40% Glycolic Acid Peel for Acne, Scars, Age Spots & Lines

I purchased this bottle last month; but had little time to actually write a review about it for the following reasons.1. I wanted to see the results after a few weeks use.2. It would be unfair to give a product a high score if I'm not able to give a good review about it.So here we go-The first thing to note about this peel is that it's strong; and if this is your first time peeling, I'd recommend either using a little water to cut it or leave a little water on your face and apply it. (Or possibly using a weaker peel because again, this peel is really strong)Secondly, this peel does burn quite a bit. I was a bit annoyed with the fact that this product doesn't come with any detail of which products aren't safe for use after this peel. So I'll be more than happy to say-1. Watch what products you use after using this peel. I used a regular acne cleanser a few days after my second peel and it literally looked like acid cooked my face. Not only that, but the burn was unbearable. I had missing patches of skin on my cheek that bled a little, but it's since healed up. However, there are NO warnings as to what products conflict with this peel. Do yourself a favor and use the peel, but DO NOT use acne cleansers or any deep facial cleaners afterwards. You also may want to use something like Nadinola afterwards alongside a good moisturizer.2. This peel stings alot and burns alot. Make sure you follow directions carefully. It burns the worst for the first time, afterwards, it was bearable)3. Do not use Clearasil, acne cleansers with any acids or any deep facial cleansers directly after or a few days after use with this product. Those products will burn ALOT worse than the glycolic peel; period. You're also likely to geWith that said, I'm happy to say that this product definitely works.I initially bought glycolic acid peel to remove a few minor dark spots around my forehead and the side of my face, but this peel goes a step beyond. It literally removed loads of dead skin and sun damage. It also restored my skin tone to it's former shade which would be a reddish brown medium tone.The one thing I loved about using this product would be after peeling and applying a moisturizer, my face was not only restored back to it's original tone, but it had a nice shine to it. My skin looks and feels even smoother than it's felt since being a kid.Instead of using acne cleaners with this product, I got some oil soaps or I'll use Dove which does wonders and doesn't cause any extreme side effects.My only other complaint with this product is that my face literally looked very red after a peel and even now, I have a little more red than usual in addition to my natural tone. I'm not sure if this happens with darker tones or what, but it seems to be the case with me.In addition to receiving Glycolic peel, I also received a facial scrub which looks like a small baggie of "white crystals". I didn't bother using it and gave it to my fiancee who hasn't used it yet.I recommend buying this product if you're planning on peeling. It's safe, the instructions aren't as detailed as I'd like them to be; but it works. Make sure you have some cotton balls, gauze or tissue to apply, some baking soda to neutralize it and either a deep moisturizer or sunblock to apply even afterward. This product does come with thorough instructions on how to apply and neutralize the peel which is a plus. (It also comes with a gauze pad)

This is an update, and I found when I purchased before, I was frustrated the reviewers were all posting after one use. I have been using this for a year and a half. Off and on, I have to skip sometimes due to times I know I will be in the sun and I know this leaves my skin more sensitive to it.When I use it, by the third treatment, people notice it looks fresher, and comment. Lines visibly diminished, pores diminished. I have had botox in conjunction a couple of times and it definitely makes a great combo. It is effective at evening the color and removing spots.I started using it on the backs of my hands and saw more dramatic results there. Color spots are removed and they look smoother. The backs of the hands don't look red or visibly peel after application, but still show results.To make brown spots go away, a good sunblock is essential. They won't diminish nearly as much if you neglect this. They come back faster too without sunblock.I stick with 25 minutes as the time to leave it on. This makes the skin pink for a few days, a little rough for about three days, though it doesn't look very flakey (except up close) or red. Most people think I was just out in the sun. I left it on for 30 minutes which did leave a little scabbing, though no scarring. That also lasted about 3 days. It actually left good results, but that means looking like you fell on your face for a few days.I've had peels in the doctor's office and at home, but they always used 20%, and I never really noticed much of a change. After two times in the doctor's office, only to have the peel applied by a bored teenager, who set the timer and told me to rinse after the timer went off, I decided to go with the home version. 20% at home after four times was not showing any noticeable result. I decided to go with this higher strength and was somewhat hesitant as many results complain of the pain.I am a male, which may make a difference, since I have read men's skin is thicker and less sensitive than women's. Rather than go with the cautious 1 minute application, I went with the lower end "regular" peel of 3 minutes. I noticed it must be stronger as I did have definite stinging, although I have to say it was very superficial, with the intensity of an itch, not full-on burning. I wasn't distressed or uncomfortable. The stinging does intensify when you rinse with the baking soda and water, but it still is not all out painful.The next day I did notice the top layer of skin felt rough and dry, which I think is exactly what I wanted. I could notice a slight redness, though my friends really didn't. The redness was very slight. After three days, I am seeing better looking skin where the peel completed, though it's still working.For me, this strength seemed perfect. It is aggressive enough to produce a result, but didn't cause any unexpected problems or discomfort. Though I could feel it myself as far as the top layer being taken off, and up close I could see it, no one asked what was going on with my face, or said that they could see it after I told them.

