FAQ?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha-hydroxy acids are commonly found and isolated from fruits of all sorts. That is why they are referred to as fruit acids. For example, malic acid is found in apples, citric acid can be isolated from most citrus fruits and glycolic acid is commonly found in honey and sugar cane. Lactic acid is found in milk that has soured and Tartaric acid can be isolated from fermented grapes (wine).
Glycolic acid works as an exfoliating agent because of its high acidity but easy solubility. When placed on the skin as part of an exfoliating cream or gel, glycolic acid goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the ‘glue’, which holds dead skin to the surface. As this dead skin is chemically burned off, the other ingredients carry the individual flakes away and a water rinse neutralizes the remaining acid. The result is a much-smoother skin surface and a more youthful appearance. A secondary benefit is glycolic acid's ability to draw moisturizers into the newly exfoliated skin surface.
One study showed that topical treatment twice a day for 3 months with 5% glycolic acid cream at pH 2.8 affected surface and epidermal changes, while the same treatment, but with a 12% cream reached deeper and influenced both the epidermis and the deeper dermis layer, and resulted in increased epidermal and dermal firmness and thickness. Both showed clinical improvement in skin smoothness and in the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Another study showed that AHAs might thin the outer stratum corneum, but actually end up increasing the overall thickness of the epidermis. This thickening is accompanied by increased synthesis of collagen. It is apparent that alpha-hydroxy acids may do more than just increase exfoliation and skin cell turnover.
How does a chemical peel work?
Chemical peels work by loosening and gently sloughing off the damaged, unattractive skin cells. Depending on the strength of the peel, you may feel a slight tingling or the mild sting of sunburn. Flaking may occur several days following the peel as the damaged skin is freed and new, unblemished skin cells rise to the surface. Glycolic Peels can also work on the deeper layers of skin to accelerate the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin.
Which Chemical Peel is Right For You?
10% Toner
- Great mini-peel for those who have never used a glycolic or lactic acid peels before.
- This can be used in between peels to maintain results.
25% Light Peel
- For youthful "baby" skin, or those with sensitive skin.
- Perfect for those new to Glycolic or Lactic acid peels or as a mini-peel.
- No dramatic peeling and flaking (will increase cell turnover and skin rejuvenation)
35% Light-Medium Peel
- For those familiar with skin exfoliants and light-medium strength peeling.
- For 30 and older skin beginning to enter the maturing period.
- An effective, yet not dramatic peel.
40% Medium Peel
- For those desiring a more dramatic peel.
- Perfect for experienced Glycolic peel users.
- Serious cellular rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
50% Medium-Deep Peel
- For skin that can tolerate a stronger Glycolic and Lactic acid peel.
- Mature-aged, sun-damaged, uneven skin tone and acne scarred skin.
- Intermediate strength AHA peel
- Previous peels experience a must.
60% Deep peel
- For those who can tolerate maximum strength Glycolic and Lactic acid peels.
- Previous peel experience a must.
- Deep, Professional strength peel.
- For Professional Use Only!
70% Deep Peel
- Maximum strength Glycolic and Lactic peel.
- Previous chemical peel experience strongly recommended.
- Visible exfoliation and moderate downtime.
85 % Lactic Deep Peel
- Maximum strength Lactic peel.
- Previous chemical peel experience strongly recommended.
- Visible exfoliation and moderate downtime.
