A Guide to Glycolic Acid Peels

Glycolic Acid Peels Glycolic Acid Peels can bring great benefits to the skin and have been used successfully on many thousands of people. The below is as an information guide and introduction on what to expect from a peel and how the process works. The Alpha Hydroxy Acid “Glycolic Peel” is derived from sugar cane and has the smallest molecular structure of the AHA family and therefore can penetrate into the skin much more effectively than other Alpha Hydroxy Acids. It is not absorbed into the body and will not cause any systemic side effects like chemicals used in other peels. A gentle glycolic acid peel can be performed with varying percentages of glycolic acid. Glycolic acid loosens the “glue-like” attachments or cellular cement that is characteristic of many skin conditions such as ageing, acne, skin discolouration and coarse texture. After just a few weeks your skin looks brighter, clearer and dry skin becomes hydrated and smooth. Glycolic acid helps reduce cell “build up” at the lower levels of the skin. This facial procedure will resurface the skin giving dramatically softer, smoother texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and reducing scarring. A course of six Jan Marini peels is recommended for optimum results over a six to twelve week period. However, you should seek advice from your practitioner as results and variation of treatment is personal to each individual. The depth of the resurfacing facial peel is controlled by three factors;

The concentration of the solution.
The length of time it is applied.
Preparation of the skin.

It is therefore important to appreciate that all individuals who wish to undergo glycolic peels must first be on a home care programme, using glycolic acid based products for at least two weeks prior to the first peel and also during the course of peels.

THE HOME CARE PROGRAMME
Your trained Jan Marini skin care practitioner will place you on a home care programme for at least 2-3 weeks prior to your first glycolic acid peel. This is very important as no peel can be performed without your skin being prepared.

The Jan Marini Home Care Programme consists of a selection of products which will introduce your skin to glycolic acid (obviously at much lower percentages than the peels) and will be most important as part of the overall glycolic peel procedure. A sun block factor 30 is always included in the home care programme.

BENEF ITS OF A GLYCOLIC PEEL
Assists to resolve photo-damaged skin (sun damage), acne and scar reduction, premature ageing, hyperpigmentation.

Significantly decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stimulates collagen and elastin.

Accelerates the results that can be achieved with glycolic home care products.

Produces dramatic changes with virtually no erythema or recovery period.

Make-up can be applied immediately and normal activities can resume after treatment.

THE GLYCOLIC PEEL PROCEDURE
All individuals must sign a consent form prior to undergoing glycolic peels.

The skin is cleansed with an appropriate cleansing solution.

No jewellery should be worn around the neck/ears on day of peel. Glycolic acid home care products should cease the day prior to and after the peel.

On application of the glycolic acid peel you may experience a mild stinging sensation which normally disappears within one minute. The acid peel is left in place for a period of time that will be assessed by your practitioner. This is also dependent on how your skin has reacted to the home care programme and to the amount of peels you have experienced.

The face may become pink after the solution is applied. There may also be a faint whitish discolouration in some areas. Some individuals may experience more stinging than others – this is normal and will resolve once the peel is washed off. In some instances you may experience some flaking of the skin after your peel – this is normal.

Any redness or dehydration, if present, will subside during the first few days post peel. It is important to check with your practitioner concerning these points. Under no circumstances should you pick off any dead skin, to do so may cause pain and possible bleeding.

If you have been treated for acne during the past year and have been prescribed Accutane, please note as follows: Accutane should be discontinued for approximately six months to one year before glycolic acid peels can be administered and only with your physician’s approval.

If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, or are suffering from any medical condition, please consult with your GP before undergoing a peel.

No sunbathing or use of a sun bed is recommended for the week after your peel.