I have used many different peels throughout my life. I like to have a variety of types and strengths to combat whatever skin issue I have at the moment. This peel has been great for erasing post-acne marks, sun discoloration and even my mild pitted scars. I have used it about 4 times over the course of a few months and I am now very confident that my skin will be smooth and fresh looking each morning. I used to dread waking up and looking in the mirror. I always had the thought "I wonder what the hours of smooshing my face into my pillow has done to my skin today." Putting on foundation and other makeup was always a bittersweet moment. From afar it would look fine but up close or in the wrong lighting (like sunlight) I would be able to see all ofthe roughness, pock marks and general aging of my skin. What a nightmare!Now that I have been using this product I am able to look at my skin from any angle and in any light and feel confident. I'm not 100% perfect, yet, but I'm getting there quickly.As far as the stinging and aftercare, I have a few suggestions. Before using this I had already used other peels that weren't as strong or just didn't contain glycolic acid (stuff like lactic acid). This made me know the "warning signs" of overuse and also made me aware of "normal sting" vs "bad sting". I also had been using a 10% glycolic cream that I found at Ulta (top shelf, small box) and that had made my skin better already while also prepping my skin for more intensity. So if this is the absolute first time you have used glycolic acid products at home, be aware that it may be better to start with something milder and work up to this.Also, the whole "create a sink full of baking soda water" part of the instructions just grossed me out. Sinks take a beating in terms of buildup, chemicals and bacteria. Even if it is freshly cleaned, there is still residue of the cleaner. The last thing I want to do after removing a layer of skin is to put [secretly] dirty water on my face. However, the baking soda does work really well. Soooo, I like to rinse my face really well after the allotted peel time, then mix water and baking soda in my clean hands and then PAT that mixture onto my face and allow it to sit for about 10 seconds. Then as I rinse the baking soda off I gently swish the mixture around my face to get it onto every part of my face (Don't Scrub though!). This has worked perfectly and doesn't result in acne flareups, clogged pores, extra irritation or any other nasty side effect.Be sure to pat the peel onto squeaky clean skin rather than rubbing it on.I use a very small amount of murad skin perfecting moisturizer after rinsing. It never clogs my pores and allows for fast healing.Heed my advice and you will have happy, smooth skin in no time.

This is my first review so bare with me.My background: I am a 27 year old African American. I have a dark skin tone of maybe Fitzpatrick skin type V, and I use this product to treat hyperpigmentation. I also have oily skin, which tends to be a problem as well. Before I begin, I'll let you guys know that this is not my first time using Glycolic acid for treatment. I started in January of this year with a glycolic cream of 8%, and I have carefully progressed from there. I am from the Gulf Coast, so I experience a lot of hyperpigmentation in my face from working out in the sun. When I realized that the hyperpigmentation on my face did not fade during the winter (as it usually does along with my arms and legs), I became concerned and began my research for solutions. After reasonable consideration, I decided to give glycolic acid a try.June 2, 2014: I purchased this product after I completed a sample of 35% glycolic acid – lactic acid serum. I received my product on time as anticipated; however, I was a bit hesitant because of all of the negative reviews that I have read about it. I also didn’t see too many reviews from people of my age group or skin complexion; yet then again, I did not spare the time to read all of them. So after about a week, I finally decided to give a shot.June 12, 2014: I followed the instructions to the letter. I did the patch test, which worked out fine. A week later, I performed my peel. First, I cleansed my face with an organic clarifying cleanser and I made the mistake of using alcohol pads after. I did not realize how much it was irritating my face from rubbing my skin too hard until I applied the glycolic acid 10 minutes later. Yikes! Never again will I apply alcohol that way. I wasn’t able to keep it on for an entire 2 minutes. After about a minute and thirty-something seconds, I dipped my face in a sink filled with cold water. Once I rinsed the solution completely off, I patted my face dry and applied a generous amount of Aloe Vera gel. The next day, my face was firm but no signs of irritation from the night before. I did notice most of my hyperpigmentation gone but not all of it. I still had some dark spots from acne, but that is okay because I know that it takes time for things like this to work out the way I want.July 3, 2014: So the second attempt took place three weeks later after my skin healed. Mostly the same process with some changes: I used cotton swabs and witch hazel for my toner. This made a bid difference in the experience. I was able to last for 3 minutes this time. No burning and no irritation. The dark spots have faded some more and my natural glow has returned.I have now completed my third treatment. I still have some dark spots that are fading slowly but surely. I should have mentioned this before, but I do wear sunscreen underneath my concealer when I go out. It is a SPF 70 and my concealer is an SPF 15. I know it’s a bit much, but you can never be too careful down here in southern Mississippi. I also try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. So as far as fitness goes, it’s either at the gym or at home.In conclusion: I am very satisfied with this product. My skin glows. I wear less makeup because of it (concealer, eye makeup, and gloss/lip balm). I hope this review helps others (especially the ones like me) in their decision to purchase this product. Just make sure you check with a dermatologist first to see if this will work in your best interest. I didn’t do that (my bad). Fortunately for me, I knew enough about my skin to research and find out what works best for me. Thank you 

