Chemical peeling is a treatment to rejuvenate the skin of the face with glycolic acid as it has many benefits. The way it works is by producing a chemical exfoliation and although it seems modern, it has been used since ancient Egypt. Millions of women have tested this treatment over time. Below we will list the steps so you can perform a chemical peel at home.
Products needed for the homemade chemical peel
- Distilled water. It is important that it is distilled. Mineral water is not suitable.
- Baking soda.
- Glycolic acid 50%. This is the product that will perform the exfoliation on the skin, and at a 50 percent concentration, it is not dangerous.
- Moisturizing cream. You can use hyaluronic acid or rosehip oil, aloe vera.
To buy glycolic acid, it is best to go to your regular pharmacy and tell them you want it for a homemade chemical peel. Some products may not be sold as such, but if they know you, they will have it in 1 or 2 days. If you can’t get it this way, you can search on eBay or the internet, although I always prefer the local store.
How to do a peel with glycolic acid
The first step is to mix the glycolic acid with water. Remember it has to be 50%. This is an abrasive product, so do not apply it directly from the bottle. But don’t worry. Be careful when handling it, and there is no problem.
What you need to do is calculate the amount you will use and mix half glycolic acid and half distilled water. I personally buy the liquid acid, so you don’t have to complicate the mixture.
The second step is to take a new makeup brush, wet it in the mixture, and apply it to your face. Start on the forehead and gradually work your way down to the chin. Be careful with your eyes and lips. These areas are very sensitive, and you should not touch them with the mixture. If you are careful, there is no danger. The homemade chemical peel is not complicated if you follow these steps.
From the moment you touch your skin with the brush, you must start timing. It should not stay on your face for more than 3 minutes, and as the seconds pass, you will feel the burning sensation on your face.
I hadn’t mentioned it before because I wanted you to focus on the timing and the way to apply the glycolic acid peel, but before you start, you need to make a paste with water and baking soda. You will use this as a mask. After the 3 minutes have passed since you started applying the glycolic acid, you need to apply the mask. Apply it in the same way as the glycolic acid. You should leave it on for another 2-3 minutes.
At this point, you may be wondering how it works and why the baking soda is necessary. It is simple. Baking soda is a natural neutralizer for glycolic acid, and when you pass it over your face, it finishes the glycolic acid peeling. The moment you apply the second mixture, you will notice the burning sensation stop.
Once another 3 minutes have passed, wash your face with cold water. You will feel an absolute freshness because it was burning before.
You have now completed the chemical peel for your face. But now you must remember to take care of your skin because it is sensitive. Since you’ve done an exfoliation, the outer layer has been removed, so it’s time for moisturizing cream. Apply hyaluronic acid or rosehip oil generously. These two products are very hydrating, so either one will work well.
And that’s it. Now you know how to do a homemade chemical peel without having to pay at a beauty center. When you see that you need to do it again, you won’t have to spend money, and you can use it for other things. Just remember to give your skin time to recover.
Thank you very much, great article
Hello,
I would like to know how often a glycolic acid peel should be done. Another question I have is whether pure hyaluronic acid can be added to any moisturizer or sunscreen, and if so, in what percentage. THANK YOU.
Hello Manuela,
At most, once a month, but I can’t give you an exact date. Keep in mind that the skin needs to fully regenerate before doing another one. The safe period between one homemade peel and another depends on the depth of the exfoliation, your own skin, and how long it was left on. Give it time and pay attention to how your skin feels and how sensitive it is when you touch it. It’s better to wait longer but ensure that your skin is fully recovered.
As for the hyaluronic acid, you can add as much as you want, and if you have another moisturizer, you can add that too. The important thing is to take care of your face after using glycolic acid. Sunscreen is great for going outside, but it should not replace the moisturizer.
Hello, I would like to clarify a doubt I have. About a month ago, I did a peel at home, but I still have the spots, and one of them became red while the surrounding area is brown. Please tell me if I can do another peel where the spots are, because my face is otherwise nice. Thank you for your attention.
