Chemical Peel Glycolic Acid

A glycolic acid chemical peel to exfoliate the epidermis, stimulate dermal collagen, brighten uneven skin tone, and improve the appearance of fine lines and superficial acne scarring. Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid molecule, providing the deepest superficial-peel penetration.

The glycolic acid chemical peel at Ästhetik Institut Berlin uses alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) in a professional concentration to exfoliate the skin at a depth determined by the peel strength, application time, and the patient's skin preparation history. Glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane) is the smallest molecule in the AHA family, allowing it to penetrate the stratum corneum more readily than lactic, mandelic, or malic acids. This makes it the most potent AHA peel at equivalent concentrations. Glycolic acid exerts its effects through two primary mechanisms. At the stratum corneum level, it disrupts the ionic bonds between corneocytes (the dead, flattened cells of the outermost skin layer), loosening them and accelerating their shedding. This physical exfoliation reveals the brighter, smoother cells beneath, improves the absorption of subsequent skincare products, and reduces the appearance of superficial pigmentation and dull complexion. At the dermal level, repeated glycolic acid exposure stimulates fibroblast activity and upregulates collagen synthesis, leading to progressive improvement in fine lines and skin firmness with a course of treatments. The 30-minute session at Ästhetik Institut Berlin follows a standardised protocol: the skin is cleansed and degreased, the peel solution is applied evenly across the face (and neck if indicated), left for a timed period monitored by the practitioner, then neutralised with a buffering solution and thoroughly rinsed. The practitioner controls penetration depth by adjusting concentration and contact time based on the patient's skin type, Fitzpatrick tone, and previous peel experience. After treatment, a soothing serum and SPF are applied. Post-peel skin may appear pink or feel tight for 24 hours. Light flaking or peeling of the superficial skin is normal and begins 2–3 days after treatment. Patients must use SPF50+ sunscreen during the post-peel period and avoid AHA-containing skincare for at least one week. A course of 4–6 monthly peels produces progressive improvement in skin clarity and quality, with each treatment building on the collagen-stimulating effect of the previous session.