40% Glycolic Acid Peel for Acne, Scars, Age Spots & Lines

This is my first review so bare with me.My background: I am a 27 year old African American. I have a dark skin tone of maybe Fitzpatrick skin type V, and I use this product to treat hyperpigmentation. I also have oily skin, which tends to be a problem as well. Before I begin, I'll let you guys know that this is not my first time using Glycolic acid for treatment. I started in January of this year with a glycolic cream of 8%, and I have carefully progressed from there. I am from the Gulf Coast, so I experience a lot of hyperpigmentation in my face from working out in the sun. When I realized that the hyperpigmentation on my face did not fade during the winter (as it usually does along with my arms and legs), I became concerned and began my research for solutions. After reasonable consideration, I decided to give glycolic acid a try.June 2, 2014: I purchased this product after I completed a sample of 35% glycolic acid – lactic acid serum. I received my product on time as anticipated; however, I was a bit hesitant because of all of the negative reviews that I have read about it. I also didn’t see too many reviews from people of my age group or skin complexion; yet then again, I did not spare the time to read all of them. So after about a week, I finally decided to give a shot.June 12, 2014: I followed the instructions to the letter. I did the patch test, which worked out fine. A week later, I performed my peel. First, I cleansed my face with an organic clarifying cleanser and I made the mistake of using alcohol pads after. I did not realize how much it was irritating my face from rubbing my skin too hard until I applied the glycolic acid 10 minutes later. Yikes! Never again will I apply alcohol that way. I wasn’t able to keep it on for an entire 2 minutes. After about a minute and thirty-something seconds, I dipped my face in a sink filled with cold water. Once I rinsed the solution completely off, I patted my face dry and applied a generous amount of Aloe Vera gel. The next day, my face was firm but no signs of irritation from the night before. I did notice most of my hyperpigmentation gone but not all of it. I still had some dark spots from acne, but that is okay because I know that it takes time for things like this to work out the way I want.July 3, 2014: So the second attempt took place three weeks later after my skin healed. Mostly the same process with some changes: I used cotton swabs and witch hazel for my toner. This made a bid difference in the experience. I was able to last for 3 minutes this time. No burning and no irritation. The dark spots have faded some more and my natural glow has returned.I have now completed my third treatment. I still have some dark spots that are fading slowly but surely. I should have mentioned this before, but I do wear sunscreen underneath my concealer when I go out. It is a SPF 70 and my concealer is an SPF 15. I know it’s a bit much, but you can never be too careful down here in southern Mississippi. I also try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. So as far as fitness goes, it’s either at the gym or at home.In conclusion: I am very satisfied with this product. My skin glows. I wear less makeup because of it (concealer, eye makeup, and gloss/lip balm). I hope this review helps others (especially the ones like me) in their decision to purchase this product. Just make sure you check with a dermatologist first to see if this will work in your best interest. I didn’t do that (my bad). Fortunately for me, I knew enough about my skin to research and find out what works best for me. Thank you 

As everyone tells you: Research, Research, Research before you start the chemical peels. Too many people have just dabbed on some acid and burned their faces so bad they had to live with scars or cough up money to see a plastic surgeon. If you are buying this item, I'm sure you are trying to save money, so do it right. I will tell you how I've used this product and I have had great success.First, I bought this product when I was about to lose it with my facial blemishes. Nothing was working and my old school dermatologist prescribed me some antibiotics and sent my on my way. I knew a friend who was spending hundreds of dollars on facial peels for her acne and fine lines. Being the DIY gal I am, I decided to see if this could be done at home. Well, yes it can.Here's how I did it. I bought the Skin Obsession 40% Glycolic Acid from Amazon. I didn't know if this would be too strong, but I had been using M2 Skin Refinish for a while, which has 20% Malic and Mandelic acid. This was working real well to help heal the blemishes and keep them somewhat under control, but I wanted them gone forever.When the bottle arrived in the mail, I was scared. So many people get burned, but I trusted my body and how my face was feeling. I started by washing my face really well with a light cleanser. After drying my face I took a cotton ball moistened with alcohol and swabbed over my face. I repeated this (new cotton ball with fresh alcohol each time) until I was certain I had removed all of the oils on my skin. While my skin dried further, I made sure to have a sanitary work area in my master bath by disinfecting the sink and around the sink. I filled the sink with cool, but not cold water and added about 1/3 cup of baking soda and stirred this around until the baking soda was dissolved. This sink of baking soda water would be my neutralizer. I took a small glass dish and pored in some of the acid. The gauze pad that came with the acid was great. I took a deep breath and as careful as I could I made even passes all over my face with the acid soaked gauze. Holy FIRE did it burn! I kept it on 30 seconds before my fear got the best of me and I neutralized my face with the baking soda water. The acid sizzled and burned hotter for just a second before sweet relief came. IF IT BURNS BADLY, NEUTRALIZE! I kept it on the perfect amount of time for me. I waited for my face to cool off and then washed with a very mild facial soap. I moisturized with some Dove deep moisture cream and went to a friend's house. My face might have been a touch red, but it was not noticeable. Within a couple days my face became a little flaky and the lightest peel occurred. Once the flaking was done, my skin had never felt so smooth. I have continued to do this every 14 days for 8 weeks and my skin had improved drastically. Each time I can wear it longer before I neutralize, but I am taking a long break now. I have achieved a lot and I owe it to this product and M2 skin refinish. With both of these products I have improved my blemishes and fine lines. I will continue to use and recommend Skin Obsession in the future. By the way, you also get a sample of Microdermabrasion crystals, which are also amazing!