DEMYSTIFYING Acid peels

As I sit here in quarantine like all of you, With no end date in sight, I am finding time to do the things I used to do so often… like writing blogs, connecting with clients over social media, filming “how to” videos I am writing blogs to answer the questions I often get from clients.  When we break out of quarantine hell, I hope to still be connecting with all of you and writing blogs and answering your questions and filming fun videos. For today’s blog, I chose the topic of skin peeling acids.

I have clients that often ask me “what is the difference between a professional peel versus an at home peel or other exfoliating products?”

The difference is, any peel or skin peeling treatment that you receive by a professional is typically a much higher percentage than you will find over the counter to use at home. The reason being is the percentage is high enough that it has to be monitored by a skin care professional so that proper analyzation of the skin is done so you don’t risk burning the skin.  A typical percentage of acid used in a professional peel is

20 % to 30% strength versus 10% and under which can be safely used at home. A great  at home peel is my 10 minute glycolic peel.  This product can be used up to three times a week if you have oily skin and two times a week for dry skin.  For more acne prone skin I LOVE the dual action toner pads which packs a punch of salicylic acid and glycolic acid to combat break outs and dull skin.

Another question I get a lot is what is the difference between beta hydroxy acid and alpha hydroxy acid. Beta hydroxy acid is typically made up of assets such as salicylic acid which is typically used for the treatment of acne. However, it has most recently been used to combat fine lines and wrinkles along with acne. Alpha hydroxy acid is made up of fruit acids and is typically used in night creams and age reversing products.

I suggest salicylic acid products to my clients quite often.  As I mentioned above, they combat breakouts, skin clogging and dull skin. One of my all-time favorite products from my line of skin care products is the a|k clarifying moisturizer. This moisturizer is so lightweight yet it gives a gentle exfoliation throughout the day.. Don’t forget to apply my  a|k daily replenishing sunscreen SPF 30 over the clarifying moisturizer as you may  be photo sensitive (sun sensitive)

Due to the salicylic acid. Besides, you want to protect that gorgeous skin that’s being revealed by using these products. The clarifying moisturizer can also be used at night if you do not want to apply it during the day.

If you come to visit us at our studio, some favorite peels that we offer are our 30% TCA peel and our 20% salicylic peel. Remember, after having a professional peel, avoid heavy sweating, hot showers or baths/hot tubs and swimming pools for at least five days. Do not peel your peel!! This can cause scarring and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). Just let nature take it’s course and gently exfoliate the flaking skin as it starts to come off a few days after the treatment.

I hope this answers some of your questions and helps lessen the confusion behind all the different types of acid peels. Until next time….

Happy Peeling!

X,

Amy