If you would like a chemical peel to remove discolorations or improve the texture of your skin, seek out the care of a dermatologist or dermatological surgeon who can carefully assess your individual situation and recommend a product that will work best on your skin. There are significant side effects to chemical peels that can be permanent. In the care of an uneducated individual you may have significant and lifelong facial scaring after a chemical peel.
Research in the International Journal of Dermatology found that chemical peels with glycolic acid were effective for the treatment of acne scarring, but it required at least 6 treatments to get good improvement. They also found that there was some useful effect on scars by people who couldn’t tolerate the peel and used a low-strength cream on a daily basis. (1)
Glycolic acid also has some antioxidant effects on the skin which will help to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin over time. Researchers demonstrated that the use of glycolic acid on the skin over a 3 week period of time left the skin with an SPF of approximately 2.4. The skin also showed accelerated healing when exposed to irradiation which supports the theory that these acids act as an antioxidant. (2) However, they do NOT replace sun screen.
References:
(1) International Journal of Dermatology: Biweekly serial glycolic acid peels vs long-term aily use of topical low strength glycolic acid in the treatment of atrophic acne scars
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11095203
(2) Dermatologic Surgeons: Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8634805
Resources:
Dermotology Clinics: The Use of Glycolic Acid as a peeling agent
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7600706
EverydayHealth: Glycolic Acid at Home
http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/glycolic-acid-peels.aspx
Park Avenue Dermatology: Glycolic Acid Facial Peels
http://www.parkavederm.com/parkavederm_glycolic_acid_facial_peels.htm
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