Hi all!
Peels are all the rage right now. They help you achieve softer, smoother and glowing skin that makes you look younger. But many women step back at the name of peels. Today’s post is for those women who are afraid to give the professional and strong acid peel a shot but would rather prefer using a milder one with almost no risk associated.
Things you will need:
• Gentle cleanser
• Rubbing alcohol (optional)
• Glycolic Acid Peel
• Small bowl to mix
• Fan brush for application
• Neutralizer, available with some kits. If neutralizer is not available, you can use baking soda solution to neutralize the acid at the end: Mix ½ cup baking soda with 2 cups water.
• Vaseline
• A heavy moisturizer or coconut oil.
• A timer
Application:
1. Cleanse your skin, pat dry and apply a rubbing alcohol all over like you apply a toner.
2. Apply Vaseline to nostrils, eyebrows and lips.
3. Pour some amount of glycolic facial peel into a bowl.
4. With the help of a fan brush, apply the peel to your face. Make sure the application is even, else the results might show uneven.
5. Avoid the eye, lip and neck areas as these tend to react more severely. Also avoid any broken skin or active breakouts.
6. Be careful to not get any product into your eyes.
7. Start the timer as soon as you apply the first coat.
Expectation:
1. Skin might tingle a bit. Do not worry because this means the peel is being activated.
2. It might become pink or slightly red, especially in the sensitive areas.
3. If you experience excessive stinging or pain or if the redness is excess, neutralize immediately.
Removal:
1. Once the recommended time is up, apply the baking soda solution all over your face. It might sting a little in the beginning. Continue to splash baking soda solution for at least a minute.
2. When your skin feels cooled down, cleanse your face with clean water.
3. Pat dry and apply a good moisturizer or oil. You can even apply a soothing nourishing mask.
Post-peel care:
1. Apply a good moisturizer or even coconut oil regularly, as the skin will become quite dry in the succeeding days.
2. Do not use any exfoliating product for at least a week after the peel.
3. Try to avoid exposure to excessive heat and harsh conditions.
4. Do not pick at the flaky skin. Just load up on moisturizer.
5. Most importantly, always wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This will ensure the new layer does not get exposed to the sun, which would result in sunburn and pigmentation.
How to proceed with the peel:
It is best to start with a 10% or 20% peel. Gradually, as your skin gets acclimatized, proceed to a 30% and finally to 50%. Never use 75% as that would cause burns.
• First 2 – 3 treatments apply for 1 minute.
• Increase by 2minutes increments each time until you reach 5 minutes at the maximum.
• Once several glycolic acid 30% peel treatments at 5 minutes have been performed, you could then increase to 40% – again at 1 minute and build up. Repeat the process for build up to 50%.
How frequently should you peel:
If you are using a 10% concentration solution, take a gap of at least 1-2 weeks before the second peel. For 30% solutions, once every 3 weeks is ideal. After you have done the peels at this rate and have started seeing good results, a maintenance peel once every 1 or 2 months is all you would need.
Product recommendations:
Here are some of the best rated glycolic acid peels based on user reviews and expert opinion.
• Skin Obsession 30% Glycolic Acid.
• Kiehl’s Overnight Biological Peel
• Peter Thomas Roth 40% Triple Acid Peel
• Boots No.7 Anti-Ageing Glycolic Peel Kit
• Skin effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover Glycolic Peel Kit
• Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel
• Olay Regenerist Daily Thermal Mini-Peel
• Derma E Overnight Peel
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