A chemical peel is a cosmetic skin treatment that uses an acid to remove the outer layers of the skin. The process can help with acne scars, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation.
A 70 unbuffered chemical peel uses trichloroacetic acid to remove the outer layer of skin. This type of peel is typically used for acne scars or wrinkles, but it can also be used to treat pigmentation issues like sun damage and age spots.
What Is A Chemical Peel 70 Unbuffered
The process involves applying a chemical solution to your face that causes irritation for about 20 minutes before neutralizing the solution. The irritation causes your body to create new collagen, which helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid skin chemical peel 70 unbuffered
About this item
ALL NATURAL AHAs – A glycolic peel is a chemical peel made from a naturally occurring fruit sugar acid called an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It works by gently peeling and exfoliating the most damaged, outermost layers of your skin stimulating the cells to grow new skin cells and produce collagen.
MULTI-PURPOSE REJUVENATING TREATMENT – This facial skin peel treats many skin issues including moisturizing dry skin, treating discoloration and age spots, repairing scars, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenating the skin’s surface via increasing the rate of cell regeneration.
GENTLY EXFOLIATES – This professional grade chemical peel lightly exfoliates and removes the old, damaged and dead cells from the top layers of your skin. It loosens and gently sloughs off the bonds that hold them together so that new cells can replace them and give your skin that much-needed glow up.
MOISTURIZES & INCREASES COLLAGEN PRODUCTION – Even though glycolic acid peels dry out the skin on purpose when exfoliating, it actually draws in moisture to the newly exfoliated surface increasing the firmness and thickness of your skin’s layers, in turn promoting an increase in collagen production.
BREAKS SKIN DOWN TO BUILD IT UP – Don’t worry if red splotches and patches appear on your face after using this skin peel. This is normal and means that the peel is actually working. Glycolic acid will break down and exfoliate your face, removing the dead skin first for new growth to take place.
Glycolic acid peel
Glycolic acid is a colorless, odorless alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It’s a type of chemical exfoliant that dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be wiped away easily, revealing smooth, younger skin below.
It’s actually the smallest naturally occurring AHA, Zeljka Kreptic, Ph.D., a lecturer in physical chemistry at the University of Salford, tells SELF. That means it can penetrate the skin more deeply and easily compared to other AHAs you might know, like lactic acid, which is why it is so commonly used.
AHAs like glycolic acid are water soluble, which means they dissolve in water. On the other hand, beta-hydroxy-acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, are oil soluble, meaning they dissolve in oil and can penetrate deeper into oily pores, Marisa Garshick M.D., board-certified dermatologist at the Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center, tells SELF.
But that doesn’t mean AHAs aren’t effective. If used correctly, as in a glycolic acid peel, they can be an easy way to get smoother, glowing skin.
Who should try a glycolic acid peel?
Do your skin concerns include managing hyperpigmentation or fending off fine lines and wrinkles? If yes, then a glycolic acid peel might be the treatment for you. Because it’s a powerful exfoliant, it can visibly reduce signs of aging and hyperpigmentation by weakening the connections between the cells in the top layer of the skin, which helps remove the dead skin cells, giving the skin a refreshed look and a glowing complexion.
More specifically, glycolic acid reacts readily with the upper layer of the skin, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together through a process called desquamation. That allows the outer skin to dissolve, subsequently revealing the underlying skin, Dr. Kreptic says.
These effects can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sunspots, melasma, and acne scars, Dr. Garshick explains. Regularly exfoliating can also help manage acne because it prevents pores from getting clogged.
When it comes to managing melasma, glycolic acid can be used to suppress the formation of melanin pigment in the skin. It does so by inhibiting the actions of tyrosinase, an enzyme that normally speeds up the complex process by which the pigment melanin is produced by certain types of skin cells. Slowing this process down results in less hyperpigmentation. But don’t expect to see results straight away; it normally takes between four and eight treatments before you see a significant difference.
Can you get a glycolic acid peel if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin?
We know that chemical peels can, over time, improve the appearance of some acne scars. But can you get them done if you have active acne? Yes! In fact, there’s some research to show that glycolic acid has antibacterial effects on P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne.
However, if you have sensitive skin or a condition like psoriasis, rosacea, or eczema, is it essential to speak with a board-certified dermatologist prior to any chemical peels. Glycolic acid tends to be more irritating than other chemical exfoliants, so you may need to choose a different acid or figure out a different treatment option.
It’s also important to avoid doing a peel if you have a sunburn or active skin infection. And if you’re taking any prescription medications for your acne, you should talk about that with your dermatologist before doing a peel, as these can also irritate your skin.
Can you get a glycolic acid peel if you’re pregnant?
Lower concentrations (up to about 10%) found in over-the-counter products that you can use at home are fine, Dr. Gershick says. But at higher concentrations, the acid makes its way deeper into the skin and possibly into the bloodstream.
There aren’t a ton of great studies about exactly how much glycolic acid gets into the bloodstream or what effects that might have during pregnancy. But the little research we do have suggests that, actually, the vast majority of the acid is absorbed by the skin—even in peels with high concentrations. Still, Dr. Garshick says these peels should generally be avoided while pregnant, just to be totally sure. You can talk it over with your ob-gyn and your dermatologist to figure out what makes sense in your unique situation.
What concentration of glycolic acid should you ask for?
There are three major types of glycolic acid peels, which differ based on both the concentration of the glycolic acid in the product being used and the amount of time that it stays on your skin, Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, tells SELF.
