Glycolic peels are the most common and popular superficial peels that can be performed by both doctors and cosmetologists and aestheticians. Of all the AHA acids, glycolic acid has the shortest molecule, containing only two carbon atoms, due to which it penetrates deeply into the skin, leads to exfoliation, and has indirect antioxidant and moisturizing effects. To reduce the aggressiveness of the acid, lactokine is added to the peeling composition. This is a one-of-a-kind active substance that contains a group of proteins isolated from milk and has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Do I need to wash off the peeling?
Peeling should always be washed off. Peeling substances damage the skin with prolonged exposure. Consequences of overexposure to peeling:
- cicatricial skin changes;
- dark spots;
- severe burns;
- the appearance of inflamed papules.
All these consequences are a drop in the ocean. The condition of the skin after this will no longer be restored. This can be compared to having acid thrown in your face.
It is better not to overexpose the peeling than to overexpose it. And the result will be much more beautiful if you do several more gentle procedures with a break than with one shock.
What is the difference between home peeling and salon peeling?
You will never get burns or red spots from home peelings
You need to understand that homemade natural compositions are the safest for the skin, since they carefully and accurately remove the dead stratum corneum, while simultaneously ensuring the supply of vitamins, minerals and microelements that are important for the health of the epidermis.
However, they act only on the surface and in the upper layers of the epidermis, while chemical types of peelings can penetrate deeply, reaching the middle layers of the dermis itself. For this reason, home peeling will not rid your skin of wrinkles, age spots, scars left after acne, but with regular use it will noticeably improve its condition, increase turgor density, elasticity and provide a healthy complexion. In addition, from home peels you will never get burns and red spots that do not disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.
How to wash it off?
Professional acid exfoliation at home is washed off with neutralizers that are in the pack.
If the kit does not include a neutralizer, then it is enough to rinse with cool water or a product that does not contain acid in its composition. You can prepare a chamomile solution in advance; it has a calming effect on the skin. You can’t wash off the peeling with your hands, and it won’t work. First you need to prepare sterile napkins or cotton pads. Some people use the new sponges to apply makeup, they work great. If the sponge has been used before, it can be thoroughly washed and treated with boiling water.
If you do exfoliation yourself, always read the instructions carefully and do not do anything your own way. “Self-peeling” can seriously undermine your health, the consequences can be unpredictable. Most manufacturers carefully take care of their reputation and the “method of use” is based on long-term research and testing of the drug. Therefore, the instructions usually indicate the most effective and safe option for the skin.
Why do you need a neutralizer?
- Its use shortens the rehabilitation period. The skin recovers faster after exposure.
- Instant stop of peeling action. This effect is not observed if removed with other means or water. Sometimes the burning sensation may even intensify. Since the peeling solution penetrates deep into the skin, it can act for another 3-4 days without a neutralizer.
The most accessible and cheapest remedy is soda. Two teaspoons per glass of water is enough. After use, you need to wash off the neutralizer itself. It should not remain on the skin. After this, you need to carefully pat your face dry with napkins or a clean towel and carefully apply moisturizer.
Not everyone considers the use of a neutralizer necessary. You can do without it for gentle, superficial exfoliations, but if we are talking about mid-level exfoliations, then you shouldn’t give it up.
Effective neutralizers that you can buy in the store
Top most effective remedies:
- SkinCeuticals Neutralizer. It is similar to a regular soda solution, but the composition additionally contains calcium carbonate and a complex of peptides and amino acid sequences. Calcium salts in combination with peptides are considered good stimulants for skin regeneration. Additionally, the composition contains aloe juice and green tea extract, which soothe the skin no worse than chamomile tea.
- Pharmika. Contains only plant components such as chamomile, calendula, soda and allantoin. Therefore, it is suitable even for vegans.
- GIGI Gr Neutralizer. Popular synthetic neutralizer. Designed specifically for glycolic peeling, but can also be used for other types. The composition contains propylene glycol, triethylamine, water and hydroxyethylcellulose.
- Neutralizing gel New Line Professional. It contains: sodium hydroxide, trimethylglycerin, allantoin and D-panthenol. In addition to the main effect, it perfectly relieves inflammation, moisturizes the skin and prevents the appearance of comedones. It helps regulate the effects of acids during peeling and neutralize them in time.
- Neutralizer New Pell. The composition contains a special component - game hazel extract, which helps to narrow the vascular network, which is important for older people and those who have repeatedly used peeling (their skin gradually thins, the vessels become more clearly visible).
- Solution after chemical peeling Home-Peel. Main scope of application: post-peeling care after AHA, glycolic and lactic acids. It contains only three components: sodium bicarbonate, water and propylene glycol. The product allows you to quickly return the skin to its normal pH environment.
