Glycolic Peel Q&A
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Is There Any Way to Prevent Post Glycolic Peel Breakouts?
asked 1 year ago by Sam245
Latest answer by Sheldon Pollack, MD
Question viewed 711 times
Tags: female, pimples, prevention, safety
I did my first glycolic peel a week ago and broke out from it. Pimples are still here after a week. I did a 2nd one tonight and feel the pimples coming to the surface. I know this is part of the purging process, but is there anything I can do to lessen the effects? I treated the areas that are about to break out with zeno. I realize it's risky with compromised skin, but I'm desperate. I used a 20% soln for 90 secs. Is it safe to dilute it and leave it on overnight? (using peel for cystic acne)
2 answers to Is There Any Way to Prevent Post Glycolic Peel Breakouts?
+1
Use Tretinoin Cream to Improve Outcomes with Glycolic Acid Peels
I always have patients begin topical tretinoin cream (Retin-A, etc.) at least 2-4 weeks prior to beginning Glycolic Acid Peels. This prepares the skin for an acid environment and helps to improve exfoliation of the outer layers of skin. The only proviso is that I ask patients not to use this for a night or two just prior to the peel, since this can increase peeling or burning of the skin after the peel. Use of concurrent tretinoin cream with Glycolic Acid peels definitely...
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Sheldon Pollack, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon
+1
Breakouts from a Glycolic Peel
Using tretinoin cream for at least one month prior to your peel will usually give you a more effective, even peel with greater penetration. Tretinoin cream is prescription only and can be purchased on line at TheWebDermatologist.com. Also, I find that salicylic acid peels such as the new Obagi Radiance Blue Peel are much more effective as an acne treatment than glycolic acid peels.
