Green Dermatology

Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in sugar cane. Face peels performed with glycolic acid are safe and easily controlled. The benefits are numerous while the incidences of side effects are low.

 

Glycolic acid peels will lighten brown spots and even out other irregularities in pigmentation to give the skin a more uniform color. The peel will refine pores, improve skin tone and texture and rejuvenate and repair sun damaged skin. It will also help eliminate precancerous changes. Repetitive peels will also induce collagen formation. These peels are especially effective in clearing acne.

 

Most patients can undergo the peel without any side effects. The treated skin is virtually normal in appearance and the fact that the patient underwent a peel is usually undetectable to others. However, rarely a patient may experience mild skin sloughing producing some weeping or scabbing. Some redness is temporary and normal. It is okay to cover any of these side effects with make-up.

 

We recommend four to six light glycolic acid peels which can be performed at two week intervals. Occasional glycolic acid peels can then be performed as one would a facial to maintain beautiful skin. If you are using Retin-A, it is best to discontinue the Retin-A four days before the peel (this is not always necessary). Please arrive for your peel with a clean face without any make-up or moisturizer on the skin.

 

Glycolic acid peels can be performed on the hands, arms, chest, neck, and back as well as the face.