Chemical peeling is the current gold standard in skin care, as chemical peels are the solution that is improving the skin for an increasing number of women. Body scrub is passé for several reasons: it is often too harsh on the skin, there is no even or thoroughly enough exfoliation, and many of the scrubs on the market contain environmentally harmful microbeads.
The benefits of using an acid-based peel are enormous, but they also require a lot of know-how. In this article, I believe that I can convince you that the use of acids and chemical peels is the way to go. I will also make sure which acids you choose, how to use chemical peels properly and which acid based peels are the best on the market.
How does chemical peeling work?
Chemical peel is done with acids. Different acids work a little differently, but the basic requirement is that, once applied to the skin, they trigger the detachment of dead skin cells by preventing them from adhering to the epidermis and to each other.
Why should the skin peel off anyway?
The top layer of our epidermis is called the stratum corneum and consists of dead skin cells. While we want to conserve some of the stratum corneum, for a few reasons we do not want to build up too many dead skin cells.
• Build-up of dead skin cells in the pores can lead to outbreaks.
• Excessive dead skin cells can make the skin flaky.
• Unfolded skin looks rather dull and lifeless.
Moisturizers, facial serums and other beneficial ingredients can not penetrate through a layer of dead skin that is too thick.
• Fine lines and wrinkles look deeper as dead skin cells form.
>In addition, almost all skin problems can be alleviated by exfoliation. Regular exfoliation helps regulate the skin cells and helps to improve the appearance of the skin over time. The following skin problems can be minimized or resolved by regular chemical peels: • Blackheads, whiteheads and other signs of acne • Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation and dark spots
• Post-Acne - Patches
• Uneven Skin Structure
• Large Pores
• To some degree Even sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema can be improved by careful chemical peeling.
Why is chemical peeling better than physical peeling?
As I've already mentioned, there are a few good reasons why chemical exfoliation is a much better choice than physical exfoliation, such as derma planing or microdermabrasion. Physical peels can be too aggressive, causing microparticles in the skin. Chemical peeling is much gentler, because it sheds the dead skin.
• It's easier to get a uniform and thorough peel with chemical peels.
• Those with acne prone skin do not have to worry about a chemical peel that breaks their pimples and spreads bacteria.
• There are many different types of chemical peels that can target a variety of skin problems.
• Some scrubs are made with plastic microbeads that can not be filtered out of the water and seriously damage aquatic ecosystems.
What kind of acids are used for chemical peels?
There are a few types of acids that you often see for chemical peeling at home. I will talk about them in the order of the most common, among the rarer ones.
Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel
This chemical peel is a type of alpha hydroxy acid, also known as AHA. It is often used in chemical peels because it is able to penetrate deep into the skin, resulting in a thorough exfoliation.
In professional spa environments, it can be applied as a chemical peel at a concentration of up to 70%, but for regular use at home you should not go higher than 15% concentration. To effectively exfoliate, the pH of the formula containing the glycolic acid must be between 3 and 4.5. This acid can not penetrate through oil, therefore the skin must be thoroughly cleaned before application. This is one of the best chemical peels for normal and dry skin, as well as for dealing with pigmentation, uneven skin texture and signs of premature aging.
Salicylic Acid Peel
Also known as beta-hydroxy acid or BHA, this wonderful acid is the second most common chemical peel in skin care. This acid is closely related to the active ingredient in aspirin, making it a phenomenal two-in-one anti-inflammatory and exfoliator. It also has some antibacterial properties.
To be effective, chemical peels with salicylic acid should be at a pH between 3 and 4, and the percentage of BHA should be about 0.5% to 2% - a higher percentage has the potential to irritate the skin.
Because salicylic acid is water-soluble, it is also effective when oil is on the skin. In addition, it is able to exfoliate in the pore, so it is generally recommended for those with oily skin, as well as those with sensitive skin. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid peels make it wonderful for dealing with acne.
Lactic Acid Peel
This chemical peel is a different type of alpha hydroxy acid. It works much like glycolic acid, but is much milder and therefore preferred for sensitive and dry skin types. In addition to being a wonderful, gentle exfoliant, lactic acid also has moisturizing properties so it can hydrate the skin.
For effective exfoliation, the pH of the formula must be between 3 and 4. For daily use at home, you should not go higher than 15% lactic acid in your formula.
Mandelic Acid Scrub
This is yet another alpha hydroxy acid, which is sometimes known as amygdalic acid. Mandelic acid is even milder than lactic acid because of its larger molecules that penetrate the skin more slowly, and because of its hydrating properties.
In addition to an excellent chemical peel, almond acid also has some antibacterial properties and is slightly oil soluble, making it a great choice for those with acne-prone skin and combination skin.
The pH of a serum containing mandelic acid should be between 2 and 4, maximum of 10% acid. This acid-based chemical peel is broken down when exposed to light, so the packaging needs to be opaque. Other alpha hydroxy acids that you can see in various formulas, but rarely as primary peels, include malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid.
