What should you know about exfoliating glycolic peel?

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid. In a professional peel, its contact time and strength are chosen for the skin concern and tolerance. The treated area may feel warm or sting briefly, then look pink, tight, or mildly flaky as the surface renews. Peels may be considered for acne, comedonal acne, sun-damaged skin, sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but irritation can make uneven pigmentation more noticeable.

A peel is different from scrubbing. Rubbing freshly treated skin can increase inflammation and delay recovery. Read about [Glycolic Acid](/materials/glycolic-acid/) and the conditions it may be used to address, including [Acne](/conditions/acne/) and [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/).

Before treatment, disclose sensitive skin, eczema, active irritation, recent waxing, cold sores, and products that may increase irritation. Follow the clinician's instructions about pausing exfoliating acids, retinoids, or abrasive products. Afterward, use a gentle cleanser, bland moisturiser, and broad-spectrum sunscreen; avoid picking flakes, heat, tanning, and additional exfoliation until the skin settles. Do not apply a peel at home unless the product and instructions are appropriate for you.

Contact the treating clinic if swelling, blistering, marked pain, crusting, or worsening redness develops, or if the skin becomes increasingly dark or light after healing begins. Urgent assessment is appropriate for facial swelling affecting breathing or vision, or for signs of infection such as spreading warmth, pus, or fever.

Ask which glycolic peel strength and contact time fit your skin, what products to pause, how long to expect visible peeling, and how pigmentation risk will be reduced. Ask whether another approach is safer if you have melasma or a history of dark marks after irritation.