Glycol peeling: features and subtleties of use

Nowadays, the cosmetic market is full of masks, lotions, all kinds of tonics and acid peels. The great popularity of care products is due to their ability to rejuvenate the skin, eliminate scars and reduce the severity of age spots.

Glycolic acid peeling is a type of chemical cosmetic peeling. It is carried out using special glycolic acid, which is obtained from grapes, unripe beets and sugarcane. By the way, references to the use of the latter for anti-aging procedures date back to the times of Ancient Egypt.

Since that time, science has stepped far forward, and in the 70s of the last century, scientists found a scientific justification for the effectiveness of fruit acids. It has been proven that they actively act on the keratinized upper layers of the dermis, reduce bonds between dead cells and stimulate collagen production.

Glycolic acid concentrate was first tested on a person in 1996, then more than 40 people with various cosmetic problems took part in the testing. A month later, 90% of the subjects showed a significant improvement in skin condition, a decrease in the stratum corneum, a reduction in the number of superficial wrinkles and an improvement in complexion. This is what led to the widespread distribution of glycolic acid in the beauty industry.

The procedure has the most beneficial effect on the skin:

• Rejuvenates - due to the penetration of acid deep into the skin, the intensive production of collagen begins, as well as fibroblasts responsible for the elasticity of the tissues. The consequence of these processes is an increase in skin turgor, smoothing of the relief, as well as a reduction in the depth and number of small wrinkles.
• Cleans - glycolic acid in comparison with other fruit components has a rather low molecular weight, so it penetrates much deeper and effectively fights keratinized cells in a variety of layers of the epidermis.
• Demonstrates the effect of lifting, that is, it simply tightens the skin. The essence of this phenomenon is due to the fact that when the acid contacts the intercellular space, the cells swell, the result is an increase in the elasticity of soft tissues, evenness and tightness of the floated face contour.

• Eliminates inflammation - glycolic acid is widely used to effectively combat acne and ugly acne. The impact of the active component significantly reduces inflammation and reduces the manifestation of foci of infection on the skin of the face.
• Moisturizes - after a chemical fruit peeling procedure, the skin becomes more hydrated, the acid-base balance is normalized, the sebaceous glands work is strengthened, and all metabolic processes in the skin are optimized.

The benefits of fruit acid peeling are obvious:

• the patient practically does not feel pain during the procedure;
• wrinkles are smoothed out very quickly;
• the first results are visible after a few hours;
• the recovery period is quite short.

However, we must not forget that an ideal cosmetic procedure has not yet been created, and glycolic peeling, like many other cosmetic manipulations, is no exception.

The disadvantages of such cleaning include:

• the likelihood of complications (peeling, redness, puffiness);
• lack of result in individual cases;
• high cost of salon procedures.

Peeling with fruit acids can be superficial. middle and deep. For each of them, a different concentration of glycol preparations is used - from 5 to 70%.

Surface treatment allows you to get rid of the keratinized layer. The same method is optimal if it is necessary to prevent acne and acne. This procedure makes the skin more tender, eliminates freckles and age spots, and also smoothes fine wrinkles.

Median peeling affects layers located more deeply, in some cases even penetrates into the tissue near the basement membrane. In this case, fruit acid almost completely affects the epidermis, due to which the effect of smoothing wrinkles is achieved, scars and scars are eliminated, and skin creases are minimized.

Deep peeling is the most aggressive type of exposure, but at the same time the most effective. In this case, fruit acid (its concentration reaches 70%) reaches the reticular skin layer, due to which the processes of its active recovery are launched.A similar procedure is used to combat deep wrinkles and folds, reduces pigmentation and smooth large scars. From a medical point of view, such peeling is comparable to surgical intervention, which is performed with mandatory anesthesia (local or general).

The period of skin recovery after deep glycolic peeling is at least 20 days, and sometimes reaches 1.5 months.

