When using this as a pre-peel treatment, the directions say "use 5-7 days prior to a chemical peel." Does that mean I should use it once, a week before I do the peel? Or use it daily for the week leading up to the peel?
1039637
I think they mean to use it daily beginning 5-7 days before the peel. I loved the results so much that I use it every day now.
272373
It does not effect fast. For myself, I still feel it is working after 8 minutes (a very little bit of hurt) Depending on your skin but for my experience is: Just apply very thin at the areas you want to peel. Wash it off any time you want. After applying a week, I feel it peels well. I am happy with the result. Good luck to you
983558
You can reduce the time or dilute it but it won't have the same effect. I cannot tolerate this stuff without numbing the face for a whole 2 hrs with Dr. Numb or something similar. Spread Dr. Numb on the area (generously) and cover up with Saran wrap. Leave on for 2 hrs until the skin feels good and numb. Clean off the Dr. Numb and apply the TCA. You can then leave it on per directions. The peeling a few days afterwards looks a bit dreadful, but don't pull the loose pieces of skin off. In a couple of days they will be gone.
510193
If you are using it as a peel, the recommendation seems to be to use a fan-shaped brush. If, instead, you want a milder and more subtle change in your skin, you might consider mixing it with a lotion, cream or NaPCA spray to use daily. Then it can be applied via spray bottle, or fingers. Just be sure not to go below 10% if you mix it with something else. Ten percent is the lowest percentage that will truly give results for most skin.
464217
I did not soak first either. When I do it again, I will, but all the skin still came off - just more flaky rather than bubbly and peeling. It also took about 7 days to really get going. I would advise to NOT touch it before it is ready. I think soaking would have made it peel sooner.
209400
It stings for sure. You definitely want to make sure not to do ANY exfoliating or scrubbing/ rubbing of the area you plan to peel for at least 48 hrs. My only advice for minimizing the stinging sensation during the peel is to use a fan to keep you skin cool and when you rinse, use cool water (which will still sting a little) and follow up with a neutralizer. Fyi; the irritation only lasts for as long as the acid is on your skin and maybe a few seconds after its rinsed off. It subsidies fairly quickly. The results are well worth it!!
1103598
It depends on where you used the peel. 25% should theoretically peel your face. However, it will not work to peel any other part of your body. For your face, it should be 4-5th day peel and last until the 7th day or so. 25% is a very low strength peel. However, it holds less risk of scarring your face. Good luck.
741616
You should stop for a few days before using this product, then resume again a week to 10 days after the peel has been done. Thank you!
1541230
I used a small piece of gauze just folded a couple of times it tend to soak some in so as you apply to pad brush on to skin staying away from eyes ans mouth just a light coat on the face starting out it will sting and burn but that is natural means it is working say 15 minutes and wash off with baking soda that nautilizes the acid may not peel the first day but it will start peeling, I wait a day or so befroe another application
1017012
Yes, I always use the Olay Microderm a day before I have a 30% glycolic peel. When I get the glycolic peel, the esthetician also performs a professional diamond tip microdermabrasion treatment after the peel. The Olay will sluff off dead skin and perfectly prepare it for the glycolic peel. Just remember to ALWAYS use a broad spectrum sunscreen - so important to use as the microderm and glycolic peels, and retinol leave skin more susceptible to sun damage/dark spots. ALSO DO NOT USE ANY RETINOL PRODUCTS BEFORE YOUR GLYCOLIC PEEL. If you use prescription retinol, stop applying it 7 days before the 40% glycolic peel, and don't use it for 2-3 days after. I use Dr. Denese Firmatone 2x a week and Dr. Denese HydroShield 5x a week. Both are over the counter retinol, but the Firmatone has a stronger percentage of retinol. I stop using the Firmatone the week before glycolic, and I stop the HydroShield 3 days before. If you use an over the counter retinol, depending on its strength, it is good to stop applying it several days before strong glycolic peels. Hope this helps.
1061673
For spot treatments, I apply twice per day with a Q-tip 'directly' on the flare-up. Don't overly soak the Q-tip til the product runs down your face, but just enough to wet it because this product is very strong. After about 2-3 days, the flare-up should be significantly gone down or completely gone(at least that's been my experience. If you're using it all over your face, I would honestly only use it once or twice a week with a cotton pad. Again not soaking the pad, but enough to apply to the entire face one go-around. If you over use this product, it can and will burn your skin and dry it out significantly, but it is an AMAZING product that works wonders when used properly! For spot treatments, I apply twice per day with a Q-tip 'directly' on the flare-up. Don't overly soak the Q-tip til the product runs down your face, but just enough to wet it because this product is very strong. After about 2-3 days, the flare-up should be significantly gone down or completely gone(at least that's been my experience. If you're using it all over your face, I would honestly only use it once or twice a week with a cotton pad. Again not soaking the pad, but enough to apply to the entire face one go-around. If you over use this product, it can and will burn your skin and... » Read More For spot treatments, I apply twice per day with a Q-tip 'directly' on the flare-up. Don't overly soak the Q-tip til the product runs down your face, but just enough to wet it because this product is very strong. After about 2-3 days, the flare-up should be significantly gone down or completely gone(at least that's been my experience. If you're using it all over your face, I would honestly only use it once or twice a week with a cotton pad. Again not soaking the pad, but enough to apply to the entire face one go-around. If you over use this product, it can and will burn your skin and dry it out significantly, but it is an AMAZING product that works wonders when used properly! « Show Less
16071
You wouldn't use anything on your face except the cleanser and the moisturizer that comes with the kit. The dead skin doesn't simply "slough off" the next day, a chemical peel is basically burning the superficial layer of the skin. So if you ever burnt yourself with a flat iron or a curling iron, the healing process is the same.
1318195
That all depends what "daily use" means. Are you planning on applying it liberally or only using a drop? Will you need to re-apply after 12 hrs, or just be using it once a day? How extensive is the surface area you'll need to cover each day? In my experience, one container will not last 2 weeks. It's pretty small, being only 2 oz.
249063
It is really hard to say which one is best. I wanted a less harsh peel so the recovery would not be so obvious so I got 30% and the longer u leave it on the more it does. You have to just take baby steps and not try to overdo it. This is not something u can reverse if u burn ur skin by using something that is too harsh. It's not so expensive that u couldn't start with 30% and see how it goes before using 40% and regretting it!
1091752
I use it weekly in the winter on top of my moisturizer as a final step. Like the other responder said, use just a small amount and press it into your skin. I haven't used it so far it in the summer as our weather is very sticky.
1392846
Once every 2-3 weeks depending on skin sensitivity. This is a level 2 peel, so it should be used after a level 1 or greater has been used successfully.
1045837
Lordy, NO! It burns and will make your face peel in a couple of days if you leave it on only 10 minutes :). Sometimes I use it for only about 30 seconds and it does the trick. Helped clear a stubborn breakout and did not harm my sensitive skin.