A do it yourself (DIY) glycolic peel at home can offer the benefits of a chemical peel without costing the hundreds of dollars of a professional in-office peel. Glycolic acid chemical peel solutions for home use are generally much less concentrated than those used by professionals, so they can be safely administered in a home setting. Though it's usually safe to perform a glycolic peel at home, these peels almost always involve risks, and require precautions. Users are often advised to follow both general home peel guidelines and specific home peel kit instructions.
Professional dermatologists often use glycolic acid chemical peel solutions of up to 50% strength. Home chemical peel kits, however, generally contain solutions ranging from 10% to 30% strength. Most professionals agree that home peel users should start with the lowest strength available, increasing the strength as necessary until results appear.
Just because results don't appear after the initial peel doesn't mean that the solution isn't strong enough. Most glycolic acid peels don't produce results right away. Users may need up to eight peels to see the desired results. Using a stronger chemical peel solution in hopes of seeing results sooner can lead to injury, infection, and scarring.
Experts often suggest that home peel beginners choose a glycolic peel at home solution of 10% to 20% strength, with a pH level of 2.8 to 3.0. Users are generally advised to patch test the peel solution on a small, but inconspicuous, area to ensure that the glycolic acid won't irritate skin or cause injury. Home chemical peel kits, which contain specific instructions, acid neutralizers, and after-care ointments are considered safest for home users.
Users are generally advised to carefully read any instructions that come with a glycolic peel at home kit, and to follow them exactly. Users are also typically advised to follow a broad set of guidelines and precautions when administering a glycolic peel. Skin should normally be clean, dry, and free of oil or debris. Chemical peel solutions should usually be kept away from the eyes, nose, mouth, and mucous membranes. The chemical peeling solution is normally applied to less sensitive parts of the treatment area before it is applied to the more sensitive areas.
Chemical peeling solutions are usually left on the skin for one to five minutes. Most home glycolic peel kits require users to leave the solution on the skin for two to three minutes. Experts often suggest that the solution be neutralized and removed once the skin begins to take on a pink hue, whether or not the suggested time limit has elapsed.