peel costs or the price of Glycolic Acid Peel, remember that personalised treatment plans and any combination with other procedures will affect the final fee. You can find the exact, up-to-date price for this treatment in the catalogue

Yes, you can and should use hyaluronic acid after a glycolic acid peel. In fact, hyaluronic acid is one of the best ingredients to use post-peel as it provides essential hydration and supports healing without interfering with the peel's effects. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, which is exactly what freshly exfoliated skin needs. After a glycolic peel, whether performed professionally or using an at-home product, your skin will be more vulnerable and in need of hydration and barrier support. Using hyaluronic acid helps by deeply hydrating the newly revealed skin, supporting the skin barrier during recovery, reducing tightness and discomfort, and enhancing the overall results of the peel by maintaining optimal skin hydration. The best approach is to wait until the peel has been thoroughly rinsed off and your skin is clean, apply hyaluronic acid serum to slightly damp skin for maximum hydration, follow with a gentle moisturizer to seal in the hyaluronic acid, and continue using hyaluronic acid daily in the days following the peel. Hyaluronic acid is non-irritating, does not interfere with acid activity, does not cause additional exfoliation, and is suitable for all skin types and safe even for sensitive post-peel skin. What you should avoid after a glycolic peel includes other active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, or more acids for several days; harsh or fragranced products; physical exfoliants or scrubs; and anything that could further irritate the skin. Focus on gentle, hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and gentle moisturizers in the days following a peel. This approach supports optimal healing and results while minimizing irritation risk.

Yes, glycolic acid peels work effectively for various skin concerns when used appropriately. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane with the smallest molecular size of all AHAs, allowing it to penetrate skin effectively and provide noticeable exfoliation and rejuvenation benefits. Clinical evidence and extensive use show that glycolic acid peels can effectively improve rough, uneven skin texture; fine lines and early signs of ageing; hyperpigmentation, sun damage and dark spots; acne and acne scarring; dull, lacklustre complexion; enlarged pores; and overall skin tone and clarity. The effectiveness depends on the concentration and pH, with higher concentrations (20-70%) used in professional peels providing more dramatic results, while lower concentrations (5-15%) in at-home products offer gentler, gradual improvement; the frequency and consistency of treatment; your skin type and concerns, with some issues responding better than others; realistic expectations about gradual improvement; and proper preparation and aftercare. Glycolic acid peels work through several mechanisms: breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily; stimulating collagen production in deeper layers; increasing cell turnover rate, bringing fresher cells to the surface; and improving product penetration by removing the barrier of dead cells. Professional-strength peels typically show more dramatic and rapid results, while at-home products provide gentler, cumulative benefits over time. Most people see noticeable improvement in skin texture and radiance after a series of treatments, typically 4 to 6 professional peels or consistent use of at-home products over several weeks. Glycolic acid peels work best for people with sun damage, early ageing, texture concerns, mild acne scarring, or hyperpigmentation, though results vary by individual.

Glycolic acid can cause visible flaking or peeling, though this depends on the concentration used, your skin's sensitivity and how you use the product. Despite being called a 'peel', not all glycolic acid treatments cause dramatic visible peeling. Lower concentration glycolic acid products (5-15%) used in daily skincare typically do not cause obvious visible peeling but work by promoting gentle, microscopic exfoliation that is not visible to the eye. These products may cause very fine flaking that is barely noticeable. Medium concentration peels (20-30%) may cause some light flaking or peeling, particularly 2 to 4 days after treatment, though many people experience improved texture without dramatic shedding. High concentration professional peels (40-70%) are more likely to cause visible peeling, typically beginning 2 to 3 days post-treatment and lasting 3 to 7 days. The term 'chemical peel' refers to the chemical exfoliation process, not necessarily to visible skin shedding. The peeling effect happens because glycolic acid breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells (desmosomes), loosens the outermost skin layers, and accelerates the natural cell turnover process. Whether you experience visible peeling depends on the strength of the product or treatment, your skin thickness and type, how well-hydrated your skin is, and your individual response to glycolic acid. Some people experience noticeable flaking while others just see improved texture without obvious shedding. If visible peeling occurs, it is important to not pick, peel or forcibly remove flaking skin, as this can cause scarring, infection and hyperpigmentation; keep skin well-moisturized to minimize flaking appearance; use gentle cleansing without scrubbing; and allow skin to shed naturally. The absence of visible peeling does not mean the glycolic acid is not working - the exfoliation is still occurring at a cellular level even if you do not see dramatic shedding. Professional peels are designed to cause more controlled, visible peeling for more dramatic results, while daily glycolic products provide subtle, ongoing exfoliation without obvious flaking.