Polyhydroxy Acid Chemical Peel
There are two types of polyhydroxy acids: gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. These acids are a pretty new addition in the skincare world, so not much research has been done on them. The research that was done was extremely promising.
Despite larger molecules than your average alpha-hydroxy acid, they are still effective chemical peels, but with less chance of irritation. They are also very effective moisturizers, help to hydrate the skin, and have some free radical-absorbing abilities, making them ideal for avoiding environmental damage.
In order to effectively exfoliate, they need to be at a pH between 3 and 4, though the percentage in the formula is not clear.
Add chemical peels to yours Ski Ncare Routine
There are two ways to integrate chemical peels into a skin care routine. My preferred method is a regular toner, serum or cream with a low percentage that can be used every day. The second option is to make a chemical chemical peel at home weekly or half-weekly. These chemical peels at home with an acid content of up to 40% can cause serious burns if not done with the utmost care. Therefore, I prefer to leave this to the professionals.
When you start taking acids into your skin care, you should be careful, even if they are gentle and suitable for everyday use. First, perform a patch test by applying the product to only a small portion of your face. Do this for a few days, and if you do not see any side effects, you can apply it to the rest of your face.
Start using it only once or twice a week. After a few weeks, you can increase the number of times you use your chemical peels up to as often as once a day.
While chemical peels make the skin more sensitive to light, the time of the day when you apply it does not matter - wearing a sunscreen during the day is still mandatory, even if you apply your acids at night.
A routine with acidic chemical peels should look something like this:
• Cleanse your skin with a gentle, low-pH cleanser. • (Optional) Clay your skin with a soft, non-alcoholic toner. When exfoliating with Alpha Hydroxy Acid, make sure that the toner is also oil free.
• Apply your acid-based chemical peel and leave it on your skin for about 10 to 20 minutes. • Finish with serums, moisturizers, and a sunscreen as you face the day.
If you use salicylic acid and find it a little hard on the skin, you can actually apply it via a low pH serum. This will reduce its effectiveness, but it will also reduce the amount of irritation it causes.
Using Different Acids as Chemical Peels
Alternating chemical peels is perfectly fine as long as you do it responsibly. For example, pairing salicylic acid with an alpha hydroxy acid may be a wonderful way to achieve a thorough exfoliation. Remember, it's very easy to overdo it with the chemical peels. So go slowly and patch-test as you add new scrubs to your routine.
Chemical Peeling Safety
Even if you use acid-based chemical peels at the lower percentages that I've recommended, there are still safety concerns to keep in mind.
• Learn to look after your skin and watch for signs of irritation or acid burns.
• Do not overdo it with the chemical peel. Start slowly and gradually increase how often you exfoliate.
• Make sure to use sunscreen religiously. It does not matter if you exfoliate by day or by night - acids still make you sensitive to light.
Stop or reduce the use of chemical peels when:
• You begin irritation, in the form of red and raw skin, or a burning sensation.
• Your skin will be extremely flaky.
• You experience painful outbursts in unusual parts of your face. p>
Things to Expect When You Start Chemical Peeling
While the extreme benefits of chemical peeling, such as improved skin texture, fading of hyperpigmentation, removal of clogged pores, and softening of fine lines and wrinkles will take a long time to appear, you will notice some immediate changes in your skin. These are the kinds of things you can notice that are perfectly fine and normal:
• Mild peeling of dead skin.
• Mildly clean pimples that were previously buried under the skin. It should not take more than a few weeks, and should happen in areas of your face where you normally break out.
• Increased shine and brightness (which you might eventually get used to) / p>
Best chemical peels for every skin type
If you have decided to use chemical peels to experiment and look for the best chemical peels for your skin type, read our product suggestions! / p>
Chemical Exfoliators for Combination, Oily, Sensitive and Acne Skin
1. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid
This salicylic acid toner is one of the most widely used best formulated chemical peels - it could very well be the best of the best chemical peels. Every detail was taken into account in the compilation, the pH is perfect and there are absolutely no potential irritants.
In addition to BHA, this fluid also contains soothing green tea. The loyal followers of this product rave about its ability to smooth its skin, control its outbreaks, and minimize its pores without causing any irritation. Paula's Choice also offers BHA chemical peels in lower and higher percentages in thicker textures when a liquid is not your jam. You can buy this product at Nordstrom .
2. COSRX BHA Power Liquid
This fluid contains betains salicylate , a sa Salicylic acid is used to exfoliate the skin and combat inflammation without the risk of irritation. This liquid also contains soothing willow bark extract, moisturizing hyaluronic acid and whitening niacinamide. Customers are aware of the ability of this toner to shrink its pores and reduce its redness. It can be bought at Ulta .
3. Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Treatment and Moisturizer
This moisturizer by Philosophy makes combating acne and eliminating excess dead skin as easy as applying some cream - small pores are guaranteed. This formula is mild but effective, with a salicylic acid content of 1%. It contains some wonderful skin repair ingredients, such as squalane and oligopeptide, so you will surely get more than you expected. Remember that this is not the only day moisturizer is sufficient, and that you must apply a sunscreen on the top! Pick up at Sephora !
