These work in a similar fashion to Microdermabrasion. Whereas Microdermabrasion mechanically removes a layer of dead skin and stimulates the production of healthy new cells, Glycolic peels do this chemically. The two different treatments work very well in combination. Before the peel, a diluted glycolic solution is applied to the face every night for two weeks. As well as preparing the skin for the peel, this picks up any reaction the skin might have to glycolic acid.