How Long Before You See Final Results from Glycolic Peel?

Our office specializes in glycolic peels and facial peels. Depending on your condition, we would titrate the strength of your glycolic peel to modulate the efficacy, downtime, and results.Thank you. Dr. Karamanoukian

Glycolic acid peels 30% to 70% are commonly performed by aesthetician. This can be helpful as part of acne or melasma treatment under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist. While there is minimal downtime in the hands of an experienced clinical aesthetician, it may take 10 to 20 treatments before one can perceive a significant difference in texture of the skin. If one has a higher expectation of greater clinical improvement for fine lines, acne scarring and/or sun damage, one should consider 35%-50% TCA chemical peel or fractional CO2 laser performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist and be prepared for a longer down time, typically a week.

Yes.  You will continue to see results from having a glycolic peel days later.  You should notice improved radiance right after and it will continue to last for a couple weeks.  It is best to do a series of peels to get optimal results.  I typically recommend every 2 to 4 weeks for a series of 6 peels.

It will depend on the objectives of the peel, but significant improvement is not expected until you complete a series of peels. Generally 6 peels spaced between 2 - 4 weeks.

This is a case where more is better.  The more peels you do, the better the results.  It certainly takes a series of gylcolic acid peels to see initial results, as gylcolic acid is considered part of the group of light peeling agents.  Glycolic acid is an α-hydroxy acid, a naturally occurring acid found in sugar cane and fruits.  It typically causes a more gentle peel, which many patients prefer, as the peels require less healing time and are quite tolerable.  Most patients return to work right after a glycolic peel.  Glycolic peels effects are cumulative.  Patients will often come in for an initial serious of peels, but return to the office for periodic refresher peels to further the positive results.

I have personally done over 1,500 chemical peels. Superficial peels like glycolic acid peels always take a series to get the full effect. I usually have my patients come every 2 weeks for a series of 6 peels. Over that time, there were be great improvement in skin texture and tone (decrease in discoloration) as well as a nice glow to skin will noticeable.
I hope that helps!

I typically see improvement from chemical peels max at 2 weeks and continue for up to a month. It’s no coincidence that a month is the same amount of time it takes the epidermis to replace itself. As freshly peeled skin turns over, new younger epidermis takes its place.