You need to be careful with homemade peels and how your skin responds. The red spot you mention could be due to a reaction, an excess in the treatment, sensitive skin, or simply a melanin issue. In any case, the red appearance usually means you should let it rest without abrasive treatments like glycolic peeling.
If you think the state of the spot is unusual, you should see a specialist, as it’s best to evaluate it in person. It’s very difficult to say anything about it without seeing it. Sorry.
As for the time, after a month, the skin should be fully recovered, but since you mentioned the spot, it’s best to wait a few weeks to see how it goes and if it changes color or recovers. I can’t say more because that would be speculative, and I don’t know what it is.
Thank you very much, this has helped me a lot, and not just me, but also my boyfriend who has these issues! Thank you so much ❤✋✋
I’m glad it has helped you. Thank you for sharing that it’s working well for you.
You mentioned that to avoid making the mix, you buy liquid glycolic acid. What percentage is it?
A 30% concentration is good to start. You can then increase the glycolic acid percentage for the peel.
Hello, can I apply this peel on my armpits, inner thighs, and intimate area?
Hello Yvelisse, it’s better not to, as it’s quite strong, and these are very delicate and sensitive areas. For the intimate area, groin, and armpits, it’s better to use a specific product that is gentle and has very low concentrations.
I bought glycolic acid on eBay, applied it, and it didn’t have any reaction. It feels like they just sent me pure water. Do you think I was scammed?
Hello Gerardo, if it’s a cosmetic with a low concentration, it’s possible that you don’t notice the effects we’ve mentioned. Now, if you’re mixing it yourself, you need to be careful because it’s abrasive, so you should definitely feel the effects of glycolic acid. The best thing to do is to complain to the seller and ask them to send you the product again because there might have been an error or it could be defective.
What happens if you are taking isotretinoin 20 mg daily and do a glycolic acid peel at 25? Is it dangerous? Why? What happens to the person doing it?
You should consult with the specialist since this medication is for severe acne (I assume you’re taking it for that), so it’s possible that a chemical peel may not be suitable. Every case must be evaluated, and it’s better to speak with the person who recommended the medication.
It can also cause side effects like skin peeling, so in theory, it affects the dermis, and with glycolic peeling, you’re directly acting on this area. If you’re following a skin medication, it’s better to discuss it with the doctor, as they can recommend this facial treatment or rule it out if it’s not compatible with your current situation. Glycolic acid works well for acne, but in some cases, care should be taken, as you may have hypersensitivity and it could be too abrasive
Hello, I’ve always had acne and dark spots. I’ve used countless acne and dark spot products. I used a lotion and a cream that works like a chemical peel. It worked at first, but now it only leaves my skin red, flaky, and very sensitive since I’ve been using these products for a long time. I did a peel a few years ago, and it didn’t work, in fact, it left my skin more stained, and now I have more spots on some areas than others. CAN I DO THE PEEL? WOULD IT BENEFIT ME TO REMOVE MY SPOTS COMPLETELY?
It seems that the cream you were using also acted as a chemical peel, as you mentioned. When the skin is red and flaky, it could be that you’ve used it too much. This can happen with glycolic peeling, but also with other acids. Have you tried taking a break for a few weeks to see how your skin responds and if the redness recovers? Use a moisturizer during this period to help with recovery. It’s good to leave some time for all the tissues to regenerate and become less sensitive. Also, avoid direct sun exposure on your face, and use sunscreen if you notice sensitivity.
Regarding the suitability of doing the peel now, it would be best to wait until the symptoms of peeling disappear, and your skin is no longer red. When the epidermis returns to its natural color and feels normal—meaning it’s recovered, even if the spots remain—then you could use the glycolic acid peel to improve the texture and color of your facial skin. From what you mentioned, if you use it now, you could experience burns since you still have effects from the previous chemical product.
