STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Glycolic acid peels

Elle · Hermes

I use Glymagic, which whas recommended to me here, actually! It's the same strength as you'd get in the docs office or a spa, so it's pretty serious business. I'd start with fewer minutes than the max recommended the first time, since it has a tendency to be stingy and I've burned myself in the past. Whatever you apply right after the peel will seriously sink in - I always do an SA product and usually follow up with a BP product, but I'd go easy until you figure out how your skin reacts. I'd very much advise doing a patch test first, too.

This leaves me pretty red for a few hours (I usually do it before bed) and sometimes crusty for a day or two in areas that were a little irritated to begin with. Don't exfoliate for a day before you do it, but I do an aspirin mask the two days following to help slough off the flaky stuff.

Crap, upon searching Glymagic doesn't seem to exist anymore, at least not under that name. They used to have an ebay store too, but there are some other ebay stores now that sell the same thing. Looks like some have a good record:
http://stores.ebay.com/stores/shopstores?MfcISAPICommand=GetSNResult&fp=&ht=&query=glycolic+peel&rd=on

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thanks for the rec, Elle! smile

uesgirl · BCBG

Not a peel, but I love Revive's Moisturizing Renewal Cream, which is a glycolic acid product. If you're looking to add a glycolic product to your daily routine, I highly recommend it.

http://www.reviveskincare.com/detail.aspx?ID=2&Category=1

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thanks for the rec uesgirl!

What's the difference between all the different glycolic products anyways? Do they all do the same thing? Or do peels give different results than creams?

Elle · Hermes

Peels deliver a much stronger punch than creams, which are usually intended for daily use. The peel I use is mild as peels go, and is a 30% acid solution (same as you'd get at a dermatologists office).

IMO, creams/washes/toners are a sort of daily maintenance thing and peels are 'treatments' that create more noticeable results per application. Peels do have some downtime like I said earlier, whereas creams can be applied under makeup and be fine. The creams are probably also good for fine lines and such that peels can't be used for, like around the eyes.

Depends on the severity of your issue, I guess.

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

I've been wanting to try a glycolic acid peel, too. I'm super bored at work and have spent most of the day reading reviews on Makeup Alley and I think I'm going to order one from www.makeupartistschoice.com, as most of the reviewers have had really positive experiences with their products. I'm going to see how the glycolic works for me and probably eventually work up to the TCA. I've been on Retin-A off and on for over 10 years and now my skin is fairly clear but I have some clogged pores and a few pitted scars and I'm hoping this will help. Seems like a very good alternative to super expensive office treatments.

Sunshinegirl · Kate Spade

I second makeupartistschoice.com for products. I've been a customer for several years now.

I have very sensitive skin and have been using the lactic acid peel for some time with great results. Here is a direct link to their peels: http://www.makeupartistschoice.com/chemical_peel_landing.htm
I'm up to the 55% lactic peel. With peels, it is very important that you do not use a soap product before or after the peel.

You can buy samples of their products which is really great. The sample of the peels will last you some time.

Let me know if you have any questions.

fairywings · Dooney & Bourke

I highly recommend M.D.Formulations Personal Peel System. I see results immediately whenever I use it.

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thanks for the informative responses! I will definitely check into a peel, since I'm looking for stronger results than my current toner can give me.

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

I just wanted to take a minute to rave about the 40% glycolic acid peel from www.makeupartistschoice.com.

I ordered on Friday morning, chose shipping via priority mail, and I got the package on Monday. On Monday I did my patch test, had no problems, so I did the peel on Tuesday. The next morning, a couple of small zits I had were totally dried up. I just came back from the bathroom, and after looking in the mirror I am AMAZED - my skin probably hasn't looked this good since sixth grade. I have absolutely no spots, and my skin looks smoother and more even. I can't wait to see what kind of results I'm going to get with regular use!

HeatherLynn · Gucci

tri_sarah_tops wrote:

I just wanted to take a minute to rave about the 40% glycolic acid peel from www.makeupartistschoice.com.

I ordered on Friday morning, chose shipping via priority mail, and I got the package on Monday. On Monday I did my patch test, had no problems, so I did the peel on Tuesday. The next morning, a couple of small zits I had were totally dried up. I just came back from the bathroom, and after looking in the mirror I am AMAZED - my skin probably hasn't looked this good since sixth grade. I have absolutely no spots, and my skin looks smoother and more even. I can't wait to see what kind of results I'm going to get with regular use!

I'm going to have to try this!! How long do you leave the peel on before removing?

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

It's a weekly treatment. You start off with a minute or two (I did two) and then increase a minute every week until you get to about 12 minutes. It stings a little bit but nothing too serious. The area around my nose was sore for a couple of hours but it was fine by the time I woke up and the area is perfectly okay now.