AHA peel
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs):
1. Glycolic Acid
- Mechanism: Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid has the smallest molecule size among AHAs, allowing it to penetrate deeply and effectively.
- Benefits: Promotes significant cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines, acne, blackheads, dullness, and uneven skin tone.
2. Lactic Acid
- Mechanism: Derived from milk, lactic acid is larger in molecule size than glycolic acid, offering a gentler exfoliation.
- Benefits: Increases cell turnover, improves skin texture and hydration, and reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines. It's also known for its moisturizing properties.
3. Mandelic Acid
- Mechanism: Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid has a large molecular size, providing the most gentle exfoliation among AHAs.
- Benefits: Effective for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and age spots. Its antibacterial properties make it suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
4. Citric Acid
- Mechanism: Derived from citrus fruits, citric acid works by exfoliating the upper layer of dead skin cells to promote new skin growth.
- Benefits: Brightens skin, evens out skin tone, and can help repair sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
5. Malic Acid
- Mechanism: Derived from apples, malic acid is used both for its exfoliating properties and its ability to retain moisture.
- Benefits: Improves skin texture, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and enhances skin hydration.
BHA Peel
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), with salicylic acid being the most widely known and used, are a group of exfoliating chemicals used in skincare for their ability to penetrate deeply into the pores of the skin.
Mechanism of Action:
- Deep Pore Penetration
- Exfoliation
- Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial:
Benefits:
- Clears Acne: By unclogging pores and reducing bacterial growth, BHAs effectively reduce the occurrence of acne and blackheads.
- Smoothens Skin: Regular use of BHA-containing products can lead to smoother skin texture by removing dead skin cells.
- Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of BHAs can help reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation associated with acne and other skin conditions.
- Improves Skin Tone: BHAs can help even out skin tone by reducing the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation.
Retinoid Peel
Retinoid peels involve the use of retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, in a chemical peel formulation.
Mechanism of Action:
- Cell Turnover Stimulation
- Collagen Production
- Regulation of Pigmentation
Benefits:
- Improved Texture and Tone: Regular use of retinoid peels can significantly improve the skin's texture, making it smoother and more refined, while also evening out skin tone.
- Reduction of Acne and Breakouts: Due to their ability to stimulate cell turnover and unclog pores, retinoid peels are effective in reducing acne and preventing future breakouts.
- Anti-Aging Effects: One of the most celebrated benefits of retinoid peels is their ability to diminish the signs of aging by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and improving skin firmness through enhanced collagen production.
- Brighter, Healthier Skin: The overall effect of a retinoid peel is brighter, healthier-looking skin with a rejuvenated appearance.
Blended Peels
Blended peels, often referred to as combination peels, involve the use of a mixture of different chemical peeling agents in a single formulation.
Brightening Peels:
- Ingredients: Often include vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin.
- Benefits: Target hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun spots to even out skin tone.
Acne Peels:
- Ingredients: Salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and mandelic acid are common.
- Benefits: Aim to reduce acne breakouts, minimize pores, and decrease oil production.
Anti-Aging Peels:
- Ingredients: May contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, and retinol.
- Benefits: Focus on reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and promoting collagen production.
Sensitive Skin Peels:
- Ingredients: Lactic acid and phytic acid are gentle yet effective.
- Benefits: Designed for sensitive skin, these peels hydrate and gently exfoliate without causing irritation.