Safe peeling method using glycolic acid, which penetrates the skin well

Chemical peeling is a skin treatment method that uses products such as TCA or glycolic acid that are harmless to the body for application onto the treatment area in order to have new skin rise up to the surface. This method creates a more firm and healthy skin by removing damaged surface skin and dead cells and by stimulating the growth of new skin from the dermal layer.

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is the general term used to refer to the naturally occurring fruit acids in nature. It has been used from ancient times for aesthetic skin treatment due to its safety and effectiveness and that is why it is also one of the most widely used methods for skin peeling.

There are around ten different types of AHA, but glycolic acid, which has the best penetration rate, is used primarily for skin peeling, and others such as lactic acid, tartaric acid, and malic acid are used mostly as moisturizers. Therefore AHA peel generally refers to glycolic acid peel and due to its non-intrusive nature into daily life, it is also called the "lunch peel" in the U.S.

The effect of a glycolic peel depends on various factors such as the concentration of AHA and its acidity. A low concentration of 5-15% is used for dead skin removal and moisturization. A higher concentration of 40-70% results in the removal of not only the dead skin layer but part of the dermal layer below as well. The use of cosmetic products containing glycolic acid before and after the treatment is recommended in order to increase the effectiveness of an AHA peel treatment.

Although the effect of a glycolic acid peel is not as fast as other dermal peels, it is very safe and therefore suited for those patients who have a fear of peeling procedures or for those who don't mind a slower process as long as it is a very safe process.

A very satisfactory result can be obtained with a weekly treatment over a 3 to 5 month period. It's recommended that the patient receive a maintenance treatment once or twice every month after the above weekly treatment period has passed.

Although the dead skin layer may peel off after the treatment, it is not normally visible, and there are no restrictions to regular washing of the face or application of make-up. The treatment results in a clearer complexion, finer skin, improvement of acne scars, and the application of cosmetics become easier.

Since the skin becomes very dry and sensitive after the treatment, continued use of sun screen and moisturizers is recommended. If there are any discomforts, the patient can use cosmetics products containing glycolic acid approximately two days after the treatment.