Glycolic peeling

Glycolic peeling is considered almost a panacea for all skin problems, from wrinkles to acne. We find out if the rumors about the omnipotence of glycolic acid are not exaggerated.

What is a glycol peel

When talking about chemical peeling with fruit acids, they primarily mean glycolic acid. The purpose of any peeling is to remove epidermal cells. It serves as a trigger for active regeneration, that is, the formation of new cells and renewal of the skin. Fruit (AHA) acids work exactly on this principle.

But glycolic acid has a number of features that distinguish it from colleagues in the shop. This explains its popularity.

  • Small molecular size. This allows it to penetrate the skin more easily and act faster.

  • Remodeling effect. Exfoliating the cells of the epidermis, glycolic acid indirectly affects the deep layer of the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Hence the rejuvenating effect – reduction of wrinkles and thickening of the skin.

What procedure do you need? Take our quiz to find out.

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Types of glycolic peels

As the medical expert notes Vichy Ekaterina Turubara: “Glycolic peeling (or hydroxyacetic acid peeling) is not one, but several different procedures that vary depending on the pH of the acid solution and its concentration from 5 to 70%.”

  • At low concentrations glycolic acid, only a slight renewal and smoothing of the skin surface, an improvement in complexion is obtained. Products with a low concentration are products for home care or pre-peel preparation.

  • «At a high concentration (from 40% to 70%), the stratum corneum of the epidermis is “burned out” completely, as a result, tissues are deeply renewed, which helps to reduce age-related changes. Such peeling is carried out only by a doctor in a cosmetology room.

Peeling removes dead cells of the epidermis.

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Operating principle

Glycolic acid breaks down the bonds between the cells of the epidermis, causing an inflammatory response. And it, in turn, serves as a signal for the deeper layers of the skin to begin the recovery process. Glycolic acid also stimulates the production of collagen and glucosamines (hyaluronic acid).

In fact, it makes the surface layer of the skin thinner, and the deep one more dense. As a result, we have a double anti-age effect, since wrinkles are smoothed out from the outside and “pushed out” from the inside.

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Indications for use

Peelings are indicated for the skin, which is characterized by thickening of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratosis), caused by the inability to renew itself in time.

  1. Oily and problem skin prone to acne

    In skin characterized by excessively active work of the sebaceous glands, the process of natural exfoliation is disrupted. The accumulation of dead cells on its surface becomes one of the causes of clogging of pores with all the ensuing consequences.

  2. Aging skin

    With age, the process of cell renewal slows down, and glycolic acid can speed it up.

Glycolic peeling is indicated for aging skin.

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Peculiarities of peeling with glycolic acid

The preparatory stage is standard – cleansing. Any composition for peeling is applied to clean skin.

Post-peeling care should be comprehensive. But first, about how the skin will look after the procedure. It mainly depends on the depth of impact.

  1. After superficial peeling the skin is pink, and the process of peeling is implicit.

  2. RџSЂRё middle impact redness is more pronounced and does not go away longer, and exfoliating scales are more noticeable.

After the procedure, the following steps should be taken:

  • moisturize epidermis with a cream based on hydrofixators.

  • protect skin from UV radiationto prevent pigmentation – for this, apply a cream with a high SPF factor in the morning and renew it during the day;

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Safety measures

Sensitive skin is not the best candidate for a glycol peel, as reactivity after the procedure can increase significantly. A qualified doctor will adequately assess the situation. Among the absolute contraindications:

  • pregnancy and lactation;

  • epidermal damage;

  • the presence of neoplasms.

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Beautician advice

However, this update also has disadvantages:

  1. a fairly long recovery period (in the case of high concentrations) – up to a week;

  2. relatively long course;

  3. the procedure leads to photosensitivity, so the use of sunscreen is strictly necessary.

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Funds overview

Below we give examples of peeling cosmetics, as well as cosmetics with an exfoliating effect and glycolic acid in the composition.

Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight, SkinCeuticals

The combination of 10% glycolic and phytic acids effectively renews the skin, the formula also includes soothing ingredients, but at first it is recommended to apply the cream every other day (or rather, night).

Peeling serum “Revitalift Laser x3” in ampoules, L’Oréal Paris

Ampoules for a weekly course of peeling at home contain 10% glycolic acid and moisturizing ingredients – glycerin and aloe.

Peeling serum night action in ampoules LiftActiv Specialist Glyco-C, Vichy

The formula includes three components to renew and smooth the skin: glycolic acid, citric acid, vitamin C.

Re-Plasty Peel Mask, Helena Rubinstein

It has both an exfoliating and moisturizing effect, softens and evens out the surface of the skin. The formula combines glycolic, lactic and phytic acids, as well as urea.

Cream-gel for problem skin with the first signs of aging Normaderm Anti-Age, Vichy

Glycolic acid eliminates one of the causes of oily skin troubles – the accumulation of dead cells on its surface. And at the same time it has a rejuvenating effect, renewing and smoothing the skin. The formula also contains lipohydroxy acid and vitamin C.

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