Glycolic Acid Micro Peel Facial Protocol
For optimal results and safety, glycolic acid micro peel facials should use concentrations of 30-50% for very superficial peels applied for 1-2 minutes, or 50-70% for superficial peels applied for 2-5 minutes, administered once every 15 days for a treatment duration of 4-6 months. 1
Concentration and Application Guidelines
Pre-Treatment Protocol
- Cleanse the skin thoroughly before application
- Consider skin preparation with topical tretinoin or low-concentration glycolic acid (10-15%) for several weeks prior to professional peels 1, 2
- Degrease the skin immediately before application 2
- Assess skin type and condition to determine appropriate concentration
Treatment Protocol Based on Depth
Very Superficial Peel
- 30-50% glycolic acid
- Application time: 1-2 minutes
- Ideal for mild skin concerns and first-time patients 1
Superficial Peel
- 50-70% glycolic acid
- Application time: 2-5 minutes
- For moderate skin concerns 1
Medium Depth Peel
- 70% glycolic acid
- Application time: 3-15 minutes
- For more significant skin concerns 1
Application Technique
- Apply evenly using gauze or applicator brush
- Monitor skin reaction closely during application
- Neutralize the acid after the specified time with a neutralizing solution (typically sodium bicarbonate) 2, 3
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water
Treatment Schedule and Duration
- Professional treatments: Once every 15 days
- Recommended course: 4-6 months (approximately 8-12 sessions) 1
- For acne treatment: 3-4 sessions may be sufficient for visible improvement 4, 5
Indications
- Acne vulgaris and acne scars 6, 1
- Fine wrinkles and photoaging 4
- Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 3
- Skin texture improvement 5
Contraindications
- Lack of psychological stability or unrealistic expectations
- Poor general health or nutritional status
- Isotretinoin therapy within the last 6 months
- Active infection or open wounds (herpes simplex, excoriations, open acne cysts)
- History of abnormal scarring or delayed wound healing
- History of therapeutic radiation exposure
- Active dermatitis conditions (rosacea, seborrheic, atopic, psoriasis) 6, 1
Post-Treatment Care
- Apply gentle moisturizer after treatment
- Mandatory daily sunscreen use (glycolic acid increases photosensitivity)
- Avoid sun exposure for at least one week after treatment
- Continue with home care using lower concentration glycolic acid products (10-15%) between professional treatments 1, 7
Potential Adverse Effects
- Mild stinging, discomfort, and erythema (common and expected)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (more common in darker skin types)
- Erosive blisters and scarring (with improper technique or higher concentrations)
- Increased sun sensitivity 1
Special Considerations
- Safe for Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV with proper technique 3
- For darker skin types (IV-VI), consider starting with lower concentrations and shorter application times to reduce risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Can be combined with microneedling for enhanced treatment of acne scars 8
By following this structured protocol, glycolic acid micro peel facials can effectively address various skin concerns while minimizing potential adverse effects.