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The neutralizer should be applied evenly to the surface of the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. It is applied after the peeling agent is washed off or directly on it. If the exfoliation solution burns the skin unbearably, then a neutralizer should be applied immediately.
The neutralizing agent does not need to be left on the skin. After a few minutes, it can be gently washed off with water.
Choose quality products. Peeling is a serious cosmetic procedure, during which you should not think about money and save. When choosing a neutralizer, you need to take into account how concentrated the acid solution is used for peeling.
Neutralization of acids is a mandatory step
Acids must be neutralized when the required depth of penetration is reached, otherwise the acids will not penetrate as deeply, which will lead to negative results. Neutralization is performed with any product with a classic pH (for example, soda or plain, salted water). You can apply the neutralizing composition with a cotton pad to those areas where the composition needs to be neutralized initially, and then apply to the skin. Afterwards the composition is washed off with plain water.
The depth of impact directly depends on the time of application. If acids are left on the skin for long, the wounds can be fatal. Therefore, glycolic acids are applied for a strictly described time. The developers of the method have proven that effective results can be achieved with acids of lower concentration if combined with ultrasonic exposure.
How long does it take to wash off the peeling?
If you are doing the procedure in a salon, the cosmetologist will tell you in advance how long the peeling solution should spend on the skin. Clinics use various professional products, which have different exposure times. To find out the period before the procedure, you will have to go to the salon and find out what product they use.
How long does it take to wash off the yellow peeling?
There are two types of yellow peeling:
- based on natural retinol;
- based on synthetic retinoic acid.
The more gentle of them is retinol peeling (relates to superficial), and based on retinoic acid - medium. Consequently, the effect is stronger, but the rehabilitation period is also long.
The peeling is called yellow because after its application the skin retains a yellowish tint for several days. It is better not to plan any important events during the post-peeling rehabilitation period.
The duration of the application procedure itself is about 20 minutes.
The retinoic peeling solution is washed off the skin 4 hours after application. You can count down from the beginning of the procedure. There may be a feeling of itching, burning, tingling, and at the end of exposure, a feeling of skin tightness.
You will have to wash off the peeling yourself, because sitting in a cosmetologist’s office for 4 hours is a rather pointless activity. Typically yellow peeling is
A painless procedure, if you feel acute pain or other dangerous symptoms, immediately wash off the peeling and consult a doctor (preferably your cosmetologist).
You need to rinse off with water; in extreme cases, you can use slightly alkaline products that do not contain acid. During peeling, discomfort may occur, and the burning sensation may continue after the retinoic acid has been removed.
How long does it take to wash off a chemical peel?
The dwell time for chemical exfoliation lasts from 2 to 15 minutes depending on the concentration and type of solution. Follow the recommendations on the packaging. If you do not get a visible result, do not increase the exposure time; it is better to choose another product that will be more effective for your skin.
Even the weakest acid peels must be washed off (for example, almond peel). When first applied, the exposure time on the skin should be reduced by 2-3 times.
How long does it take to wash off the Jessner peel?
Jessner's peel consists of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol. A more budget-friendly type of product is BHA+, which can be used at home. One bottle is enough for 5-6 procedures. And the price is lower than for one in the showroom.
Jessner peeling is applied to the skin in one or several layers (up to 4). The more layers, the deeper the peeling. Only the application of one layer of the active solution can be classified as surface. It is not recommended to use it without prior preparation. It is better to try softer types of exfoliation first (almond or salicylic).
Jessner peeling, like retinoic peeling, should be washed off 4 hours after the procedure. But if the skin burns unbearably, you can remove it earlier. The longer you leave the Jessner peel on, the deeper it penetrates into the skin. The effect will be more pronounced.
Step-by-step instruction
Before application, the skin is disinfected and cleansed with lotions. The drug is applied with a brush, starting from the frontal area to the chin. You can additionally treat the neck and décolleté area.
During exfoliation, you may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation. If it becomes uncomfortable, then the session must be stopped and the face thoroughly cleansed. It is necessary to monitor chemical processes. If redness or swelling appears during the session, the product is removed from this area. If there are several such zones, peeling is contraindicated.
Afterwards, the face is cleaned with a damp cloth and then a product is applied to neutralize dangerous compounds. It is also necessary to apply a cream that protects against UV light. After using acids, there may be minor redness and flaking on the face, which should disappear after a few days. After exfoliation, it is necessary to use sunscreen, because as a result of chemical exposure, it has become more vulnerable to the UV factor.
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Peeling is applied in a course of 4-10 sessions with a break of several weeks. The interval between courses should be maximum for recovery. During breaks, use products with a low content of aggressive compounds to achieve the effect.
