Scabbing after 40% glycolic peel? Will this redness go away?

Question

2 days ago I got a 40% glycolic peel. Immediately afterward there were a few small white patches which kind of bubbled up a bit and I treated it with neosporin. These areas scabbed over and 2days after the peel, the some of the scabs peeled off. The skin under the scabs is smooth but red. I previously had acne scars in these areas and I'm worried if the peel exacerbated the acne scars because now they look more noticeable. I've put more neosporin on the areas. Will this redness go away?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The redness will likely subside. For our patients we have them use Elevase creams to help hydrate the skin after a chemical peel. If redness persists, you may consider having pulsed dye laser treatments. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

40% Glycolic acid is a medium depth peel and will produce redness for a little while, but will subside.  It would be best not to use Neosporin but if this occurs in the future use plain Vaseline instead

Scabbing after 40% glycolic peel? Will this redness go away?

Answers (2)