Re: Is 40% Glycolic Acid Peel Safe for Starting?
Nope…I don’t peel with lactic or glycolic. With lactic, I’ve been using 40% and just bought 55%. I’ve left the 40% on for upto 10 minutes with absolutely no issues. Out of all the acids, lactic is the most gentle one. With glycolic, I used to do 40% but currently using 30%.
I also use Retin-A and self-made vitamin C serum. These combined with the lactic or glycolic peels…over time I’ve noticed a major improvement on my skin tone and overall texture/brightness etc. These have also helped me get rid of hyperpigments caused by acne. I’ll usuallly do a 40% Lactic (getting ready to move upto 55%) OR 30% glycolic once every 3 weeks or so. The ONLY reason I alternate between the two is b/c I just happen to have them all. TCA is great for a “dramatic” change if you have the downtime…but lactic/glycolic are great alternatives for “maintenance”.
** Now with Glygolic, if the % is high enough and if its left long enough…I’m sure it can cause the skin to frost. Since I use it for maintenance and don’t want it to frost…I usually neutralize when my face turns dark pink (but before any frosting).