Chemical peeling
Types of peels
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) are two hydroxyl acids (BHAs and AHAs) that differ by their lipid-water solubility. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are water soluble and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are oil soluble.
- Mandelic
- Lactic
- Glycolic
AHA are derived naturally from sources such as bitter almonds (mandelic), sour milk (lactic) or sugar cane (glycolic). These are considered superficial or mild peels, that will help in cell renewal, reducing superficial lines, acne, address minor hyperpigmentation and are pretty mild with no down time. Usually used in a course of 4 to 6 treatments they can dramatically improve the look and texture of your skin.
- Salicylic
Salicylic Acid is the only BHA known for the treatment of acne and acne-prone skin types.
BHA’s are able to penetrate deeper into pores, which contain sebum and help to control exfoliation of the dead skin cells that build up inside the pore.
Medium chemical peels include Jessner and TCA.
Jessner peels are good for oily, acne prone skin. TCA is appropriate for more intense sun damage, pigmentation and deeper lines and wrinkles. TCA also can be beneficial for those who have very thick, congested skin.
All these skin peels will definitely induce a sunburn-like sensation lasting and exfoliation that can be more aggressive which lasts for up to 10 days.