Beauticians advise turning to glycolic rejuvenation of the epidermis in the following situations:

• active aging of the skin;
• the appearance of fine wrinkles;
• the presence of scars and scars remaining after acne;
• dryness and severe peeling of the skin;
• the formation of stretch marks, which often occur after pregnancy, as well as due to severe weight loss;
• excess skin greasy;
• neoplasms of the pigment type;
• sagging and reduced skin elasticity.

Glycol peeling is a very serious procedure, regardless of what concentration solution is used. Even a minimal violation of the technology of conducting, as well as improper skin care during the recovery period, often harm the skin and instead of the expected effect lead to additional problems.

Peeling, especially chemical peeling, has a number of contraindications, among them:

• inflammatory processes in the treated area of ​​the skin;
• the presence of allergies to the active component of the drug;
• herpes in the acute stage;
• fresh tan (usually a reddish tint);
• the presence of warts in large numbers;
• purulent inflammation on the surface of the skin.

Peeling is not recommended for certain diseases:

• oncology;
• diabetes;
• fever, fever;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• asthma.

Pregnant and lactating women, as well as those with individual intolerance to the composition, should not have peeling glycol formulations.

Carrying out the glycolic peeling procedure includes two main stages - preparation and direct peeling. The sequence of actions and their time must be strictly observed, not even a minimum excess is allowed or, conversely, a reduction in exposure time.

Facial skin peeling using glycolic acid is carried out in a strict sequence of manipulations. Deviation from the rules of procedure is categorically unacceptable.

Glycolic peeling must be preceded by preparation, which begins 10 days before the procedure and consists in the gradual introduction of fruit acid in low concentration into the care products - not more than 5%. In addition, you should use cosmetics, pH of which is in the range of 3-5%, which will equalize the acid-base balance of the skin, soften its upper layer and prepare for further powerful exposure to the chemical component.

For different skin types, the glycolic peeling preparation scheme varies:

• if the skin is oily, then for one week you should apply cosmetics with additives once a day, and from 7 to 10 days, slightly increase the number of exposures to two - in the morning and evening;
• with normal skin, the product is applied twice a day, however, if the skin begins to peel off, then the number of procedures should be reduced to one;
• with dry skin of the face, the drug is used once a day throughout the entire stage of preparation for dry cleaning.

2 days before the procedure, it is necessary to put on the arm at the bend of the elbow the main remedy that is planned to be used for peeling - if itching, burning or swelling develops, then this can be considered a sign of an allergic reaction to the remedy. In this case, the concentration of the active component during the treatment should be minimal or try other cleaning options, for example, milk exfoliation.

Directly peeling is performed in the following sequence:

1. First, the face is cleaned, the remnants of makeup, as well as traces of dust and dirt are removed - lotions and gels are usually used for this.
2. Next, degrease the skin. It is known that fat particles trap glycolic acid and do not allow it to enter the epidermis, so if you do not get rid of fat, then you do not have to wait for any effect from the procedure. That is why, before peeling, the cosmetologist wipes the skin with a special degreasing tonic, paying special attention to all the mouths of the sebaceous flows.
3. Next, the beautician pours the active substance into a small container and with the help of cotton buds distributes it throughout the face. This must be done quickly so that the composition penetrates into the deep layers as evenly as possible. So that the patient does not experience pain during deep and median peeling, a stream of cold air is sent to her face, which facilitates her condition.
4. After a few minutes, the acid composition is neutralized. Most often, saline is used for this. Its use ceases the action of the acid and leads to a normal pH, the disappearance of discomfort and a burning sensation.
5. A special soothing mask is applied to the face, and then a nourishing cream.

Some women do glycolic peels on their own at home. Professional cosmetologists are categorically against independent manipulations with acid solutions, but the desire of a woman to become more beautiful, spending a minimum of money, makes many ignore such advice.

In this case, you should know how to properly conduct glycol rejuvenation at home without harming your health and appearance.

Proceed in accordance with the following instructions:

• traces of cosmetics are removed, and cleansed skin is covered with lotion;
• using a cotton swab, carefully apply the drug with a minimum concentration of fruit acid;
• after 5 minutes, take a cotton swab again, treat with a neutralizer and rinse off the glycol compound:
• wash with cool water;
• apply emollient cream.

