I did an at home 20% glycolic acid peel. I left it on for 10 minutes like it said to (Photo)

Question

But then after 20 minutes my face started peeling and now I have dark patches that look like I been burned is this normal? And is there anything I can put on my face to help it?

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

Hi there-Glycolic peels should never be performed at home. The reason is that this peel in particular is very finicky and chemical burns can results if the acid is left on the skin for too long. Further, a gly peel is one of the few types of chemical peels that MUST be neutralized. What this means is that, if you don't neutralize the peel, it will go on and on.... versus other peels (i.e. salicylic acid, TCA) which eventually stop ON THEIR OWN.Being that you are not a skin expert, there is no way for you to know this. So don't feel too bad.In terms of the specifics, when a gly peel is performed on a patient for the FIRST time, at 20% concentration, it is kept on for 3-6 minutes, max. The doctor observes the skin for a reaction. If redness develops too early, then the peel may be aborted even sooner. The duration depends on your skin's response. Twenty minutes is never appropriate. You may try an over the counter hydrorcortisone cream 1%, Cicalfate healing cream, and stay out of the sun. The burn should heal over the next 1-2 weeks. Please do not perform this peel at home! Stay safe!Be well-

I did an at home 20% glycolic acid peel. I left it on for 10 minutes like it said to (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Glycolic Peel

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I did an at home 20% glycolic acid peel. I left it on for 10 minutes like it said to (Photo)

Answers (1)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Glycolic Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.