By Scott LeRoy
A glycolic acid peel only sounds scary - actually, for millions of women it has become the answer to having smoother, blemish free skin in as little as 15 minutes. If you have acne scarring, wrinkles, sun damage or freckling you don't have to be unhappy with your reflection in the mirror anymore. And if you don't think you can fit a cosmetic procedure into your either your budget or your busy schedule, think again. Mild chemical peels can be relatively affordable and they can be performed so quickly and easily that they have come to be known as the "lunchtime" peel.
Facial peels are a skin care treatment which basically burns off a layer of damaged skin, leaving a clean, smooth layer in its place. While peels can occasionally be applied to other areas of the body, such as the hands, they are generally restricted to the face. Glycolic acid products are among the most gentle of peel alternatives. The effect on the skin is normally mild and recovery is very quick. Because of their mild nature, it may take several applications every few weeks to achieve optimum results.
Though it is recommended that deeper peels only be performed by a doctor, glycolic acid peels can be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or even be self administered at home. Mild peels are normally used to address thin lesions on the skin surface, such as fine wrinkles or freckles or pigment damage. For more serious blemishes, deeper peels are necessary. Glycolic peels generally result in light reddening and some tingling, which subside after several hours. Along with removing damaged skin, they can also stimulate collagen growth, helping to promote smooth skin.
Even though glycolic acid products can be safely applied by non-medical personnel, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before undergoing any such treatment. Not every patient will respond to every product the same way, and you may have special medical needs which will affect your ability to tolerate a peel. Your doctor will be able to warn you of any potential problems and possibly recommend which product is best for you to use.
After consulting with your doctor, you'll need to take several steps to prepare for your peel. These include the application of pre-treatment creams at night and 30+ SPF sunscreen during the day for several weeks prior to the application of a glycolic acid peel. You may also have to take an oral antibiotic or stop taking some medications which may interact badly with the ingredients in the peel.
Once you have completed treatment with glycolic acid products, you will need to take special precautions to protect the new layer of skin. Keep the treated area cool with a water spray to relieve burning and remember never to pick at the peeling skin as this can result in permanent scarring or discoloration. You should always keep the skin properly moisturized using light creams and protect it from the sun for at least six months after a peel. You may also be advised to use special moisturizing products at night which contain similar ingredients to those found in the milder peels.
Though complications are not common with milder peels, there is always some risk involved. Acne can result from either the glycolic acid peel or the moisturizers used in conjunction with it, bacterial infection can occasionally occur, as can scarring or blotchy coloring. Fortunately, with the exception of scarring which can be permanent, these are all easily treatable.
No-one likes to look in the mirror and see flaws, but there is help available. Clear, smooth, youthful looking skin can be easily achieved with a 15 minute glycolic peel. Consult with your doctor today and find out which treatment will work best for you. In the space of your lunch hour, you can begin to feel better about your reflection!
Scott LeRoy has been researching and analyzing dermatological applications and treatments for many years. He is a regular contributor to Skin Treatments, a section of www.skinsite.com dedicated to conventional and alternative treatments of various conditions.
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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 7:28 AM
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