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Glycolic Peel vs. Retinol Peel: Which one is right for you?

Glycolic Peel vs. Retinol Peel: Which one is right for you?

Join us on June 4 from 5pm – 8pm for our 2025 ✨Aesthetic Open House in Ridgefield! Enjoy a night of live demos, exclusive discounts, raffles & more. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about and save on amazing treatments to achieve glowing skin, smoother texture, and fewer wrinkles–including Chemical Peels!
Learn more and RSVP now at ascdocs.com/event

 


Written by Dr. Kenneth Egan & Heather Colon, LPN

If you’re looking to refresh your skin and achieve a radiant glow, chemical peels can be a great choice. But with so many types available, it can feel overwhelming choosing which one is right for you.

Glycolic and retinol peels both powerful exfoliation treatments but different benefits. In this post we will help break down the differences and how to choose the right one for you.

What is a Glycolic peel?:

A glycolic peel is a exfoliating treatment that uses glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) derived from sugar cane. This peel works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily

Benefits:

• Brightens the skin by removing dead dull skin
• Smooths fine lines by stimulating cells
• Evens out skin tone helping fade away imperfections while unclogging pores.

What to expect?:

Downtime: minimal some redness and mild to no peeling
Best for: dull skin acne prone skin
How often: 2-4 wks depending on skin sensitivity

What is a retinol peel?:

A retinol peel is a vitamin A based exfoliating treatment that works differently from glycolic peels.
Instead of just exfoliating the surface retinols penetrates deeper into the skin accelerating cell turnover and simulating collagen production. Prompting the skin to create new healthy cells and shedding old, damaged skin.

Benefits:

• Reduces fine lines increases collagen
• Fades imperfections and sunspots for a more even complexion
• Smooths rough skin texture by promoting skin renewal

What to expect:

Downtime: more intense peeling, redness sunburn like feeling to skin, lasting several days
Best for: Aging skin, sun damaged, some acne prone skin
How often: Every 6 weeks depending on skin tolerance.

Still can’t decide? Try both! Sometimes alternating between both can give you maximum benefits. Start with glycolic for surface exfoliation, then in a few weeks move up to a deeper retinol peel for a deeper skin renewal.

However, if you are looking for a quick glow, a glycolic peel is the way to go. And if you’re looking for a deeper rejuvenation treatment, the retinol peel may be the best choice for you. No matter which peel you choose, always follow skincare professionals post care instructions.

Who should avoid retinol peels?

People that are pregnant or breast feeding should avoid retinol chemical peels, as well as those with very sensitive or inflamed skin.

You can schedule a free skincare evaluation today to see which treatment is right for you. At Advanced Specialty Care, we provide skincare treatments such as Hydrafacial, Chemical Peels, Spider Vein Therapy, LED red & blue light technology, and more. Our Skincare & Laser services are provided by skincare nurse, Heather Colon, LPN, with convenient offices in Danbury, Norwalk, and Ridgefield, CT–book your treatment today by calling us or requesting your appointment online.


Join us on June 4 from 5pm – 8pm for our 2025 ✨Aesthetic Open House in Ridgefield! Enjoy a night of live demos, exclusive discounts, raffles & more. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about and save on amazing treatments to achieve glowing skin, smoother texture, and fewer wrinkles–including Chemical Peels!
Learn more and RSVP now at ascdocs.com/event

 


Kenneth Egan, MD & Heather Colon, LPN

Dr. Kenneth Egan sees adult & pediatric patients for conditions including acne, eczema, and psoriasis, plus examination of moles and early detection/prevention of skin cancer. He also practices sclerotherapy and injectables including Botox & Juvederm, and offers patients over 15 years’ experience with laser skin treatments.

Heather Colon, LPN provides teen & adult Skincare services including HydraFacial treatments, IPL/Photo Facial, Micro-Needling, PRP, Laser Hair Removal, non-invasive fat reduction, Chemical Peels, Acne treatments, Anti-Aging treatments and more.


ADVANCED SPECIALTY CARE

Advanced Specialty Care’s Dermatology practice is welcoming and patient-centered, specializing in all of your family’s skincare needs from head-to-toe. Our board-certified Dermatologists excel in general medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology for patients of all ages, with expertise which allows them to not only diagnose and treat complex skin conditions, but also improve the appearance and condition of the skin.
Call (203) 830-4700 to schedule an appointment with one of our Dermatology specialists at any of our convenient office locations in DanburyNew MilfordNorwalk, or Ridgefield, CT.


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Multi-Specialty Private Practice with six locations in Fairfield County, CT

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