Glycolic Skin Peel Reviews

Glycolic acid is a naturally derived fruit acid that is often used for cosmetic purposes such as blemish removal, skin brightening and skin renewal. Glycolic acid is a alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) and is a superficial peel.

It works by loosening the "glue" sticking together the very top dead skin cells allowing them to slough off. New skin cells are encouraged to the surface as well as encouraging collagen production. It has excellent exfoliating properties makes it a perfect treatment to use alongside your home skincare products for managing skin blemishes, breakouts and acne as well as brightening sun damaged and ageing skin.

It is important to let your skin get used to the glycolic products. You need to use a mild glycolic cleanser at home for 2 weeks before your first peel. There are different levels of strengths to glycolic acid peels, ranging from 20% to 70% concentrations. If you are new to glycolic peels, start with a lower concentration and work up.

Glycolic acid peels are best used regularly with a break of one or two weeks between sessions. Many people like to do a cycle of 3 to 6 before going into a monthly maintenance peel schedule. After doing the glycolic peel, remember to wear sunscreen during the daytime and avoid sun exposure as much as possible.

Which peel should I choose?

As a guide to the best available glycolic peels on the market, I have tested a few for you so you know what to expect from your next glycolic peel.

All the peels recommended below are for physician use only in a clinic setting and not for home use.

Jan Marini Glycolic Peel

Jan Marini Resurfacing Gel Peel 70% has highly concentrated forms of glycolic acid. The peel is easy to apply in a gel form and doesn't run down into neck creases. It has a moderately uncomfortable prickling sensation whilst on the skin. After washing off the peel, my skin felt instantly clean but it was quite red and sore in more sensitive areas, such as around the nose and upper cheeks. My skin felt quite tingly and sensitive for a few hours afterwards. However I was able to apply some light mineral makeup within an hour to cover any redder areas. Over the next couple of days some areas became quite tight and dry and peeled minimally. Similar to skin peeling when your tan is fading after your holiday but nothing too obvious. My skin did feel great and a lot smoother and clearer though for more sensitive skin types this peel may be a bit too strong to start off with. I found that it did deliver the results as expected but it took a few days for my skin to calm down. I would use it for thicker oilier skins and acne types or very sun-damaged skin.

Dermaceutic Peel

With the option of a 30% Mask Peel and a 50% Milk Peel this range is a lot more versatile for all skin types and also if you just need a skin "boost" rather than anything more aggressive. Perfect for use on younger less sun-damaged skin.

The 30% Mask peel is great as the mask makes it so easy to apply as is doesn't run and you can also see exactly where and how thickly the peel has been applied. Immediately after your skin has a lovely glow. There isn't any after peel stinging or soreness and makeup can be applied. Over the next couple of days my skin continued to feel softer and smoother. This is a great first time peel or skin freshening peel as it has almost no downtime and after effects of redness or peeling.

The 50% Milk peel has a creamier consistency so you need to be careful it doesn't run down the neck. It is stronger so more burning/prickling sensation when applied. Afterwards the skin is slightly red in the more sensitive patches and there was some very mild peeling in the sensitive areas after a day or so. It did give instant results with my skin looking brighter.

Skinceuticals Peel

Skinceutcals gel peel is great for acne as it contains salicylate as well which helps oil control. The best thing about the Skinceuticals range is the Skinceuticals Vitamin C+E Serum which is exceptional and makes my skin glow. It is a powerful anti-oxidant and protects the skin from damage. I think it is the best Vitamin C serum on the market. After your peel I would apply the vitamin C serum to enhance heeling and protect the skin. The peel itself gives great results, especially for skin more prone to breakouts and spots. It has minimal redness and peeling afterwards too. Results are immediately noticeable and skin stays looking and feeling smooth and soft for a couple of weeks after the peel.

Neostrata Peel

Peels come in strengths of 20%, 35%, 50% and 70% allowing for huge versatility in picking the correct peel strength for clients. Especially as it offers a 20% peel, the only brand on the market that does as far I as I know. Homecare kits are good value for money (RRP approx £90) but I found the regime too time consuming and fiddly for a busy working mother.

The peel however was good. I used the 20%, which was very mild and results were subtle but I would equate it to a decent cleansing facial.This peel would be perfect for sensitive, drier skin types who would normally not be able to use a peel but would definitely get the benefits of healthier looking skin with this peel.