Chemical Peels for Normal and Combination Skin
1. Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer
I love a two-in-one, but I do not think a moisturizer and scrub could be such an incredible mix in one. Does everything sound easier than just washing your face and then applying a cream? It's such a wonderful and easy nightly routine that hydrates, hydrates, exfoliates and fight off any signs of premature aging. The glycolic acid in this formula has been paired with arginine, which slows down the rate at which the glycolic acid penetrates the skin. This means that you can get a thorough exfoliation overnight, but with less chance of irritation.
This moisturizer may also be wonderful for those with dry skin, although they also want to include a second moisturizer in their routine. This excellent chemical peel is available at Macy's .
Chemical peels for oily, thick and texture d Skin
1. Makeup Artis t's Choice Mandelic Acid Toner
While mandelic acid is usually gentler on the skin, here it comes in the uniquely low pH of 2.5. This 5% almond tonic toner is the only true thing that results in a thorough exfoliation that makes the skin incredibly smooth and pores tiny.
While the formula contains some soothing ingredients such as green tea extract aloe, it also contains alcohol, so it should still be tracked with a super nourishing and soothing moisturizer - so sensitive skin types, please be careful! You can order this toner from Make-up Artists Choice .
Chemical Peels for Sensitive, Dry and Mature Skin
1. First Aid Beauty Facial Radianc." (max-width: 400px) e-Pads
There is a nice collection of glycolic acid and lactic acid in these pads to completely, but gently, exfoliate the skin. These pads are made for all skin types, but those with dry and mature skin will surely appreciate additional ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and licorice root extract that hydrate and lighten the skin.
The loyal addicts of this brand are raving about the ability of these pads to really improve their complexion and tone their skin. You can buy these pads at Sephora .
2. Zelens PHA + peeling for Gesichtspads with organic peel
This Gesichtspads exfoliate the skin gently and thoroughly, with the new acid superstar lactobionic acid (as well as some salicylic acid and lactic acid). They are gentle and specially formulated to both peel and work synergistically with the rest of your skin care.
This means that after you put on these dead skin rupturing pads, any serum or lotion that you apply subsequently penetrates your skin better and has better moisturizing and beautifying effects.
If you have sensitive skin that does not tolerate glycolic acid, these pads are the perfect choice for a chemical peel. You can purchase these lovelies at Net-a-Porter .
3rd Sunday Riley Gute Gene All in One Lactic Acid Treatment
I feel almost guilty g, including this product on the list of the best chemical peels because the cost, as a reviewer described, is heartbreaking. This serum contains only the gentlest of AHAs, lactic acid, but at a pH of 2.6, which may still irritate some. The results of using this serum are dramatic - the skin looks brighter, smoother and clearer, not to mention well-hydrated thanks to some nice emollients. If you burn $ 158 in your pocket and you want to try the chemical peel that everyone is raving about, you can buy it from Sephora .
Chemical peels for sensitive and n Oral Skin
1. Silk Naturals 8% AHA Toner
This toner stands for the finest in simplicity. It includes both lactic acid and gluconolactone (also referred to as PHA). In addition, the formulators have thought clearly into the science behind these ingredients, and so they have kept the formula succinct - just a little bit of aloe vera and a few preservatives.
It's phenomenally exalting, it can be integrated into just about any skin care and does not irritate your skin. You can buy it directly from Silk Naturals .
Chemical Peels for Normal, Dry and Mature Skin
1. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Pads
It is very convenient if a liquid product with its own application instrument is delivered. These pads are extremely soft and soaked with a nourishing and exfoliating glycolic acid fluid that makes your skin smooth, soft and hydrated.
The formula contains 8% glycolic acid and moisturizing and revitalizing hyaluronic acid. While suitable for all skin types, those with mature skin will appreciate its skin-smoothing and retexturizing abilities best.
This chemical peel is quite gentle, for a glycolic acid product, and is best used every other day. It can be bought at Ulta .
2nd Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Drunk Elephant is known for its uncomplicated, fragrance and paraben free products that are positively loaded with active ingredients. The sheer amount of chemical peels in this formula means it may be too strong for those with sensitive skin.
This serum contains a whopping 12% glycolic acid, as well as salicylic acid, lactic acid and wine acid. To counteract the large amount of acids in the formula, many anti-inflammatory agents such as horse chestnut extract and cactus extract have been added.
This is a perfect exfoliating serum, if you are looking for something powerful and effective that could work on several levels. The diverse collection of chemical peels means it works just as well with large pores and acne as it would with dullness and fine lines. You can buy this serum from Sephora .
Have you ever switched to chemical peels? What is your favorite acid-based chemical peel? Comment and share your thoughts!
Photos via @ emmahoareau, @mariagiannetos
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