The frequency of glycolic acid peels depends on the strength of the peel, whether it is professional or at-home, your skin type and sensitivity, and your specific skin concerns. For professional glycolic acid peels (typically 30-70% concentration), most dermatologists and aestheticians recommend treatments every 2 to 4 weeks for a series, usually 4 to 6 treatments initially, then maintenance peels every 1 to 3 months depending on your skin's needs and tolerance. For at-home glycolic acid peels (typically 10-30% concentration), these can often be used weekly or every other week, though some gentler formulations may be suitable for twice-weekly use if your skin tolerates it well. For daily glycolic acid products like toners or serums (5-15% concentration), these are designed for daily or every-other-day use as part of your regular skincare routine. Several factors influence appropriate frequency including your skin type, with thicker, oilier skin generally tolerating more frequent peels than thin, dry or sensitive skin; your treatment goals, with more aggressive concerns possibly requiring more frequent initial treatments; how your skin responds, with any irritation, redness or excessive sensitivity indicating you should reduce frequency; and other products in your routine, as using retinoids or other actives requires more spacing between peels. Signs you are doing glycolic peels too frequently include persistent redness or irritation; increased sensitivity to products that previously did not bother you; excessive dryness or flaking; breakouts or skin barrier disruption; and burning or stinging with normally gentle products. If you experience these signs, reduce peel frequency immediately and focus on barrier repair with gentle, hydrating products. A safe approach is to start conservatively with less frequent peels (every 3-4 weeks for professional, every 10-14 days for at-home), gradually increase frequency only if skin tolerates it well, always allow complete healing between treatments, and listen to your skin rather than following rigid schedules. More frequent peels are not necessarily better and can actually damage your skin barrier, leading to worse skin problems. Professional guidance is valuable for determining the optimal peel frequency for your specific skin.

Yes, glycolic acid is a type of chemical peel, specifically an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel. The term 'chemical peel' refers to any treatment that uses chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting new cell growth. Glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used chemicals for this purpose. Chemical peels are categorized by depth: superficial peels affect only the outermost layer (epidermis); medium-depth peels penetrate to the upper dermis; and deep peels reach the mid-dermal layer. Glycolic acid typically provides superficial to medium-depth peeling depending on the concentration, pH and application time. At lower concentrations (5-15%), glycolic acid provides very superficial exfoliation suitable for daily use. At medium concentrations (20-40%), it provides a true superficial peel with visible results and some recovery time. At higher concentrations (50-70%), it can achieve medium-depth peeling with more significant results and longer healing. Not all glycolic acid products are considered 'peels' in the traditional sense - daily glycolic acid toners or cleansers at low concentrations are exfoliating treatments but not true chemical peels. When people refer to 'glycolic peels', they usually mean professional-strength treatments (30-70%) performed in clinical settings, at-home peel products (10-30%) designed for periodic intensive exfoliation, or procedures that cause visible results and require specific aftercare. Glycolic acid works as a chemical peel by breaking down the bonds between skin cells, dissolving the 'glue' that holds dead cells together, promoting accelerated cell turnover, and stimulating collagen production in deeper layers. Other types of chemical peels include other AHAs like lactic or mandelic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid, and stronger acids like TCA or phenol for deeper peels. Glycolic acid is among the most popular due to its small molecular size allowing effective penetration, versatility across concentrations, extensive research and established safety profile, and effectiveness for multiple skin concerns. Whether used in daily skincare or periodic professional treatments, glycolic acid is indeed a chemical peel, though the intensity and results vary dramatically based on formulation and use.

