The downtime for a glycolic peel can vary depending on the strength of the peel and the individual's skin type. A light glycolic peel may not require any downtime, while a deeper peel may cause redness, peeling, and flaking for a few days.
After the treatment, the skin may be slightly red and sensitive for a few hours, but this should subside quickly. The peeling process usually starts after 2-3 days and it can last for up to 7 days. During this time, it is important to avoid sun exposure and to use a sunscreen with a high SPF.
It is also important to avoid any other exfoliating products or procedures, such as scrubs or microdermabrasion, as well as avoid any other strong product that can irritate the skin like retinoids or acids.
