top of page

​

The original "lunchtime peel" which will smooth skin texture, erase fine lines all without visible peeling. A fantastic superficial/medium peel with virtually no visible peeling that over time will achieve fantastic results.

 

What is Glycolic Acid?

Also known as a "Chemical Peel" or the "Lunchtime Peel," Glycolic Acid is made from sugar cane, is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid which is active at the base of the skin layer, the stratum corneum, the top layers of your skin.  Glycolic Acid dissolves the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together. Because this increases cell turnover, skin texture becomes smoother, more elastic and more even in tone and texture.

 

At the same time Glycolic Acid also stimulates your skin to produce more collagen.  Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin and keeps it elastic and line free: when this starts to disintegrate, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle.  Replacing the collagen your skin has lost with age can help diminish crow's feet around the eyes' frown lines and vertical lines around the lips.  Glycolic is simple, safe and unbelievably effective.

 

Glycolic Acid has been known to improve the following conditions:

*Acne *Sun Damaged Skin *Blackheads & Enlarged Pores *Blotchy pigmentation, hyperpigmentation (chloasma) *Fine Wrinkles *Stretch Marks *Dry Skin *Keratosis Pilaris *Age Spots

 

Remember Glycolic isn't just limited to your face, it can be used on your stomach or thighs to soften stretch marks, on your hands to be rid of any dry skin, on your feet, elbows and knees. Again any place dry skin can accumulate, anywhere you have problem skin except of course sensitive areas such as the genitals, mucous membranes or around the eyes.  the use of home care Glycolic Acid products can speed up your results dramatically and make clinic treatments even more effective.

 

How is it good for spots, blackheads and enlarged pores?

The most common form of acne is caused as hair follicles get clogged by dead skin cells and sebum - the oil your skin naturally produces.  Bacteria multiply within the clogged pores and so spots and blackheads form.  By removing the dead skin cells you are also removing the grime and excess oil that is blocking up the pores and exposing fresh, new skin that can breathe.  Most people report that with regular treatments of glycolic and other AHA's their once very oily skin changes to a combination skin type.

 

How does it reduce scars and wrinkles?

When new layers of skin grow they are following a pattern, or blueprint of the skin above them so if you have wrinkles in your skin that is a blueprint of the new skin following.  By removing the top layer of skin daily you are reducing that blueprint and so the wrinkles become less visible, slowly, over time.  No topical treatments can reverse deep scarring but Glycolic Acid peels will help to make your skin smoother and the scars a little softer.  This treatment also stimulates the production of collagen which keeps your skin smooth and firm.  It also allows other skincare products to penetrate the deeper layers of skin and so the skin's own regeneration process can happen more effectively.

 

Will my face peel and be sore?

As long as you follow aftercare advice, then no, you should experience no discomfort or peeling with Glycolic Acid.  The peel is left on for 2-10 minutes, you will feel a slight prickling, stinging sensation, but it is loosening the bond of the old, dead skin only and not peeling off your healthy, living skin.  You may experience some pinkness and sometimes a whitish discolouration, but this soon fades.  Your skin may also feel slightly itchy after a treatment, this is perfectly normal as it's the skin regenerating itself.  Glycolic Acid is not the same peel that many have seen on TV programmes such as 10 Years Younger where the healthy skin is burned and peels, that is caused by a Phenol Peel and can only be applied in a hospital environment.

 

There is NO DOWN TIME with a Glycolic Peel and makeup can be applied immediately.

 

Is Glycolic Acid suitable for Rosacea?

No, we don't recommend people with rosacea or lots of broken facial capillaries use Glycolic Acid as it could irritate the condition.  We have different peels, Salycic Acid for rosacea.

 

The first treatment with Glycolic Acid starts by leaving a mild strength glycolic on for 2-5 minutes intending to increase the application time and strength of Glycolic Acid over a period of time. A course of 6, taken close together is recommended for best results then monthly once the desired results are achieved to maintain the healthy skin.

 

Can anyone use Glycolic Acid?

No if you are pregnant or breast feeding, under the age of 17 are not suitable.  If you have used Roaccutane within 12 months you should not use any skin peeling treatments either.  Clients who have severe cold sore outbreaks may suffer an outbreak therefore if this happens anti viral medication can be prescribed to prevent this from happening.  It is best not to have any facial waxing treatments before or after 72 hours of Glycolic Acid.

 

AHA's increase the skins' sensitivity to the sun therefore an SPF 50 is recommended for at least one week after a treatment, however we advise you wear SPF 50 all year round to prevent premature skin ageing.

 

What should I do before a peel?

we sometimes advise preparing the skin using a weakened AHA for a week prior which will give even better results and if your makeup is removed prior to the appointment you will get better results.

 

Please note we would never recommend stopping any prescribed medication prior to a Glycolic Peel and if you have any doubt that your medication may interfere either consult your Doctor or contact us via our contact form on this site.

​

​

Articles & Links

bottom of page