Hello. My question is if distilled water can be used?
Thank you.
Do you mean “semi-distilled” or water with reduced minerals? Since it’s distilled, it ensures that the water is completely inert with the peeling products, so they don’t react in the mixture. The best thing is not to complicate it and just buy a bottle or small container. They’re usually very cheap, and that way you ensure you won’t have any issues.
I have a question. I want to do a peel to remove some scars from my skin due to acne. I still get acne, but very little. The thing is, I’ve looked into the TCA peel, and it seems to be the most suitable one, but I’d do it at a 20% concentration. It’s very expensive, so I’m asking if with a 30% concentration and being very careful for 7 to 15 days, I would get a superficial to medium peel. Or tell me what I should do?
The TCA peel is with trichloroacetic acid, and it’s very similar to the glycolic acid peel, but it has a greater penetration, reaching deeper layers of the skin, so its results are generally more significant. Glycolic acid works very well for acne and also for facial marks, although it’s more superficial. Everything is relative. Many people see great results with it. It all depends on the scars and the acne you have. But if you apply it, you will surely notice changes.
There’s an article in the blog titled “Homemade or Professional Facial Peeling” where the differences between the two are explained. It might help you make a decision.
Regarding the price of the TCA peel, it’s much more expensive, and the recovery time is also longer. As for which will work best for you, glycolic or TCA, I can’t say for sure, as it would be important to see your skin, and you need to be careful with these products used as chemical exfoliating treatments. The best option is to consult a specialist who can assess you in person. Either way, with either one, you’ll notice improvement as your skin renews. The difference is that one goes deeper. But you also have more safety with a milder one. Just be very careful with both. These treatments are always recommended to be done by specialists. 🙂
If the price seems too high right now, you can go for more gradual and softer changes over time. Try the gentler option. In a few months, when your skin is fully recovered and looking better, you can repeat it or go for the stronger TCA. If you’ve saved up enough money by then, you’ll see if the gentler option didn’t quite do enough for deeper scars. In any case, the effects of the peel are always noticeable.
I have a cream that is totally natural, and among its components are olive oil, rosehip, argan, wheat germ, shea butter, tea tree, etc. It’s a cream for irritated skin. If I apply this cream after the peel, could it be bad? It’s completely natural
Make sure it doesn’t contain any irritating components and is alcohol-free. The ingredients you mentioned are very moisturizing and will help your skin recover much faster, in addition to providing nourishing elements. After a chemical peel, it’s very important to hydrate and use a good cream to facilitate care and avoid dehydration.
Shea butter, oils, and hyaluronic acid work very well after glycolic acid.
Hello, when applying glycolic acid, should I massage the face with a cotton pad, or should I just apply it with the brush? After moistening the face and waiting the 3 minutes, should I apply the cream with bicarbonate over the acid on the face, wait another 3 minutes, rinse the face with cold water, and then apply the moisturizer? Is this correct, or did I misunderstand?
Apply it with the brush, and from that moment, start counting the time. The bicarbonate is used to deactivate the glycolic acid, and it’s applied on top. When you do this, you should notice the acid stops acting. After those 3 minutes, rinse with plenty of water. If you have doubts about the peel, first try it on a small hidden area to ensure you don’t cause burns. You can try it on a 1 cm area of your arm, for example. But you must be very strict with the timing and careful.
What happens if I use glycolic acid at 10% directly on my face? Is it okay?
The effects are milder when the concentration is lower.
Hello, I wanted to know if glycolic acid is comedogenic, and how can I avoid acne breakout after doing the peel?
It doesn’t block the skin’s pores; it cleans them as it exfoliates the top layer. It can improve the current appearance of your face, but if acne continues to appear, you won’t be able to avoid it unless you use a specific treatment. The glycolic peel or other products won’t stop it; it’s more indicated to combat the marks left by acne.
