Mesoestetic Glycolic 35% — Light Skin Peel

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Mesoestetic Glycolic 35% — Light Skin Peel

Treatment Description

The Mesoestetic Glycolic 35% is a light, superficial chemical peel formulated with 35% glycolic acid, one of the most clinically proven and widely used alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) in professional skin care. As the smallest-molecule AHA available, glycolic acid penetrates the skin more deeply and more efficiently than any other acid in its class, giving it outstanding transepidermal penetration capacity and the ability to trigger meaningful cellular renewal with minimal discomfort and downtime.

The peel works by increasing exfoliation of the superficial layers of the stratum corneum through its keratolytic activity, breaking down the bonds between corneocytes that cause dead cells to accumulate on the skin surface, blocking pores, dulling the complexion, and contributing to the formation of fine lines and uneven texture. Simultaneously, glycolic acid stimulates cell regeneration, boosts the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (natural moisture-binding molecules in the dermis), moisturises the epidermis, and reinforces the skin’s natural barrier function.

Available as a clear gel with excellent skin tolerability, the Mesoestetic Glycolic 35% is indicated for all skin types and is one of the most versatile entry-point peels in the Mesoestetic range, suitable for the face and body, including for the improvement of stretch marks, acne marks, pigmentation, and early to moderate photoageing.

What to Expect

  • Consultation: Before treatment, your clinician will assess your skin type, current skincare routine, and concerns to confirm the most appropriate protocol. The application time will be tailored to your skin’s tolerance and the concerns being addressed.
  • The Procedure: The skin is cleansed and degreased to remove all surface oils and residue, ensuring even penetration of the peel. The glycolic acid gel is then carefully applied to the treatment area. You may notice a mild tingling or warm sensation as the acid works on the skin’s surface, this typically subsides within a minute or two. A neutralising spray is applied to complete the session, and a restorative post-peel treatment is applied to calm and support the skin.
  • How Glycolic Acid Works: Glycolic acid’s uniquely small molecular size allows it to penetrate beneath the surface layers of the skin more efficiently than other AHAs. Its keratolytic action dissolves the intercellular bonds that hold dead skin cells together, loosening their attachment to the skin surface and accelerating their removal. This clears the way for fresher, younger cells to rise to the surface, improving tone, texture, and luminosity while priming the skin to absorb active ingredients more effectively.
  • Post-Treatment: A restorative post-peel treatment is applied to calm and hydrate the skin. A special treatment serum is left on the skin overnight, do not wash this off until the following morning. Visible improvements in skin brightness and smoothness are typically apparent from the day following treatment.
  • Stretch Marks: Glycolic acid stimulates new collagen production in the dermis and has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of white stretch marks (striae alba) with consistent use. It also improves the texture and colour of maturing or fading stretch marks by accelerating the cell renewal process in the skin above them.
  • Treatment Course: For optimal cumulative results, a course of four to six sessions is recommended, spaced two to three weeks apart. Each session builds progressively on the last. The peel can be used safely across the face and body, including on the décolleté and areas affected by stretch marks.

Benefits

  • Deep Exfoliation: Glycolic acid’s keratolytic activity dissolves the bonds between dead corneocytes, accelerating their removal and clearing the skin surface of build-up that causes dullness, congestion, and uneven texture.
  • Stimulates Collagen & Glycosaminoglycans: Triggers fibroblast activity and boosts the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, the natural moisture-retaining molecules that give the skin its firmness, plumpness, and hydration.
  • Improves Skin Tone & Luminosity: Reduces uneven pigmentation and dark spots by inhibiting excess melanin production and accelerating the shedding of pigmented surface cells — delivering a brighter, more uniform complexion.
  • Reduces Fine Lines & Expression Lines: Stimulates new collagen production and accelerates epidermal renewal to visibly soften superficial wrinkles and expression lines.
  • Treats Acne & Enlarged Pores: Dissolves excess sebum and debris from pores, reducing their visible size and helping to clear blackheads, whiteheads, and post-acne marks.
  • Improves Stretch Marks: Clinically shown to improve the appearance of white stretch marks (striae alba) by stimulating new collagen and elastin production in the dermis and accelerating surface cell renewal.
  • Deeply Hydrating: Boosts the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans that attract and retain moisture in the dermis, improving skin hydration, plumpness, and barrier function.
  • Suitable for All Skin Types: The excellent tolerability and clear gel formulation of the Glycolic 35% makes it appropriate for all skin types and tones (including ethnic skin) with minimal risk of adverse reactions when used within the recommended protocol.

