Glycolic Acid Facial
Glycolic acid facial.
A clinical exfoliation treatment using glycolic acid to brighten, even tone, and prepare the skin for deeper care. Performed by Dr. Cecilia Rusnak and her team in Kissimmee, Florida.
Glycolic acid is the smallest molecule in the alpha-hydroxy acid family, which makes it the most penetrative. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells at the surface, accelerating cellular turnover and revealing brighter, more even-toned skin underneath. A professional glycolic facial uses higher concentrations than over-the-counter products, with neutralization protocol that ensures controlled depth.
Dr. Cecilia Rusnak, MA, AP, DAc · Master Trainer · 30+ Years Clinical Experience · Kissimmee, Florida
The Procedure
Clinical exfoliation, at controlled depth.
Dr. Rusnak’s glycolic facial protocol begins with a thorough cleanse, followed by application of medical-grade glycolic acid at a concentration tuned to your skin type and treatment goal. The acid is left on the skin for a controlled time, then neutralized. The treatment ends with hydration, soothing serums, and SPF — non-negotiable after any acid treatment.
Most patients experience a mild tingling or warming sensation during the application — well within the comfort range. Some superficial flaking can occur over the next two to five days, particularly for first-time patients or higher concentrations. The result builds across a series of treatments rather than appearing in a single session.
What to Expect
A single treatment, or a series.
Consultation
Skin assessment to determine your Fitzpatrick type, any current sensitivities, and the right glycolic concentration for your first treatment. Often combined with the first treatment in the same appointment.
Treatment Session
Cleanse, glycolic application, neutralization, and post-treatment care. Total time approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Skin will be mildly pink for a few hours; some patients experience light flaking over the next several days as cellular turnover accelerates.
Optional Series
For pigmentation concerns, texture issues, or significant brightening goals, a series of four to six treatments spaced two to four weeks apart delivers cumulative results. Maintenance every six to eight weeks afterward.
Who This Procedure Serves
For patients seeking texture, tone, and clarity.
Glycolic facials suit patients with dull skin, uneven tone, mild post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, mild sun damage, congested pores, and patients preparing the skin for other treatments or events. Particularly effective in combination with hydrating treatments and ongoing skincare.
Not appropriate for: active skin infections, open lesions, recent sun damage or sunburn, retinoid use within the past week, or recent waxing in the treatment area. Patients with very sensitive skin or rosacea require lower concentrations and shorter contact times — Dr. Rusnak will adjust the protocol accordingly.
Frequently Asked
Questions, answered.
How often can I have a glycolic facial?
Every two to four weeks for a series, then every six to eight weeks for maintenance. Doing it more often than that can compromise the skin barrier — restraint is part of the protocol.
Will I peel?
Some light flaking is common, particularly for first-time patients or higher concentrations. It’s typically subtle — not the dramatic peeling seen with deeper chemical peels. Most patients can resume normal activities the same day.
Can I do this if I’m using a retinoid?
Pause retinoid use for at least three to five days before and after the treatment. Combining the two too closely can over-exfoliate the skin and damage the barrier.
How soon will I see results?
Brightness and immediate smoothness are often visible the same day. Cumulative results — pigmentation improvement, texture refinement — build across a series of four to six treatments.
Is SPF really necessary afterward?
Absolutely non-negotiable. Glycolic acid increases skin’s photosensitivity for at least a week after treatment. SPF 30 or higher every day, even indoors near windows.
Book a Consultation
Reveal what’s already there.
A private consultation with Dr. Rusnak or the clinic team.
Best Glycolic Acid Facial — 5 Honest Outcomes
Recommended take-home support from Dr. Rusnak’s physician-formulated skincare line. Shop the full collection on Dr. Rusnak Wellness →
Qi C+ Corrective Serum
A stabilized Vitamin C + peptide serum we recommend to clients receiving glycolic acid resurfacing peels. It brightens post-inflammatory pigment, evens skin tone, and primes the dermis for collagen synthesis — apply each morning under SPF for compounding effect.
Calm Flow Water Cream
A lightweight gel-cream built for the reactive, dehydrated skin most clients experience after glycolic acid resurfacing peels. Peptides and humectants calm flushing, rebuild the moisture barrier, and absorb without occluding — safe to layer over actives and SPF.
Healing Support SPF 40
Healing Support SPF 40 is the daily UV armor we send home with clients receiving glycolic acid resurfacing peels. Broad-spectrum mineral SPF prevents pigment shift, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and premature fading — apply every morning, reapply mid-day.