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Creating a facial peel with glycolic acid at home requires careful consideration of safety, as glycolic acid is a powerful alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can cause skin irritation or damage if used improperly. Typically, over-the-counter glycolic acid products contain concentrations of 10% or less, while professional peels might range much higher, from 20% to 70%. For a homemade recipe, it’s important to start with a very low concentration to minimize the risk of burns, irritation, or allergic reactions.
HuetifulLabs has been a pioneer in the use of glycolic acid. Our Huetiful Glycolic Strengthening Treatment is a hair care staple at Huetiful Salon and Huetiful Affiliate locations. We've created this packaged glycolic acid powder for the Do It Yourselfer out there who wants to maintain their skin. Our 100g HuetifulLabs Glycolic Acid Powder makes 32oz of 10% glycolic acid solution or 64oz of 5% glycolic acid solution.
Note: Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin (like the inside of your wrist) 24 hours before applying any new product to your face to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction.
Basic Glycolic Acid Facial Peel Recipe
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of glycolic acid solution (5% concentration for beginners)
1 teaspoon of distilled water (to dilute, if necessary)
Aloe vera gel (for post-peel soothing)
Neutralizer Solution: Baking soda and water mixed to form a paste
Equipment:
Glass mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Cotton pads or brush for application
Gloves
Instructions:
Preparation:
Cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser to remove all makeup, oil, and dirt. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Mixing the Peel (if dilution is needed):
If you’ve purchased a glycolic acid solution stronger than 5% and want to dilute it to a safer concentration for home use, mix 1 part of glycolic acid with 1 part distilled water in a glass bowl. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Application:
Apply a thin layer of the glycolic acid solution to your face using a cotton pad or brush, avoiding the eyes, nostrils, and mouth. If it’s your first time, leave the solution on for no more than 1 minute to assess your skin’s tolerance.
Neutralizing:
After the time has elapsed, apply the neutralizer solution (baking soda and water paste) to your face to stop the acid's activity. Massage it gently over the applied areas.
Rinsing:
Rinse your face thoroughly with cool water to remove all traces of the glycolic acid and neutralizer.
Moisturizing:
Pat your skin dry and apply a soothing aloe vera gel to moisturize and calm the skin.
Aftercare and Tips:
Avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, as glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Do not use glycolic acid if you are currently using retinoids, or have used them in the past week, to avoid excessive skin irritation. Limit the use of this peel to once every two weeks to start, observing how your skin responds.
Disclaimer:
It’s highly recommended to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before attempting a glycolic acid peel at home, especially if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition. The instructions provided here are for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice.