Millions of women are racing to the dermatologist’s office for the latest in facial enhancements, foregoing the BOTOX injections and invasive surgery for something they can do at home instead. Glycolic facial peels are one of the latest facial treatment options available over the counter, a treatment commonly found in spas to exfoliate the skin at a deep level to reveal a fresh layer underneath.
The Plastic Surgery Center of Pennsylvania reports that ‘The Glycolic Peel is a safe and painless exfoliation process…a form of skin rejuvenation that uses glycolic acid to remove damaged cells on the top layer of skin…(a treatment that) stimulates cell division that results in plumper, healthier young cells.” Source: PlasticSurgeryPA.com .
This offers just one opportunity to smooth out and soften skin without undergoing painful surgery procedures, or pursuing an often rougher microdermabasion treatment. Intensive glycolic facial peels were once only performed in the doctor’s office, but now there are treatments that can be completed entirely at home.
The TCA Chemical Peelis just one of the products available on the market, a formula made by the company Perfect Peel Solutions that retails for an average price of $16.95 for the 12% concentration; 25-35% concentrations are also available, and these are designed to remove deep wrinkles, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and eliminate dark spots. Sound too good to be true?
Feedback from users who reported their results on RealSelf.com may prove otherwise. ‘Texas Girl’ reports that she completed an at-home peel about two years ago, and it cost almost $600 after her skin was literally burned off and left her face swollen. It took almost a month for her skin to recover, and her skin continued to flake off for a period of weeks before returning to normal.
Catchja also reported her results on RealSelf.com, and states; “I had no immediate results but when I woke up I was burned very badly…the kit states this is the way it’s supposed to look…I considered going to the hospital just to make sure.”
Other users of various at-home chemical peels report similar results; many report that their skin is badly burned and blotchy after the initial period, and doesn’t settle down until at least the 3-4 week mark.
Those who have a receive a chemical peel at a professional doctor’s office report more positive results, but many feel that the high price for the short-term results aren’t worth it. ‘Hunniebear’ reports that the peel at the dermatologist’s office helped to leave her skin fresh and youthful. However, the results were very short-term and her skin resumed its original state within a few weeks. Total cost for this very short trip to youthful looking skin? $600. RealSelf.com reports an average cost of $850 for the typical treatment.
Burning the skin in an effort to remove skin cells to reveal a fresh layer is a risk that many women are taking, and so far, there have been mixed results for glycolic peels of all kinds. Is this the high price of vanity today? Women searching for new ways to improve their skin are willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money to try the latest treatment, but sometimes the cost may be more than just dollars.