Hello, I did the peel, and I’m on the 4th day. I made the mixture with equal parts of acid and water, but the skin only got a little dry. It burned when I applied it, but it hasn’t peeled, lifted, or anything. It’s just a little drier and oilier than before. I’ve seen several testimonies that by the 5th day, most of the dead skin has come off, but mine hasn’t. Why is that?
You might need a few more days. If you’ve followed the steps correctly, you should notice that your skin will improve. Is the glycolic acid the same concentration? Have you controlled the timing?
Don’t repeat it frequently, even if you don’t see the desired effects, as it could damage your facial skin. Let it rest for a few weeks and observe how it’s working. Based on that, you can adjust as indicated. The key is that you see improvements.
Hello, I want to do the peeling treatment at home. I already have everything prepared. I bought it at 50% concentration. I’ve been getting it for years, spending around 100€ each time I get one at a clinic. Most of the time, they leave it on for more than 3 minutes. The last time I had it, it stayed on for 20 minutes before summer started, and everything went well. Although I still have acne scars that haven’t disappeared because I had comedonal acne, which eroded the skin at a depth that less invasive treatments can’t reach. My question is, can I leave it on for more than 5 or 10 minutes? I plan to test the treatment on a small area of my body first. Which area do you recommend?
In reality, aside from a couple of scars and some chickenpox marks, my skin is fine—combination skin, but there are days when it looks really good, even though it still has imperfections. I wouldn’t want to risk ruining it by playing with this. I’m writing to you and thanking you for your website and for helping people. Best regards.
If you can afford to have it done at a clinic, it’s always better, and they can adjust the treatment as your skin and scars evolve.
Regarding the timing, don’t exceed it, as it could cause abrasion. You need to be very careful when doing a glycolic acid peel at home. The time you mentioned seems excessive. Are you sure it’s the peel and not another substance? Sometimes there are multiple steps, and by not doing it yourself, you might think the acid is acting for all that time, but that’s not the case. It’s better not to risk altering the concentrations.
Hello, I’ve been doing the homemade glycolic peel at 50% every Saturday for 3 months, following the procedure exactly, but I don’t see improvements in the depth of my scars 🙁 I leave it on for 5 minutes on my cheeks, where the problem is, and 1 minute on the rest of my face. It burns and turns red, but it fades normally afterward, and I’ve only noticed that my nose peels a little, but that’s it… Do I need something stronger??? I’m desperate; my face looks so bad, and other treatments like laser are very expensive 🙁 Will using it at 70% work better?
The skin has a slow recovery period, so you need to be patient. Don’t use it so often, as you could be overdoing it. If you have deep scars, perhaps a dermatologist can advise you, although consultations might charge you. Alternatively, you could visit a local aesthetic center to get peel prices.
In addition to glycolic acid, there is the TCA peel, which uses trichloroacetic acid and works on the middle and deep layers. There’s also one with phenol, but as I mentioned, it’s better for someone who specializes in this to assess the condition of your scars and tell you which one would work best. It tends to be much more affordable than laser treatments.
I have glycolic acid at 30%, and I wanted to know if I can apply it on the inside of my legs, but not in the groin area, as this part has darkened. It’s not too dark, but it’s noticeable in some areas. Please help me, I would appreciate your answer.
Hello, I also do homemade glycolic peels. I use 50%. I don’t dilute it with water as mentioned in the post; I apply it directly to the skin. Then, as mentioned in the post, I apply bicarbonate with water, etc.
People like us who have been using acne creams for years are used to it, so there’s no need to dilute the acid with water. The truth is, it doesn’t completely remove scars; it’s more useful for acne marks. Maybe if you use it consistently for a year, you’ll see improvement, but after four weekly sessions, you need to rest for a month. Estefanía, I don’t know if you’re from Spain, but maybe the public healthcare system can help. There are creams that are supposed to remove scars over time. However, the problem is usually the climate factor; the sun can cause freckles on your face, etc.
I think I’ll try laser treatment, one called Fraxel. There’s a lot of competition among beauty centers and dermatologists, and they can do it for around 300 dollars.
Laser works very well for some scars.
How much does the glycolic acid for homemade peeling cost approximately?
Hello Eli, well, it depends on the quantity, the place where you buy the glycolic acid powder, and even the country where you live. A very rough price range could be between 7 and 15€ for the peel, but as I said, check the weight. Some stores sell it in 100g packets, and others in 1kg bags.
Hello Marta, one question: how do you mix distilled water with 50% glycolic acid? Do I use the dropper or how? I don’t understand 🙁
Depending on the amount you use, a dropper or the typical plastic measuring cup might work well for you.
Is it the same for all concentrations? So if I use 35% acid, should I still use half acid and half distilled water, or is it only for the 50% concentration? Which brand do you recommend? I’m about to buy one on eBay.
Yes, it’s just that the peel will be less concentrated, but it’s the best way to control the proportions. If you’ve never done a glycolic peel, it might even work better for you.
Hello, is it possible and/or recommended to add a bit of the glycolic acid they sent me for the peel to my night cream if I want it to be gradual instead of doing it all at once?
Hello Aleli, the problem is that it’s easy to lose control over the strength. If you want to use it every day, it’s better to use a product that already contains 5%, 10%, 15%, etc.
You can also calculate the weight of the cream and add the right amount to achieve one of those concentrations, or you can focus on a cream you’d like to use, although it might be easier to just buy it directly and save the glycolic acid for another peel later.
Hello, I would like to know where I can get high-concentration glycolic acid, like the one used by dermatologists in their clinics, as the glycolic acid I have found so far is in very low concentrations, like the ones used in beauty centers, and that doesn’t do anything at all. Thank you.
There are various online stores and suppliers that sell glycolic acid in powder form. The effect depends on each person, their skin type, and the results they expect. Many people find lower concentrations work well and don’t need it to be stronger, while others, due to their skin characteristics, do need it at a higher concentration.
Hello Claudia, I bought glycolic acid on eBay. It comes in a bottle with a dropper and also with a bottle of bicarbonate.
Hello, I bought 99% glycolic acid in powder form and would like to know how to dilute it with distilled water. Should I use 25% acid of the total mixture and 75% distilled water of the total mixture? Thank you.
That should work well, but try it first on a small hidden area, just in case you miscalculate the mixture.
How many peeling sessions should be done per month? And what cream should be used after the peel?
At most, one.
Hello, I would like to do this homemade peel. Does it work for wrinkles? I am from La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Where can I find glycolic acid, in pharmacies?
Hello Rosana, it also helps to reduce wrinkles on the face. The chemical peel removes the outer layer of the skin, meaning it completely regenerates the skin. Although it’s not the same as a filler, some results are noticeable. It depends on whether the wrinkles are fine or deep.
Hello! I’m Fiama, and I’m 26 years old. I’ve always had acne and used thousands of products and antibiotics, which left me with many scars. I believe that so many treatments also caused the appearance of wrinkles around my eyes. The truth is, the appearance is awful, and my look is no longer that of a young person, which really makes me self-conscious. I’d like to know how effective a homemade peel can be to remove those horrible lines under my eyes?
It’s great for small expression lines, skin spots, and different skin tones, but it all depends on how they are. If it’s near the eyes, it’s better to use a cream. For the under-eye area, you should avoid applying it. If it’s on the cheekbones, cheeks, crow’s feet, then it can be used, but you should leave a safety margin around the eyes. For the marks you mentioned, retinoic acid works well. For wrinkles, a peel and hyaluronic acid can help, but once they are deep, it’s hard to remove them without a filler. However, at 26 years old, you probably don’t need those kinds of treatments yet. With a chemical peel, you’ll likely notice a great improvement. Then, just focus on skincare for renewal, and that’s it.