This is a typical glycolic at 40%. I am a licensed esthetician in California and have been in the medical aesthetic field for over 10yrs. I am constantly doing things to my skin: laser treatments, micropen treatments, hydrafacials, dermaplaning, I use medical grade skin care, little to no sun, etc. I don't do peels too often b/c they always tend to break me out (which I never do) and they results don't really ever seem to be as good or as effective as an IPL laser treatment or micropen treatment, so I tend to stay away from them. My skin is already so clear and clean b/c of everything I have access to, the peels just irritate me. Although once in awhile I will break down and do one just to mix it up and I always break out. I left the peel on for 10min, I turned slightly red/pink and I did sting a bit at first, I just stood I front of the fan and it was fine. I think the neutralizing it with banking soda is not necessary, when I do peels on patients at work we just use cool water. The baking soda can cause break outs or irritation for some people. I think for me the glycolic just breaks me out, I had teenage breakouts/white heads/acne for a week! Very annoying! I think if/when I do a peel again I will be sticking to a salisylic instead of a glycolic. I know for some people who do not do all the things to their skin regularly that I do, glycolic works great for them. Good for anti-aging, cell turn over, age spots (but honestly an IPL laser tx is much better for that coupled with a micropen if you have access or know of a good derm/plastic or med spa that offers those txs), for many people, just not for me. I will probably do this once peel in awhile and just leave it on for a couple minutes just to keep my skin fresh and guessing. For most people like I said these peels work great for me it caused a week of teenage acne and I am 36 with amazing skin! So just be ware it could also happen to you. I also don't recommend doing something like this right before a wedding or big event in case of breakouts or side effects, give yourself at least 1-2 weeks before an event if you do a peel or anything to your skin.

As everyone tells you: Research, Research, Research before you start the chemical peels. Too many people have just dabbed on some acid and burned their faces so bad they had to live with scars or cough up money to see a plastic surgeon. If you are buying this item, I'm sure you are trying to save money, so do it right. I will tell you how I've used this product and I have had great success.First, I bought this product when I was about to lose it with my facial blemishes. Nothing was working and my old school dermatologist prescribed me some antibiotics and sent my on my way. I knew a friend who was spending hundreds of dollars on facial peels for her acne and fine lines. Being the DIY gal I am, I decided to see if this could be done at home. Well, yes it can.Here's how I did it. I bought the Skin Obsession 40% Glycolic Acid from Amazon. I didn't know if this would be too strong, but I had been using M2 Skin Refinish for a while, which has 20% Malic and Mandelic acid. This was working real well to help heal the blemishes and keep them somewhat under control, but I wanted them gone forever.When the bottle arrived in the mail, I was scared. So many people get burned, but I trusted my body and how my face was feeling. I started by washing my face really well with a light cleanser. After drying my face I took a cotton ball moistened with alcohol and swabbed over my face. I repeated this (new cotton ball with fresh alcohol each time) until I was certain I had removed all of the oils on my skin. While my skin dried further, I made sure to have a sanitary work area in my master bath by disinfecting the sink and around the sink. I filled the sink with cool, but not cold water and added about 1/3 cup of baking soda and stirred this around until the baking soda was dissolved. This sink of baking soda water would be my neutralizer. I took a small glass dish and pored in some of the acid. The gauze pad that came with the acid was great. I took a deep breath and as careful as I could I made even passes all over my face with the acid soaked gauze. Holy FIRE did it burn! I kept it on 30 seconds before my fear got the best of me and I neutralized my face with the baking soda water. The acid sizzled and burned hotter for just a second before sweet relief came. IF IT BURNS BADLY, NEUTRALIZE! I kept it on the perfect amount of time for me. I waited for my face to cool off and then washed with a very mild facial soap. I moisturized with some Dove deep moisture cream and went to a friend's house. My face might have been a touch red, but it was not noticeable. Within a couple days my face became a little flaky and the lightest peel occurred. Once the flaking was done, my skin had never felt so smooth. I have continued to do this every 14 days for 8 weeks and my skin had improved drastically. Each time I can wear it longer before I neutralize, but I am taking a long break now. I have achieved a lot and I owe it to this product and M2 skin refinish. With both of these products I have improved my blemishes and fine lines. I will continue to use and recommend Skin Obsession in the future. By the way, you also get a sample of Microdermabrasion crystals, which are also amazing!

