I Had a Glycolic Chemical Peel Done and I'm Not Seeing Any Peeling. Is This Normal?

You may not literally see peeling after a light, glycolic acid peel--this doesn't mean it didn't work.  Glycolic acid peels cause light exfoliation that may not be visible.  The skin may just feel dry.  What results are you going after?  Most people don't really want to literally peel after a peel, however, with stronger peels this is expected and accepted in order to get results.  You may need to do a series of peels, especially with a low strength glycolic acid peel, or do a stronger peel in order to achieve the results you are looking for. If you were getting the peel for acne, your breakout may be unrelated to the peel.  It might be that your acne is not being treated adequately or the results of the products used for post-peel care.

sb1616 in miami,

It is possible that you may require a high percentage glycolic peel then the one given to you. Everyone persons skin is different, you may have thicker skin. Your skin may be purging as well from the treament, causing the dirt and toxins to come to the surface. Have a follow up with your doctors office to be sure. Good Luck!

Thanks
Sofia Rubbani, MD, FACS, ASLMS
AACS
NYU School of Medicine

Glycolic Acid Peels do not require skin peeling off. Most patients do not want to peel after light peels and that is true for most patients using glycolic acid. These are also termed microscopic peels and skin is removed when washing.