During the recovery period, the skin requires special care for 7-40 days, depending on the depth of penetration of glycolic acid.

During the first week, you should limit your exposure to the sun, however, if you still need to go outside, you must use sunscreens, even if peeling was carried out in winter. Otherwise, pigmentation is highly likely.

Within 10 days, you should not visit the sauna or bath, it is also better to refuse trips to the solarium.

For at least 7 days, you need to forget about makeup, and use only those preparations that are prescribed by a cosmetologist as a care product, since they usually have increased regenerative ability and stimulate more active renewal of skin cells.

Do not play sports during this period, since high activity causes an increase in body temperature and a rush of blood to the skin, including to the face.

Very important: at the stage of healing of the skin, the skin is renewed, and this process is accompanied by severe peeling.In this case, dead tissue is separated and hang, forming small crusts. Under no circumstances should they be ripped off. The maximum that can be done is to carefully cut them with nail scissors.

When working with any chemicals in the cosmetology industry, it is extremely important to use the products of reliable manufacturers, the quality of the preparations of which does not raise any doubts. We give a short overview of the most popular tools.

“New Line” is a Russian peeling created by the Kora company.

The assortment list includes several variants of preparations containing glycolic acid.

• Raspberry peeling is used for problematic skin that is prone to acne. Under the action of the drug, the bonds between dead skin cells are weakened, which leads to exfoliation of the dead layer and the launch of regenerative processes that stimulate the active appearance of new cells. The glycolic acid content in this peeling is 26%, pH is 2.3.
• Cranberry peeling is used to combat age-related skin changes, including photoaging and hyperkeratosis. The concentration of the active component is 40%, pH at 2.3. Peeling is used for medium and deep cleaning only under the supervision of a cosmetologist.
• Lingonberry peeling is recommended for effective rejuvenation on dry skin. This drug can be used at any time of the year, but in summer its use should be accompanied by the use of sunscreens at the recovery stage.

Glycolicpeel Whitening is another Russian brand that produces peels, which are widely used to slow down the aging process, rejuvenate and improve the condition of the skin, prone to excessive pigmentation.

Spanish brand NEOpeel has also created an excellent series of products for aggressive peeling based on fruit acids. Depending on the type of product, the concentration of glycolic acid in it can be from 20 to 70%, and the pH varies between 1.5-3.3.

Glycilic cosmetics is optimal for the effective fight against aging processes, it is most often used on mature skin with obvious signs of age-related changes.

Allura Esthetics is a peeling that actively resists natural aging, and in addition, eliminates hyperpigmentation, reduces the severity of scars and stretch marks. This drug fights well with any unaesthetic effects of acne and stimulates the synthesis of collagen fibers.

Tockani Cosmetics Premium is a glycolic acid peeling that not only effectively removes the upper layers of the skin, but also helps to increase the production of elastin fibers.

Well-known drugs are "Belita", Caudalie and funds with chitosan.

Despite the fact that the use of glycolic peels is considered a relatively safe procedure, as evidenced by reviews, in some situations complications may occur. Let us dwell in more detail on the problems and negative consequences of cleaning and their causes.

A burn of 1 or 2 degrees often occurs if the concentration of the drug is not selected correctly or if the duration of the procedure was too high. In this case, there is a burning sensation and pain. Immediately apply a neutralizer and wash your face with plenty of cool water, then apply an anti-burn agent and wait for a full recovery.

Pigmentation can be the result of violations of the rules established for the recovery period - exposure to the sun, visits to swimming pools and saunas, as well as tanning beds, improperly selected care products.The occurrence of such an unaesthetic effect is easier to prevent, getting rid of it is much more problematic.

The rash can be the result of an allergy to the main component of the drug. That is why it is very important to conduct a skin test before starting the procedure. In any case, if irritation occurs, you should consult a specialist, but if the reaction to peeling is accompanied by swelling and difficulty breathing, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Excessive dryness is a common consequence. In this case, it makes sense to visit a beautician who will prescribe more effective moisturizing care products.

See how the glycol peeling procedure is performed in the next video.