Question 1

What concentration and pH are you using?

Accepted Answer

A good answer is specific: "I use a 50 to 70 percent glycolic acid at a pH of around 2.5 to 3.5, which is the range needed for genuine cellular exfoliation." This matters because below pH 3.5 the acid is not ionised enough to penetrate, and many salon products sit above that threshold on purpose to avoid liability. If they say "it's professional strength" without a number, or cannot tell you the pH, you are likely getting a cosmetic product dressed up as a clinical peel, and your results will reflect that.

Question 2

How long do you leave the acid on before neutralising?

Accepted Answer

A confident answer sounds like: "We start at around one to two minutes on your first session and I watch your skin closely throughout. As you build tolerance we work up from there, and I neutralise with a bicarbonate solution at the end." The "watch your skin closely" part is critical because frosting (white patches indicating deeper penetration) and unexpected sensitivity require stopping early, not sticking to a timer. If they say they leave it on for a fixed time regardless of reaction, or that they just rinse it off with water, that is a sign they are running a conveyor belt rather than treating your actual skin.

Question 3

How many sessions do you recommend for my concern, and how far apart?

Accepted Answer

A realistic answer sounds like: "For acne or pigmentation I typically recommend a course of six sessions every two to three weeks, then maintenance every six to eight weeks once we've hit your goal." Clinical trials that demonstrated glycolic acid's effect on acne used exactly this kind of series, not one-off appointments. If someone tells you two sessions will fix significant scarring or pigmentation, they are either overselling or do not understand how superficial peels accumulate results. One peel gives mild glow; a series gives real improvement.

Question 4

What home care do you recommend between sessions to extend results?

Accepted Answer

A good answer covers three things: "Use SPF 50 every single day, hold off on your retinoid for five to seven days after the peel, and keep your routine simple with a gentle cleanser and moisturiser while your barrier recovers." Extra credit if they mention that a low-percentage glycolic or AHA product at home between sessions helps maintain the cell turnover the in-clinic peels started. If home care advice is vague ("just moisturise") or they do not mention sun protection at all, they are not taking your results or your skin barrier seriously.

Question 5

What should I avoid before and after the peel (retinoids, sun exposure, actives)?

Accepted Answer

A thorough answer sounds like: "Stop your retinoid five to seven days before the peel, avoid any exfoliating acids or vitamin C for a few days after, and absolutely no unprotected sun for at least two weeks post-treatment." Your skin is temporarily more vulnerable after a peel because the outer layer has been removed, so sun exposure can cause pigmentation and infection risk is higher without proper guidance. A provider who does not give you specific pre- and post-care instructions, or who says something vague like "just be gentle," is handing you a procedure without the manual. That is not acceptable for something that directly compromises your skin barrier.

Glycolic Acid Peel

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