Glycolic acid peels have anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and antioxidant effects. GA targets the corneosoma by enhancing breakdown and decreasing cohesiveness, causing desquamation.
The intensity of peel is determined by the concentration of the acid, the vehicle used to carry it, the amount of acid applied, and the technique used
GA peels need to be properly neutralized to stop acidification of the skin. Applying acid to the skin saturates the ability of cells to resist acidification; excess acid must be neutralized to avoid burning.