Have I permanently burned my face by leaving Glycolic acid 70% on for 12 mins? (Photo)

Question

Am fair with freckles, heard I could reduce freckles by doing a glycolic peel, had a 30% glycolic Peel done in a salon with no change so decided I would do it myself at home, watched lots of reviews on YouTube and bought 70% Glycolic acid off amazon and left it on my face for 12 mins before neutralising with baking soda in UK we call it bicarbonate), now am worried I may of damaged my pigmentation as all my freckles seems to have joined together? This browning may be a scab but it feels smooth?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say, but it does appear that you have caused postinflammatory erythema (redness) and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It is not clear how many days you are post-treatment. You would be wise, however, to consult with a board certified aesthetic dermatologist asap to be started on topical prescription medications to suppress the inflammatory redness (which often evolves into PIH and occasionally scarring) and the PIH. The physician may also decide to combine this with a series of in-office superficial peels to suppress the pigmentation. Given the COVID virus pandemic, you should attempt to contact a specialist asap, at least perhaps starting with a telemedicine consult, so that you can be more adequately evaluated. For you, it is now after the fact, but for other readers I think it is important to strongly emphasize once again what I have been cautioning readers of my columns for years: Chemical peels and other treatments intended for the hands of experienced doctors should not be done at home from YouTube instructionals and Amazon purchased medical grade products intended for the hands of physicians who have undergone years of training to acquire their experience with these technqiues and strong medication products. Best of luck to you.

Have I permanently burned my face by leaving Glycolic acid 70% on for 12 mins? (Photo)

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Have I permanently burned my face by leaving Glycolic acid 70% on for 12 mins? (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.