Hello, can this peel also be used on the arms, back, and chest? And does it also help eliminate white spots? I’ve had acne, and because of the sun, I have white spots, in addition to the brown ones. Thank you very much.
It can be used all over the body, except on mucous membranes, genitals, and certain sensitive areas like nipples, lips, eyes, etc. To avoid surprises, it’s better to use a gentler body peel the first time and do a test on a small hidden area. Some parts of the body have much thinner skin than the face, so some caution is needed. However, it works very well for spots.
Hello, I really liked the peel idea. Could you give me some instructions to use it on stretch marks? I would appreciate it.
The method of use is the same for everything. The only thing is to be cautious depending on the area since it can be more sensitive, and high-concentration glycolic acid can have a stronger effect. Depending on the type and how long the stretch marks have been there, the peel can yield good results. If you’ve never used it before, it’s better to use less the first time than to overdo it.
Hello, if I use 5% acid, is it necessary to apply bicarbonate?
If you use glycolic peel, yes, because it deactivates the acid. If you don’t do it, the acid will keep acting, and it could burn your skin.
Hello, I have a big question. I bought 50% glycolic acid online from the brand Enchanted Waters. It came with instructions in English. I understand basic English, so I get the general idea, but at no point did they mention distilled water. They only mentioned using bicarbonate to neutralize it, and after that, they just talk about applying it normally and post-peel precautions. I’m not sure if I should use distilled water or not. Can you help me?
Distilled water is used to prevent any chemicals or minerals from interacting with the glycolic acid. It’s used as a medium to mix the acid properly. When you remove the skin’s protective outer layer, the surface of your skin, depending on where you live, may contain chlorine, calcium, and other minerals.
Generally, distilled water is very cheap and available in supermarkets. If you can, buy it.
Hello!!
I suffer from folliculitis and mild acne on my arms since my adolescence. A couple of months ago, I found a recipe using salicylic acid with urea for a peel. The first few times it seemed to show results since my skin started to peel, but in the end, there weren’t many significant changes, because I’ve damaged my arms a lot by pinching them, to the point of having scars and brown spots all over. I would like to know if this type of peel can help, and if I need to increase the quantities since it’s on my arms. I’m really desperate and would greatly appreciate your response, regardless of anything, thank you for sharing the recipe.
It works on any part of the body, but you have to be careful with all areas. The concentrations shouldn’t be increased, as you could suffer damage from glycolic acid. The peel will give results, but depending on the number of scars, their depth, and their condition, it may take longer to improve. This means you may need more months and separate applications compared to someone who only has a light scratch.
If you have many scars, it’s usually best to consult a specialist. They can recommend a peel, laser, or creams to improve your skin and scarring.
Thank you so much, Marta, for keeping an eye on the comments and committing to your readers. I appreciate the details, I’ll try it out, and I’ll let you know how it goes!
Hello, I did the peel with 30% glycolic acid, but nothing happened. It’s supposed to peel the skin off the face, but that didn’t happen to me.
Hello Eli, it depends on each skin type, thickness, and tolerance to glycolic acid when you do the peel at home. Watch how it evolves over the next few days.
Hello Marta, thank you for your contributions. I bought 70% glycolic acid in Madrid. I plan to use one part of acid and two parts of water. (The salesperson told me that the water in Madrid is better than any distilled water).
Do you think this is correct?
Anyway, I’ll try it on an inconspicuous area.
I’m eager to try it and will let you know the result.
Distilled water is inert, it doesn’t contain any minerals, chemicals, etc. While the water in Madrid is great for drinking, it has minerals and pH, so it’s not inert. On the other hand, distilled water isn’t good for drinking, but it’s perfect for mixing with glycolic acid.
Hello, I’d be interested in buying some from you. I’m from Madrid, and where are you from? I’m looking forward to your reply. Thank you and best regards, I’m Charo.
Can you tell me where you bought it, please? Thank you.
