Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid Peels

Glycolic Acid Peel

Glycolic acid, also known as AHA (Alpha-hydroxy acid) is most commonly used as a light chemical peel. This type of light chemical peel can be combined with other skin rejuvenating procedures such as microdermabrasion. The effectiveness of glycolic acid peels can vary from no result to a dramatic positive effect depending on many factors. Medium to deep peels of AHA peel will exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin and as a result, it reduces sun damage, discoloration, fine wrinkles, and it improves skin texture and glow.

If the AHA peel is performed by an inexperienced provider, it may cause deep burns, permanent scarring, and discoloration. We frequently have patients seeking advice due to complications after an acid peel. Glycolic acid is one of the acids that continues to penetrate deeper into the skin after application, which is why improper utilization of such an acid can create further problems. Learn more about factors that define the risks and benefits of acid peels below.

Salicylic Acid Peel

Before
After

Salicylic acid, also known as BHA (Beta-hydroxy acid), is mostly used for oily skin and acne. Salicylic acid works mainly on the skin’s surface and the inside of the pores. Upon application, salicylic acid shrinks and unclogs enlarged pores making this type of peel suitable for adjective treatment for acne-prone skin. Just like all the other acid peels, there are ways to make this type of treatment more effective and less risky. Learn more about factors that define the risk and benefit of acid peel below.

Combination treatment of BHA followed by AHA peel

In certain cases, we may customize the peel and apply multiple different type of acids to the face in layers in order to target and treat different unwanted blemishes and problems on the skin. Read about our secret peel!

Factors that define the risks and benefits of acid peel

  • Color of the skin
  • Thickness of the skin
  • Age of the candidate for peel
  • How the skin is pre-treated (pre-treatment with a cream can take up to six weeks)
  • How the skin is prepared prior to the peel
  • Type of acid used
  • Percentage and strength of the acid used
  • The reliability and accuracy of the supplier (Delasco, our acid supplier, only sells acids to physicians upon proof of training)
  • Number of layers of acids applied
  • Combo treatment plan such as microdermabrasion prior to the acid peel or different types of acid applied in layers
  • Skincare one-month post-treatment (the first week is critical!)
  • And many other factors that will be considered individually prior to and during an AHA and BHA peel treatment

Contact us

Call us to schedule your free consultation for a chemical peel at (949) 551-1113. *

 

Other Treatments

Chemical Peel Overview | Our Secret Peel | Cosmelan Peel | TCA and Obagi Blue Peels

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