Preparation Instructions

  • Night Before Treatment: Avoid using vitamin A (retinol) products on the evening before your appointment.
  • Active Skincare: Discontinue retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and all active exfoliating skincare ingredients for at least five to seven days before treatment.
  • Sun Exposure: Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks prior to your peel.
  • Arrive Fresh: Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup, moisturiser, and SPF in the areas to be treated.
  • Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy, for skin with active infections or open wounds in the treatment area, or immediately following recent sunburn. Sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin should be assessed by the clinician before proceeding.

Aftercare

  • ⚠️ Crucial Rule: Do not wash your skin on the evening of treatment, a special restorative treatment has been left on the skin overnight. Apply SPF every morning without exception following your peel.
  • Night of Treatment: A special restorative treatment has been applied and must remain on the skin overnight, do not wash your face or apply any additional products this evening.
  • Day After Treatment: Gently cleanse the post-peel treatment off using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and a soft cloth. Use only gentle, hydrating products for the next few days (avoid anything active or exfoliating). Apply your SPF — this is non-negotiable.
  • Day 2: Some light flaking, tightness, or mild dryness is common as the skin renews itself. Do not pick at any flaking skin, allow it to shed naturally.
  • Day 3: A daily collagen supplement taken throughout your treatment programme supports healing, skin repair, and long-term collagen building and has the added benefit of supporting gut health.
  • Day 4: You may now reintroduce your active products this evening. Following the personalised medical homecare programme prescribed by your practitioner between sessions is essential.
  • Ongoing Aftercare: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning throughout the treatment programme and beyond. Avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and other active exfoliating ingredients for three to four days following each peel session. Keep the skin well moisturised throughout the renewal phase.

FAQ

Why is glycolic acid so effective compared to other AHAs?
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size of all alpha-hydroxy acids, which gives it superior transepidermal penetration capacity, meaning it reaches deeper into the skin more efficiently than other AHAs at equivalent concentrations. This allows it to exfoliate more effectively, stimulate collagen production at a deeper level, and trigger more meaningful cellular renewal.

Will I see results after just one session?
Most clients notice visible improvements in skin brightness, smoothness, and tone from the day following the first treatment, as the peel accelerates the removal of the dull, dead cell layer and immediately reveals fresher skin beneath. Cumulative improvements in firmness, pigmentation, fine lines, and skin texture develop progressively over the recommended course.

Is it suitable for darker or ethnic skin tones?
Yes. The Mesoestetic Glycolic 35% has excellent skin tolerability and is indicated for all skin types, including ethnic and darker skin tones. When used within the recommended protocol, it does not carry a significant risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Can it be used on the body as well as the face?
Yes. The Mesoestetic Glycolic 35% can be used on both the face and body, including areas such as the décolleté, arms, and abdomen where stretch marks and skin texture concerns are common.

How does it help with stretch marks?
Glycolic acid stimulates new collagen and elastin production in the dermal layers beneath stretch marks, helping to improve the texture, appearance, and colour of both maturing and faded stretch marks over a course of treatments.

Will my skin peel?
This is a light, superficial peel, the degree of visible shedding is typically mild. Some clients experience light flaking or mild dryness from day two onwards; others simply notice a glowing, refreshed complexion with no visible peeling at all.

How many sessions will I need?
For optimal cumulative results, a course of four to six sessions spaced two to three weeks apart is recommended. A maintenance schedule following the initial course (typically one session every four to six weeks) helps sustain and prolong results over time.

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