Hello, I’m from California, and I only find 10% glycolic acid. I’m not sure if I should add distilled water to it, and if so, how much. Or if I should apply the acid directly without mixing it and then apply the bicarbonate after 3 minutes. Can you help me, please?
Hello Gaby, follow the steps indicated in the article. The lower the concentration, the milder the effects, but be careful, as it’s still very strong.
Hello, I’m from Austin. They prepared 50% glycolic acid in the pharmacy with a cream base. I want to know if I can use it the same way as the previous instructions, using bicarbonate, or if I should just use it every day as a night cream.
You should talk to the pharmacist who prepared the cream, as they are the ones who know best how you should use it based on the formula they used. Bicarbonate is used to neutralize the glycolic acid, so it doesn’t keep acting. Otherwise, it could cause damage to the dermis if you do a homemade facial peel. Since it’s a cream, they need to tell you how to apply it. Ask them, and they’ll give you the instructions without any problem.
Hello, I did a peel with glycolic acid on a spot, and it turned red, then brown, and it still hasn’t gone away after a month. I’m using humectant cream, what should I do?
Hello Andrea, does the spot still have color, or has the dark skin peeled off?
Good afternoon, I live in Seattle, USA, and at pharmacies with laboratories, they don’t sell glycolic acid without a dermatologist’s prescription. Where can I buy the product?
Thank you.
There are cosmetics that include it, and if you want a slightly higher concentration, you can buy it online. It’s the easiest way, and most people do it that way.
Hello, great post. I don’t even remember how I ended up here, but this is information that’s worth gold to me, haha. I just want to know how to prepare my face a week before a peel. I’ve looked for information, and all I find is that it should be with Revival Forte, but that’s not available here in Mexico, and on Mercado Libre, it’s very expensive. So I want to know if I could use something else.
Regards and thank you for reading me (I hope you read this, haha).
It’s a depigmenting cream. If you check the composition or how it works, you’ll surely find many similar products in your country. Anyway, you don’t need to do anything special to improve the facial peel. Sometimes, it’s used as a method before other treatments.
Hello, my name is Felina, and I live in Peru. Could you tell me the exact products I need, how to prepare it, the quantity, and the time? In other words, step by step, please.
Thank you.
I’m used to measuring by tablespoons. It’s better and more practical.
I’ve ordered glycolic acid, and they’ve sent me 70%. How can I use it? I already have it at home and can’t return it. Could I add it to my makeup remover, apart from the peel? If yes, how much percentage should I use and how do I do the peel? Thank you.
Hello Marta! When you say 50% acid, does that mean they don’t sell it pure? Do they sell it already mixed, and then you dilute it to half with distilled water? How much do you use for the face? Is that correct?
Hello, I’d like you to help me and guide me on what I can do if I have glycolic acid, but it’s only 10% liquid. I have spots; can it help with them? Should I apply it directly to the spots since it’s a low percentage? Please tell me how I can apply it. Thank you.
Hello, I bought 30% TCA acid. Can I use it on its own, or do I need to mix it with distilled water?
Hello, I bought 10% glycolic acid in cream for my neck since it’s very stained. After 1 week of using it at night and removing it in the morning, my skin started to turn red, but it was more toward the chest. It still hasn’t worked on the neck lines. Should I keep applying it the same way, or should I let it rest and then repeat? Thank you.
Hello, my question is: can I use it on my back?
If the answer is yes, should I leave it on the same amount of time, or should it change?
Thank you.
Hello, I bought 50% glycolic acid, and they sent it to me in gel form. Can I use it directly on my face and body, where I have stretch marks? Or should I dilute it with distilled water and neutralize it with bicarbonate? Thank you very much, I look forward to your response.
Hello, I already have all the ingredients to do the chemical peel, but I have some doubts. Will my face be visible, and can I go outside immediately without scaring anyone? Or should I wait a few days for my face to look normal? Thank you very much.
