“Glycolic peel left me with more swelling than was expected”
Glycolic peel: NOT worth it
Cost: $100
Pain: Uncomfortable
Review of Glycolic peel:Pain: Uncomfortable
Glycolic peel satisfaction: Poor
I do not recommend my Glycolic peel provider: Name not provided
Why: I think a test should be done prior to any skin procedure just as one would do if they were changing their hair color.
I had a glycolic peel (40%) (3 passes then neutralized) by a nurse/esthetician. On the day of the peel I began taking Valtrex 500 mg twice a day. However, less than 48 hours later, my face become seriously swollen especially around the eye area. I followed up with a dermatologist who prescribed Prednisone, a Z-Pac and a tropical creme.
At first he discussed herpes but seemed to think that because I had taken Valtrex that what I had was probably a chemical burn. I am curious as to what you think.
26 hours after peel
What I really look like
Jul 31, 2009Comments and replies (7)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
Comment on this
1 post
18 Aug 2009
I would think it was caused because of the combination with the Valtrex as well
3 posts
22 Aug 2009
Thank you so much for your reply. It is comforting to know that the 'Realself' readers care. Not that it makes a difference now but do you think that I should have started the Valtrex a few days before the peel and not the 'day of'? or do you think perhaps 500 mg wasn't strong enough to prevent the outbreak....if that is what happened? The dermatologist I'm seeing suspects either it wasn't a glycolic peel but instead it was a TCA and/or that it wasn't neutralized properly. What I am wondering now is, if there is permanent discoloration, can it be corrected and if so, how? Do you know anything about this.
2 posts
2 Sep 2009
Hi i am Beauty Therapist from England and have been performing glycolic peels for the past 3 years. As you say at the top of the page you believe and were told? that you had a 40% glycolic peel. Your dermatologist is correct it look's like the Tri-chloroacetic Acid (TCA) was used on you and this is under the list of 'medium' peels but is said to really improve fine lines but you should of been informed what they were using before the procedure. I have never personally informed clients to take medication after a peel if you were? But as i am not a doctor and only perform 30% facial peels it maybe different! Best of luck!
19 posts
1 Oct 2009
I had a 70% glycolic peel (one or two layers), and had ZERO reaction other than slight redness...no peeling, nothing. It sounds like they used something much stronger on you!
5 posts
5 Oct 2009
To all who have replied....thank you so much. My doc agrees with all of you. He says there is no way that a 30% glycolic acid peel should have affected my face like it did. The good news is that my face continues to heal each day but my dermatologist says it could be 2-4 more months before it is totally healed. Once an area heals (the redness goes away), hyperpigmentation (brownish color) seems to follow. I have been told by my dermatologist that I can now mix Obagi Blender it a .05 Tretinion which, over time, should diminish the hyperpigmentation. Also, the doc recommended GloMineral makeup which has great coverage and many healing properties in it. Again...thanks!
2 posts
28 Oct 2009
i believe it all depends on the skin. i have did them on some they can handle it and some are super sensitive and you can only make one pass over them...good luck 2 you.
2 posts
28 Oct 2009
i am licenesed 2 and who said it was ok to go over it 3 times expecally at a 40% some has 2 have extra licenese 2 do a 40 and they have 2 work underneath a dr.