Skin Flaking after a Peel

Will my skin show visible peeling when using the Glycolic Acid Peels? Will I have to hide out for a few days? Will my skin be red?

When using the Glycolic Acid Peels, you do not actually see visible peeling. However, several layers of skin are being lifted up and sloughed off.

That is why the Doctor's offices call this type of peel a "lunchtime peel" because you can get it done during your lunch hour and go back to work looking the same. The results start to show a couple of days later when the skin is stimulating newer, fresher cells to push to the surface. Plus, with regular use, the peeling action also stimulates new layers of collagen and elastin deep in the skin to smooth and tighten the skin on the surface.

If the peel is doing its job correctly, it should not leave any skin cells on the surface. Incomplete peeling or too rapid of a peeling is what causes the skin flakes and peeliness on the surface. When you peel up and dissolve several layers of skin on the surface, there should be no visible skin flakes left over, just smoother skin.

There may be some redness for a few hours after doing a peel. This is normal though and the redness should fade within a few hours. If the redness persists, try cutting the timing of the peel application down or discontinue use and consult a physician.