As summer ends in a few weeks we're guessing you'll want to fix any effects of your sun-damaged, acneic, or line-filled skin to reveal a flawless, fresher, and brighter complexion. The solution; chemical peels. One such treatment that has exploded in popularity in recent years is the glycolic acid peel. We're going to reveal everything you need to know about glycolic acids and the best way to use them.

What Is a Glycolic Acid Peel?

A glycolic acid peel is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) chemical exfoliation treatment. It is the holy-grail in chemical peel formulations and is the go-to for many professional estheticians. It effectively exfoliates at the skin's surface, revealing fresh and brighter skin. In higher concentrations, glycolic acid can even improve the look of deeper wrinkles.

Pure Fiji's Overnight Renewal Peel includes this potent ingredient to effectively treat scarring, skin discoloration and signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. Glycolic acid is typically derived from sugar cane and is the crème de la crème of the alpha hydroxy family!

7 Benefits of Glycolic Acid Peels

Glycolic acid peels help to stimulate natural collagen production, along with diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

1. Reduces hyperpigmentation that can occur from the hormonal surges that occur in pregnancy, called chloasma
2. Penetrates deeply into the skin to reform texture and dullness
3. Smoothens fine lines and wrinkles
4. Adds glow and luster to skin
5. Lightens the discoloration of sun and age spots
6. Helps with blackheads, whiteheads, and acne by keeping pores clear of old skin that tends to clog them and cause problems
7. It leaves skin looking refreshed, bright, and refined

What Makes Pure Fiji's Overnight Renewal Peel Unique?

Made in small batches Pure Fiji's Overnight Renewal Peel contains a powerful blend of glycolic and mandelic acid enhanced with niacinamide and extracts of fresh garden sprouts. Glass packaging for low environmental impact. The concentration of glycolic/niacinamide/mandelic in the renewal peel.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water) Glycerin; Glycolic acid; Polysorbate 20; Mandelic acid; Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract; Galactoarabinan; Niacinamide; Hydroxyethylcellulose; Fragrance; Calophyllum Indophyllum (Dilo) seed oil; Sekeci oil, Phenoxyethanol; Chlorphenesin; Caprylyl Glycol.

Who Can Use It?

• It is suitable for every skin type, also for a pregnant woman.
• Do not use it on sunburned or irritated skin.
• Avoid using it if you have sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

How to Prepare for a Glycolic Acid Peel

Before starting a glycolic acid peel, avoid all forms of exfoliation, that's both from at-home use and/or at the spa or a dermatologist's office. It's prudent to check and see if your skincare products include any AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, and certain botanicals because these ingredients possess exfoliating properties. Therefore, you'd want to avoid them for several days prior to a glycolic acid peel.

How to Use Pure Fiji's Glycolic Overnight Renewal Peel with Mandelic and Niacinamide

1. Apply the Glycolic Renewal Peel one to two times a week to clean skin.
2. At night, apply to a clean, dry face, neck, chest, and the back of hands. Leave on for 10 minutes and remove with a damp warm towel.
3. Avoid eye area.
4. Always hydrate with a facial oil or moisturizer after applying.
5. Can be used as a spot treatment.
6. Can be used overnight however you must use the Glycolic Renewal Peel for one to two days before using it as an overnight masque.
7. It is recommended to do a patch test before using a new skincare product.
8. If irritation occurs discontinue use.
9. Avoid direct sunlight after use.

RELATED: How to Exfoliate The Right Way

Side Effects and After Care

Like with all exfoliating acids it is common to experience redness, dryness, and peeling. Your skin may even feel tight. Avoid using any exfoliation products or devices. Glycolic acid can increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays, so wear a hat, stay in the shade, and as always, use sunscreen in between treatments.

Never book a glycolic peel or use at-home glycolic chemical exfoliation products back to back. (Meaning on consecutive days) More is not better when it comes to acid peels. Too much exfoliation can break down the stratum corneum which leads to more sensitivity, irritation, and even inflammation which prematurely ages skin over time.

RELATED: Skin Inflammation 101: Causes and Remedies

Summary

The effects of air pollution on your skin result in premature wrinkling and irregular skin pigmentation. The collagen fibers become fragmented and weakened and pigment-producing cells go into overdrive, causing dark spots. Simple changes to your skin care routine, such as proper cleansing and using a leave-on glycolic acid exfoliant is one of the most important steps for keeping skin looking youthful, vibrant, and radiant now and into the future.