Should You Try A Glycolic Acid Peel For Age Spots?

Posted on: 11 March 2021

Age spots can be frustrating to deal with. They seem to pop up out of nowhere, ruining your previously even and smooth complexion. In reality, age spots form after years of sun and environmental damage, combined with the natural aging process of your skin. They may become visible all of the sudden, but behind the scenes, they've been developing for a while. This is why, when treating age spots, you have to get serious. Creams and washes may make a small difference, but if you really want those age spots to fade significantly, you're better off turning to more intensive treatments. One of the best options, it turns out, is a glycolic acid peel.

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is an acidic substance often used in skincare. You can find some glycolic acid toners and washes sold in pharmacies, but these contain a very low concentration of the chemical. A glycolic acid peel is performed in a medical spa or at your dermatologist's office and uses a much higher concentration of glycolic acid. The acid basically works as a chemical exfoliant, causing the outer layer of your skin to peel away.

Why do glycolic acid peels help fade age spots?

Age spots are caused by a high concentration of pigment in the outer layers of your skin. A glycolic acid peel essentially removes these outer layers of skin. This exposes deeper layers of skin, which contain less pigment. The hope is that as your skin re-grows new layers, then, those new layers also contain less pigment. Some people find that their age spots fade permanently and dramatically after just one glycolic acid peel, but others need several peels, spaced a few months apart, to achieve their desired results.

What is it like to get a glycolic acid peel?

When you arrive at the medspa or doctor's office for your glycolic acid peel, generally your practitioner will begin by gently cleansing your face. Then, they'll apply a glycolic acid solution and wait a few minutes before wiping the solution away. You'll probably feel some warmness and burning as the solution works. Afterward, your practitioner will apply a soothing cream or moisturizer.

Your skin will be red and irritated for a few days after your peel, but as long as you wear sunscreen and stick to gentle products, this will soon clear up. You should notice that your age spots are less prominent. When you start to feel your age spots are becoming too noticeable again, you can schedule another peel.

Glycolic acid is not as strong as some agents used for really deep chemical peels, but it is effective enough to ease the appearance of age spots for many patients without serious side effects. Talk to a local doctor or salon care professional about chemical face peels.

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