Glycolic acid peels work through chemical exfoliation to improve skin appearance, texture and health through multiple mechanisms. The primary actions include exfoliating the outermost layer of dead skin cells by dissolving the bonds that hold them together, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath; stimulating collagen and elastin production in the deeper dermal layers, improving skin firmness and reducing fine lines; increasing cell turnover rate, bringing newer, healthier cells to the surface more quickly; improving skin texture by smoothing rough patches and evening out the surface; reducing hyperpigmentation by breaking down excess melanin deposits and promoting more even pigment distribution; unclogging pores by removing debris and dead cells that can cause blockages; and enhancing product penetration by removing the barrier of dead cells, allowing other skincare products to work more effectively. Specific benefits people experience from glycolic acid peels include brighter, more radiant complexion with improved light reflection; smoother, softer skin texture; reduced appearance of fine lines and early wrinkles; fading of sun damage, age spots and hyperpigmentation; improvement in mild acne and reduction in breakouts; minimized appearance of pores; more even skin tone; improved firmness and elasticity over time; and reduction in the appearance of mild acne scars. The depth and intensity of results depend on the concentration used, with higher concentrations providing more dramatic but temporary effects requiring recovery time, while lower concentrations offer gradual, cumulative benefits. Glycolic acid peels are versatile, addressing multiple concerns simultaneously, making them popular for overall skin rejuvenation. They work on the principle that removing damaged outer layers and stimulating regeneration leads to healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Most effective when done as a series of treatments rather than one-time sessions, and results are enhanced when combined with good daily skincare including sun protection, as newly revealed skin is more vulnerable to UV damage.

Before glycolic acid peel treatment, people typically have various skin concerns including dull, lacklustre complexion with uneven tone; rough, bumpy or uneven texture; fine lines and early signs of ageing; hyperpigmentation including sun damage, age spots or post-inflammatory marks; mild acne, blackheads or congested pores; acne scarring or uneven skin surface; or simply wanting overall skin rejuvenation and improvement. The skin may appear tired, aged or showing cumulative sun damage and environmental stress. After glycolic acid peel treatment, whether a series of professional peels (typically 4-6 sessions over several months) or consistent use of at-home glycolic products (over 6-12 weeks), most people experience noticeable improvements in their skin. Common results include significantly brighter, more radiant complexion with improved glow; smoother, more refined skin texture; reduction in the appearance of fine lines, particularly around eyes and mouth; fading of hyperpigmentation, sun damage and dark spots for more even tone; clearer skin with fewer breakouts and less congestion; smaller-appearing pores with improved clarity; firmer, more elastic skin from increased collagen; and overall more youthful, healthy-looking complexion. The degree of improvement varies considerably depending on the starting skin condition and severity of concerns; the strength and type of glycolic peel used, with professional peels typically showing more dramatic results; the number of treatments completed; consistency and adherence to the treatment protocol; proper pre- and post-peel care including sun protection; and individual skin response and healing capacity. Some people achieve quite dramatic transformation with significantly clearer, more youthful skin, while others experience more subtle but still worthwhile improvement. Professional peels generally produce more noticeable results than at-home products, though at-home glycolic products can provide excellent gradual improvement with consistency. During the treatment process, appearance changes happen in stages: immediately after a peel, skin may be red and slightly swollen; within 2-4 days, some people experience light flaking or peeling, though this is not always visible; gradual improvement becomes noticeable as new skin emerges; optimal results develop over several weeks as collagen builds and cell turnover normalizes. For at-home glycolic products, changes are more gradual with subtle improvement building over weeks of consistent use. It is important to maintain results through ongoing skincare, regular (but not excessive) exfoliation, diligent sun protection, and possibly periodic maintenance peels. Results are not permanent, as natural aging and sun exposure continue, but regular appropriate use of glycolic acid can maintain improved skin quality long-term. Your practitioner or dermatologist should provide realistic before and after photos from their own work showing typical results after treatment courses across different skin types and concerns. Most people with appropriate expectations are very satisfied with glycolic acid peel results, finding that their skin looks healthier, more radiant and more youthful with relatively simple, non-invasive treatment. The key to success is consistency, realistic expectations about gradual improvement, proper use of appropriate strengths for your skin, and commitment to sun protection and good skincare practices to maintain and enhance results over time.