How Long Should Glycolic Acid Be Left on the Skin During a Treatment?

Question

I get glycolic acid peels every month. The acid is left on my skin for maybe 30 seconds. The last peel I got (70% glycolic acid) was left on my skin for maybe 10 seconds. I read that the acid is normally applied to the skin for about 10 minutes. I am concerned that the peels I have been getting are ineffective if not being left on my skin for the appropriate amount of time. Thank you in advance for you help and advice. Take care.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

The depth of peel is dependant on the thickness of the skin, whether the skin has been prepaired by medical grade skin care or not.

	the end point is dependant on the skin reaction, such as redness, frosting.

	That is why all chemical peels should be done by the physician

Darice W. Fadeyi, MD · Answer

The duration of application for glycolic peels will vary from patient to patient. After prepping the skin and applying the glycolic acid the practitioner typically observes the skin for certain endpoints - such as fairly uniform redness and the patient’s sensation of tingling. Once those endpoints are met, the peel is neutralized. I usually can leave a peel on for at least 3 minutes and I generally don’t go past 6 minutes. It’s hard to assess your situation but my reaction is that it would not be typical to leave a peel on for 10 seconds.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

When performing a peel, the practitioner will be observing your face for signs that the skin is reacting well and sufficiently before neutralizing the peel. I typical leave the peel solution on for 3 minutes to begin with and gradually increase the time of contact of the peel with the skin. The time can vary from patient to patient and is even different in the same patient from day to day.But do consult your dermatologist before your next session.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

When performing a peel, the practitioner will be observing your face for signs that the skin is reacting well and sufficiently before neutralizing the peel. I typical leave the peel solution on for 2 to 7 minutes.  The time can vary from patient to patient and is even different in the same patient from day to day.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

How long a peel is left on the skin will depend on the product and protocol.  More typical is an application of 3-5 minutes.  Ten seconds is not wrong but it does sound short.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Each company has a different set of protocols for their product. Moreover, physicians tend to differ whether to hold strictly to time or to see how a patient responds. The important factor is improvement, and improvement can occur with different philosophies.

How Long Should Glycolic Acid Be Left on the Skin During a Treatment?

Answers (9)