Hello, can the peel be done around the bikini area? That area got dark. What percentage of glycolic acid should I use?
Hello,
I’m from Panama.
Facial homemade peeling is not famous among women here, or at least nobody talks about it.
So, I don’t have anyone to exchange ideas with.
It’s great that in this forum I have the chance to ask and benefit from the comments and answers
I need to know how many days I should wait to do the glycolic acid peel if I’ve been using RETIN-A.
Hello,
I have severe acne spots on my back. My skin is dark, so it has more melanin, which makes them harder to remove.
What acid should I use to get rid of them?
Hello, I have a linear scar about 5cm (long, not very deep, but noticeable) on my forehead. Can glycolic acid help with that through the peel? This is my first time doing the peel, and I’m curious since I have many small scars due to acne.
Hello! Could I combine glycolic acid with salicylic acid in the peel? If so, how much of each should I mix? Thank you very much
Very good information, I appreciate it… Thank you!
Where can I buy glycolic acid here in Oklahoma City?
Hello,
How can I do a mandelic peel at home?
Thank you.
I bought 50% mandelic acid.
Do I need to mix it with distilled water, or not?
Hello Marta! Thank you for the article! I want to do this peel, but it’s my first time. I’ve never had a peel before. Do you think using 30% glycolic acid is better, or should I go straight for the 50%?
Hello, good afternoon,
I want to clear up my doubts. Do you apply glycolic acid with a brush, leave it on, and for how long? Also, I got confused when they said to mix glycolic acid with salicylic acid. It’s important to have clear answers, since you’re the experts, and I’d appreciate these tips. I only accept the answer for what I need to do on my face to avoid making mistakes. Thank you so much, and I look forward to your response.
Thank you for your attention.
Hello! I’ve had three peels with the dermatologist, but the preparation hasn’t worked for my small wrinkles and expression lines. The result is only noticeable on the rest of my face. Could I make the glycolic acid and water mixture myself? Will it work? Thank you!
How should I store the leftover glycolic acid and distilled water that I have left? How long does it last?
Hello. I use 10% glycolic acid. I’ve seen improvement in my skin, but I have some small spots on my cheeks. I would like to use a higher percentage. Which one do you recommend? Thank you.
My face is damaged from pimples and spots that grow, dry, and leave marks. Some of my pores are closed, and others are open. I want to follow your steps, but I have a question. You mention making a mixture of bicarbonate and water before starting. You apply the mask, leave it for three minutes, and then? Should I apply the bicarbonate mask first, and then the glycolic acid one on top? Or does the bicarbonate mask go first, wait three minutes, and then apply the glycolic acid? Please help me.
Acids should only be handled by professionals. These tips are a real madness! 50% glycolic acid can burn any skin. Of course, when mixed with water, it neutralizes it. Go to a professional!
I’d like to know if glycolic acid, whether liquid or pure, can be bought at a physical store like a pharmacy, and which brand would you recommend as the best or the one you use? Thank you.
Hello! I use 10% glycolic acid at night, but I’d like to do a peel at least every two months. My question is, how long should I wait before I can apply glycolic acid again at night? The one I use is in a bottle with a stopper, and I leave it on all night. I just want to do a deep exfoliation and continue with my treatment.
Hello, I did a glycolic peel, but the next day I woke up with my face a bit red, and I got small pimples as if I had burned myself with wax. Is this normal from the peel?
At first, some people experience redness in their skin. It depends on the percentage used and your sensitivity to glycolic acid. It’s possible to have more or fewer side effects. It’s normal to feel some “discomfort,” but it should be mild.
Hello, before applying the bicarbonate mask, should I wash my face to remove the mixture of acid and distilled water? Thank you.
Bicarbonate neutralizes the glycolic acid, meaning it blocks it and stops it from working. You should use it afterward, once you’ve completed the application time and want the glycolic peel to stop. You can either apply the mask or remove it with a gauze soaked in bicarbonate.