What is a glycolic acid peel and how does it work?
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with the smallest molecule of its family, so it passes easily into the top layer of skin and loosens the bonds holding dull, dead cells together. Your doctor applies it for a few minutes, then neutralises it, and fresh, radiant skin shows through as the old cells shed. It is one of several chemical peels we offer: it suits dullness, fine lines and mild pigmentation, while a TCA peel goes deeper for scars and deeper lines.
Glycolic acid peel benefits
- Brighter skin: dull surface cells cleared for a fresh, even glow.
- Fades pigmentation: sun spots, acne marks and tan lighten over a course.
- Smoother texture: rough patches and fine lines softened as skin renews.
- Clearer pores: loosens the build-up of dead cells that leads to blackheads.
- Little downtime: most people go straight back to work.
- Suits brown skin: started gently and built up slowly to protect darker skin.
Glycolic peel for pigmentation
For sun spots, acne marks and uneven tone, a course of glycolic peels lifts away the pigmented surface cells a little more each time, while a brightening cream at home works on the pigment beneath. Daily sunscreen is essential, or the sun brings the marks back. Glycolic peels are often the first step in a melasma treatment plan, and deeper or stubborn pigment may need a pico laser too.
Glycolic acid peel before and after
Skin looks fresher within days of your first peel, and tone, marks and fine lines keep improving through the course. In a study of 40 Indian patients with melasma, those who added six glycolic peels to a brightening cream improved faster and more than those using the cream alone, with few side effects. Our patients share their own results in the videos below.
Glycolic acid peel price in Pakistan
A glycolic acid peel costs from about Rs 4,800 a session in a course of 3, or Rs 5,995 for a single face peel, the same at all 12 of our clinics.
Face
For dull skin, uneven tone, marks and fine lines
Rs 5,995 per session
Face and neck
The neck alone is Rs 4,995
Rs 7,995 per session
Underarms
Hands are also Rs 5,995
Rs 5,995 per session
3 face peels Save Rs 3,597
About Rs 4,800 a visit
Rs 17,985 Rs 14,388 for the course
Free consultation first · Any current offer is explained at the clinic
Who shouldn’t have a glycolic acid peel?
It isn’t suitable with sunburn, broken or inflamed skin, an active cold sore or infection, or if you take isotretinoin (Roaccutane). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor first. Your doctor checks this at your consultation.
Your glycolic acid peel, step by step
- Free consultation: your doctor checks your skin and plans the strength and number of peels.
- Preparation: the skin is cleansed and degreased; you may use a cream at home first.
- Treatment: the acid is applied for a few minutes, then neutralised; 20–30 minutes in all.
- Course: usually 4–8 peels, 2–4 weeks apart, gently increasing the strength.
- Maintenance: an occasional top-up peel keeps your skin bright.
Results and recovery
You’ll feel tingling or mild stinging during the peel, then mild redness for a few hours, and sometimes light flaking for a few days, so most people carry on with their day. Temporary dark patches are uncommon, and building the strength up slowly keeps that risk low. Results last for months with daily sunscreen and occasional top-up peels.
Aftercare
- Light make-up from the next day
- No gym, sauna or steam for 24 hours
- Pause retinol and scrubs for 3–5 days
- Wear sunscreen every day
Why choose Cutera Aesthetics
- Doctor-led: your glycolic peel is assessed, planned and performed by our qualified doctors.
- Free consultation: an honest assessment and a clear plan before you commit to anything.
- Glycolic acid peel near you: at all 12 clinics in 7 cities, at the same price. Find your nearest clinic.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Chemical peels: Overview. What peels treat.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Chemical peels: FAQs. Light peels: healing time, number of peels and aftercare.
- Sharad J. Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2013; 6: 281–88.
- Sarkar R, Kaur C, Bhalla M, Kanwar AJ. The combination of glycolic acid peels with a topical regimen in the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients: a comparative study. Dermatologic Surgery, 2002; 28(9): 828–32.
- Soleymani T, Lanoue J, Rahman Z. A practical approach to chemical peels: a review of fundamentals and step-by-step algorithmic protocol for treatment. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2018; 11(8): 21–28.
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