TCA 25% Chemical Peel - day 1

Today I finally decided to start using the peel I bought in May.  I've waited all summer because I read that doing peels in the summer is a BAD IDEA since the new skin just can't be protected adequately from more sun damage--but of course, I read that after buying it.

I prepared by using Cetaphil, then I wiped with Alcohol Swabs. These are really convenient, and I decided to buy them since I'm going to be doing some peels this winter.  I also got a neutralizer to apply after the peel comes to a frost (looks kind of white, and took about 1 minute to frost). 

You can see that the skin is a bit pink, but not bad.  I used TCA Chemical Facial Peel 50% and made a 25% concentration by adding 1 teaspoon of the acid and 1 teaspoon of distilled water.  The darker spot near my thumb is where I used 50% (full strength); that's a fairly obvious sunspot.  I used Complex Cu3 cream, which has copper to speed recovery.

Just for the record, I'm 46, and I've had my share of unprotected sun exposure.  I've only recently begun to wear sunscreen.

The reason I'm starting with my hands is that I want to get an idea of what to expect when I get enough courage to do this on my face.

Glycolic Peel 35% - Day 5

This peel is fabulous! Skin Laboratory Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel. I absolutely love what it's done.  My skin has been glowing since I did it 5 days ago.  The manufacturer says you can do this once a week, and I plan to do that for a month before I do my first 25% TCA Chemical Peel.

Yes, the blemishes on my temples hurt like crazy, but they have been drying up.  I'll try to take a picture for my next update on this peel.

Glycolic Peel 35% - Day 1

Today I received my Skin Laboratory Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel. I read about what to expect with this type of peel, and it's considered a "lunch time" peel, so I shouldn't experience any downtime.

Here's a picture of my trouble area, along side my temples.  It's a close up, so you can see that I don't have severe acne, but it's persistent.  I tried to take a shot farther out, but I couldn't get the spots to show up.  I'm really afraid that the chemical are going to string like crazy on the blemishes that I have, but I'm hoping it will be worth it.  The rest of my face is mostly clear right now, although I get a few pimples every month around my period.  I used to get blemishes all the time around my chin, but that changed when I hit 40.  They left a few marks, so I'm hoping to soften those when I finally get to my 25% TCA Chemical Peel for Home Use.

It's called a peel, but the manufacturer says that there's really no "peeling" with this product but more of a flaking, if even that.

Here's my face just following the peel.  I didn't have to do any special preparation; I simply cleansed my skin with Cetaphil and applied the peel (full-strength) with my fingers.  I set my timer for 10 minutes, and I was able to keep it on the entire time, but OMG there was crazy stinging all over.  I never enjoyed water on my face like I did after that 10 minutes.  There's no need to use a neutralizer with this peel, but I have one, just in case.  After I rinsed with water, I applied my normal Moisturizer, which is great for combination skin.  I've used this for about 5-6 years, but it's not occlusive, so if you have dry skin, you'll want something like Reviva Lotion. 

Glycolic Acid 101

First let me say that I'm not in the medical field.  So everything here is based on what I’ve read and what I’ve experienced. 

I've been reading a lot lately about chemical peels, and the one I’ve decided to start with is Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).  These are also known as lunchtime peels by some because there’s LITTLE or NO DOWNTIME, if the percentage is low enough, e.g., below 30% some say.

Here’s what I’ve learned about Glycolic acid:

What is glycolic acid?  It’s an exfoliant (peeling agent) that’s made from sugar cane.  (I love sugar, so I’m sure I’ll like this.)

How is it good for my skin? It’s considered an antioxidant and mechanism for the creation of new collagen, which reduces the appearance of imperfections, such as fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, melasma, oily skin, acne, and scars.  With repeated use, six or more weekly applications, you can expect to see results.  It’s also good because this superficial peel won’t do anything except release the bond between dead skin cells; this means you won’t really have skin injuries, and you won’t really peel, as the name says.

Using glycolic acid, like retinol, helps repair the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Finally, glycolic acid is able to boost the effects of other actives, so your serums will work better if you use it regularly.

How is it bad for my skin? If you use it too often or leave it on for too long, it can irritate the skin, and because it reveals new skin, so you should wear sunscreen after use to protect the new skin because it will make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.  You could end up with more problems if you don't wear sunscreen.

How does glycolic acid work?  Glycolic acid has one of the smallest molecule sizes of any of the AHAs, so it’s able to penetrate the upper layer of skin.  Once it gets in there, it stimulates the building of collagen and dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together.  This exfoliation isn’t always visible.  You may feel it a day or two after application: feels a little rough, then after a shower and a soft cloth, the skin is very smooth.

How do I prepare my skin for it?  Don’t use any Retin-A or other similar products for 48 hours (I stopped mine for a month).  Don’t do any waxing or shaving the day before or after.  Don’t use it if you have any open sores or blemishes—it will sting like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.  Oh, and don’t forget to test it, preferably on a sensitive area, maybe under your chin, at least two days before.  Yes, some people do have allergic reactions.  One more thing: if you get fever blisters, this may cause an outbreak, so do what you need to do to prevent them.

How long should I leave it on?  Depends on the strength.  If it’s 35%, no longer than 10 minutes, but start with 1 minute and work your way up.  If it’s a 50% glycolic peel, leave it on no longer than 7 minutes, but start with 30 seconds, and work your way up.

How do I apply it?  When you're ready and after you've done a test, use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, etc., then blot dry before applying.  Pore some of the peel into a small glass dish and use your fingers or cotton swabs to rub it on the desired areas, away from eyes and mouth.  Fingers waste less product (if my husband is reading this: wash your hands first).  If this is your first time, you may want to have a personal hand-held fan available (get ready for some stinging). Set your timer or make a mental note of the time (including seconds if this is your first time).

How do I remove it? Copious amounts of cool water.  You do NOT  need a neutralizer for this peel.

How do I care for my skin afterward?  Moisturize with a fragrance-free lotion, and use at least 30spf sunscreen daily.

How often can I use it?  Every week if you don't experience any problems.