I ran a test on my forearm. i washed my arm, cleaned with rubbing alcohol and then applied the glycolic peel solution, from wrist to elbow. I left it on for 3 minutes. It tingled slightly but nothing I would classified as hurtful. I rinsed off with the baking soda solution. I had no adverse reactions so a week later I tried my first application to my face. Cleaned my face with normal facial soap, then cleansed with rubbing alcohol, then applied the glycolic acid. I left it on for 3 minutes. It burned all over but I still thought it was tolerable. I rinsed with the water and baking soda solution. Some parts of my face felt burnt. The next day I noticed a fair amount of tiny scabs on my upper cheeks and forehead. It took about 4 to 5 days for those tiny scabs to come off. I want to note I never peeled. I thought I would give it one more try so 2 weeks later I went through the same cleansing routine and applied the glycolic peel. This time I left it on 5 minutes. Wow, it was burning so terribly. I couldn't wait to neutralize! But when I did it fizzed, literally fizzed when I first hit my face with the water/baking soda solution. It took a full minute for the burning to stop. My skin looked awful. It was not just red it had red bumps all over. Needless to say, the next day I woke up with a tiny scabs all over my face and I could still feel the bumps all around my mouth area. Again, it took 4 - 5 days for the scabs to fall off and I had no peeling.I have to assume the small scabs were caused by the burning. I think what I am most disappointed about is that I didn't experience any kind of peeling. The scabs were so tiny that no one really noticed them, though they definitely didn't feel good. It has been 3 weeks since I tried the second peel and I have to say, I don't think I am any worse off from trying this product, but I don't think it really provides the benefit that most people are looking for in a glycolic peel.

Day 1 -I just used this peel about 25 minutes ago - I am a beginner in terms of doing peels myself but I have gotten many professionally when i was younger to help with acne. A few things to note: I left this peel on for the minimum 3 minutes for this first usage. I also purchased a neutralizer to use instead of the baking soda and a medium fan brush. After following the instructions carefully, I applied a thin layer starting with my forehead and then cheeks, chin, and finally nose. after a few seconds there was a tingling sensation that intensified slightly throughout the time i left the peel on. A fan or your hair dryer on cool air settings can help relieve any discomfort during the peel, but be careful to remain aware of the pain level in your skin otherwise you might be burning and not realizing it. The tingling definitely approached "stinging" level but did not ever feel like it was "burning". I got a lot of red splotches on my face towards the end of the three minutes, especially on my forehead and chin. By the time i applied the neutralizer with cotton swabs the stinging definitely was getting uncomfortable. As the instructions indicated, the stinging definitely increased for about 30 seconds before rapidly vanishing after applying the neutralizer. Rinsing with cold water after relieved quite a bit of the redness that showed up during the peel. I will be applying sunscreen and moisturizer over the next few days while i wait for results. Will update as the peel progresses!Day 2 - Having some general tightness in my skin and a feeling in certain areas of a rough texture which makes me think certain areas of my face will definitely peel in the next day or two. Not having any issues with redness etc, my facial tone seems improved today from before the peel and the acne (i was having a really bad breakout) has been greatly reduced in size and is well on the way to healing :) Will post more updates as my peel continues!Day 3/4 - slight peeling on my skin, skin is looking brighter, acne is looking much better (I was having a terrible breakout when I first applied the peel with almost 8-9 pimples all around my chin/cheeks). Peeling is not so heavy that I can't wear makeup. All in all I would say that the peel was a success, i will continue to use this peel in the future.

I used to have lot of acne due to pcos hormonal issue. I changed my life style, followed alkaline rich, gluten free and sugar free diet. Along with regular workout i have reduced my weight from 62 kgs to 53 kgs.My periods are regular now and I’m acne free for the last 8 months.I still had acne scars even after life style changes. After using this peel twice, my acne scars almost disappeared.Hope this review helps people who are looking for a good home peel treatment.P.S: After first day of use, your skin will turn red and slightly tingly, it will take nearly 5 days to peel off your old skin. fyi: I have normal to dry skin.

tingles and gives a decent peel ...way better then paying at a salon ...I like I so far and I use to get expensive peels...only used twice so far

Used it twice so far, once for 3 mins and 2nd time 10 mins. The second was too long and stung a lot. I had redness and some white spots after but after 4-5 days my skin looks amazing and my acne scars have faded a lot. I bought this for my acne scars. Can't believe the difference.

Mais ma peau supporte très bien

it's good but some part of my skin is very sensitive.. it causes black scars.. & it took 40-45 days to get invisible..if you are very new to this product buy 20% or dont put on sensitive part of your skin.. wash it as soon possible..