Here’s what to expect with each level of in-office peel:
Light: A light, or “superficial,” peel involves the use of 20% to 30% glycolic acid, which is applied for just a minute or two. This will only peel the surface layer of the skin, which is helpful for mild hyperpigmentation. A light peel doesn’t require any actual downtime, but you should refrain from using skin-care or makeup products for 24 hours after the peel to give your skin time to recuperate.
Medium: At this level, you can expect to receive a 35% to 50% concentration of glycolic acid for two to five minutes. With that application, the acid can penetrate into the papillary dermis (the uppermost layer of the dermis, which sits below the epidermis). Medium-depth peels can be helpful for melasma and hyperpigmentation as well as improving the skin’s overall texture. However, expect about a week of downtime (meaning your skin may be red and sensitive, and you’ll have to refrain from using makeup and certain skin-care products) with a medium-depth peel.
Deep: For deep peels, dermatologists use 55% to 70% glycolic acid, applied for at least three minutes and possibly up to 15 minutes. These peels can penetrate into the reticular dermis (the lower level of the dermis, below the papillary dermis). Deep peels can do everything that medium-depth peels can, as well as even improve the appearance of acne scars. Deep peels also typically require downtime of up to two weeks. This level of peel is usually reserved for treating deeper wrinkles or precancerous growths because it can come with serious side effects, including a risk for infection and scarring.
High or unregulated concentrations of glycolic acid (anything above 70%) would be considered too high even for a peel that only stays on your skin for a few minutes.
However, keep in mind that the exact procedure and time of exposure will vary based on your particular skin goals. And as always, your dermatologist will be able to provide you with all the information you need to decide which depth is right for you.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid Peels
The benefits of undergoing a glycolic peel include:
- Reducing hyperpigmentation
- Evening out skin tone
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
- Adding glow and luster to skin1
Cecilia Wong, founder of Cecilia Wong Skincare and a celebrity facialist, lauds glycolic acid peels for stimulating natural collagen production, along with diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. It’s much more than an anti-aging product, though; glycolic acid also lightens discolorations such as sun and age spots. It can even help skin that’s prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne by keeping pores clear of old skin that tends to clog them and cause problems.1 As Eichten mentioned, it penetrates deeply into the skin to reform texture and dullness. It leaves skin looking refreshed, bright, and refined.
What’s also notable is the fact that it’s safe to use during pregnancy. “Glycolic acid is great for combating the hyperpigmentation that can occur from the hormonal surges that occur in pregnancy, called chloasma,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, dermatologist, and director of dermatologic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital Center. “When I was pregnant, I used Elizabeth Arden’s Skin Illuminating Retexturizing Pads ($56). I would often wash with a gentle cleanser then use these as a treatment toner two to three times a week,” adds Engelman.
How to Prepare for a Glycolic Acid Peel
Prior to your appointment—at least a week, but ideally more—avoid all forms of exfoliation—treatments and products—since this will only serve to damage and irritate skin. While exfoliating cleansers and scrubs might be the obvious products to steer clear of, you should also check your skincare routine for products with any AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, and certain botanicals since these ingredients possess exfoliating properties.2
What to Expect During a Glycolic Acid Peel
A glycolic acid peel done in a dermatologist’s office is a quick and effective way to rejuvenate the skin. Dermatologists use a 30 to 40 percent concentration of glycolic acid, and it stays on your skin for only two or three minutes. These are often called “lunchtime peels” because they can be done easily during your break, with little downtime.
While the term “peel” makes the treatment sound harsh, it’s actually quite gentle. You’ll feel some tingling, but there’s no burning, redness, or discomfort. New York City dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz performs an in-office glycolic peel in less than five minutes.
How should you care for your skin after the peel?
As noted above, the healing time can take anywhere between one and 14 days. During that time it’s important to be super gentle with your skin. That means avoiding any additional exfoliation, using only gentle skin-care products (if any), and always using sun protection.
Depending on the depth of your peel, your dermatologist may recommend using an ointment (like petroleum jelly) to keep the skin protected. If your skin is feeling tight or swollen (after a medium or deep peel), you may be able to use a fan or ice packs to help it feel better. You can also use over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen.
It’s also important to keep the skin hydrated and avoid steam rooms, saunas, and anything that can dry your skin out quickly. This includes washing your face with water that’s too hot—stick to using lukewarm water on your face, now and always.
How long will it take to see results?
The general rule is that you’ll see results once your skin has fully healed. That depends on the depth of the peel, the concentration of glycolic acid used, and the amount of time you were exposed to the peel. Overall, it can take up to two weeks for new skin to develop.
But remember that in many cases it will take repeated treatments to see really noticeable results. And unfortunately, any results you see may not be permanent because your skin will continue to age, the AAD explains. And your skin’s personality will stay the same. For instance, if you’re prone to visible sun damage or acne-related hyperpigmentation, you will still be likely to experience those things after the peel.
How often should you get peels?
For most people, it’s recommended to do multiple peels to get the best results, usually between three and six treatments. But the amount of treatments that’s right for you depends on both your desired results and your budget. Peels can cost between $80 and $200 each, Dr. Garshick says, and that adds up quickly when you’re doing multiple treatments. It’s also good to remember that peels aren’t usually covered by insurance.
That makes it all the more important to have a thorough conversation with your dermatologist when deciding on a treatment regimen for your unique skin needs. They should also talk you through the recovery time and the possible side effects and complications of the treatment, which can vary from person to person.
And know that once you start the treatment, the course might change. It’s especially important to be mindful of how your skin is feeling after the first peel, which will clue you and your derm in to how well your skin can tolerate the acid and whether it can tolerate more peels. Over-exfoliating the skin can cause irritation and sensitivity, so it’s crucial to make sure you’re approaching the procedure with care.