Are at home glycolic acid peels safe?

Author: Dr. Alexandre Armstrong  |  Last update: Monday, June 23, 2025

The F.D.A. recommends against using the skin care products without professional supervision.

Is it safe to do a glycolic peel at home?

Hi there-Glycolic peels should never be performed at home. The reason is that this peel in particular is very finicky and chemical burns can results if the acid is left on the skin for too long. Further, a gly peel is one of the few types of chemical peels that MUST be neutralized. What this...

What are the disadvantages of glycolic peels?

A chemical peel can cause various side effects, including:
  • Redness, scabbing and swelling. Normal healing from a chemical peel involves redness of the treated skin. ...
  • Scarring. ...
  • Changes in skin color. ...
  • Infection. ...
  • Heart, kidney or liver damage.

What happens if you don't neutralize a glycolic acid peel?

A couple days after using non-neutralized glycolic acid, skin may peel or flake off as a result of the activation of the cell turnover process, which is ignited when the glycolic enters the pores. This is a normal biological process that's simply sped up when non-neutralized glycolic acid is applied.

Is glycolic peel safe for skin?

Glycolic acid peels are considered safe for most people. However, a small portion of patients may experience the following potential side effects after treatments with glycolic acid in high strengths. Rare side effects include blisters, scarring, and permanent lightening of skin (hypopigmentation).

Dermatologst's Guide To Chemical Peels | Doctorly Explains

Who should avoid glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product. Since glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to the sun, remember to wear sunscreen and consider using glycolic acid at night.

Do at-home chemical peels really work?

Both types improve skin texture and appearance by penetrating and removing the outer layer of skin. The solutions in at-home versions, however, are generally weaker than those used in doctors' offices, so their results are often more subtle. You can think of a chemical peel as “a very intense exfoliation,” said Dr.

How long will my skin purge from glycolic acid?

Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.

What is the best at home chemical peel?

13 Best At-Home Chemical Peels for Glowy Skin, Tested by Beauty Scientists
  • Best Overall Chemical Peel. Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel. Read more.
  • Best Value Chemical Peel. L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads. Read more.
  • Best Drugstore Chemical Peel. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Gentle Peeling Water.

What happens if you use too much glycolic acid on face?

However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.

What does your face look like 3 days after a chemical peel?

Around the third day, you may start to see the initial signs of peeling. Your skin might appear dry and flaky, and small pieces may begin to shed. This is a normal part of the process as the old skin is being replaced by new skin underneath.

Do dermatologists recommend chemical peels?

Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly. Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal.

What's the best home remedy for skin peeling?

Apply fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing cream or ointment (they're thicker than lotions). Or apply aloe vera to soothe a sunburn. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated. Seek help to quit smoking (nicotine damages your skin).

Do I need to exfoliate if I use glycolic acid?

Avoid additional exfoliants while you're using glycolic acid because too much exfoliation can cause dry skin and increase the risk of severe irritation. Additionally, if you suffer from rosacea or are currently using vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide products, it may make redness worse.

How to do a 70% glycolic acid peel at home?

Applying the Peel
  1. Purchase your peel from a reputable source. Because glycolic acid is, well, an acid, you want to be really careful about where you purchase it from. ...
  2. Apply a prep solution. ...
  3. Let your skin dry. ...
  4. Use a fan brush to apply the peel. ...
  5. Leave the acid on for one minute. ...
  6. Use a neutralizing solution.

Is vi peel FDA approved?

Is the VI Peel approved for use in the U.S.? The VI Peel itself is not yet approved by the FDA, but every ingredient in the VI Peel is FDA-approved.

What is the most aggressive chemical peel?

A Phenol chemical peel is the most aggressive type of skin peels. A phenol peel is an effective remedy for severely sun damaged skin, deep coarse wrinkles, scars, and even pre-cancerous growths. Because a phenol peel uses carbolic acid to treat the skin, the procedure is not suitable for treating selected areas.

Does massage envy do chemical peels?

Chemical Peel

Massage Envy 's Chemical Peels featuring PCA SKIN provide deep exfoliation in a non-clinical environment with little to no downtime. Reveal healthier and brighter looking skin – no face filter needed.

What happens if glycolic acid peel is left on too long?

(1) Because glycolic acid has no end point, allowing the acid to travel deeper than intended if left on the skin too long, it requires neutralization to end the peeling process. Due to its small molecular size, glycolic acid also has the ability to absorb quickly and can cause the skin to peel unevenly.

What are the side effects of glycolic acid?

Common side effects of Glycolic Acid include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Glycolic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.

Why does my face break out after glycolic peel?

Breakouts are a common side effect that some people may experience after getting a chemical peel. Factors like your skin type, the specific peel solution used, and your post-peel skincare regimen can influence the likelihood of developing breakouts as your skin heals.

What is the downside of chemical peels?

While very rare, infection or scarring are risks of from chemical peeling treatments. For people with certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin either lightening or darkening.

How often can you do a 30% glycolic peel?

Glycolic acid peel (AHA)

A favorite among our patients with mature skin, our 20-30% glycolic acid peel also treats moderate hyperpigmentation and fine lines. This treatment can be safely performed every two weeks, but the exact frequency and optimal number of treatments total will vary from person to person.

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