Chemical skin peels usually contain natural acids which are derived from fruits or milk and help to dissolve the “glue” between skin surface and dead cells layer.

Chemical skin peels usually contain following acids:

• AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acids – such acids as Lactic acid (derived from sour milk), Malic acid (derived from apples), Glycolic acid (from sugar cane) and Tartaric acid (from grapes). To be the most effective an exfoliatior should contain about 5-20% of AHA and it’s pH should be 3-4, after pH level of 4.5 the effectiveness of AHAs declines.

• BHA - Beta Hydroxy Acids – usually it is salicylic acid (derived from sweet birch). BHA in contrast to AHA is oil soluble. Skin peel should contain 1-2% of BHA and have a Ph about 3.

Glycolic and lactic AHA products are the most common used chemical skin peels because they quite easily move away dead cells and also can stimulate collagen production in the skin and remove such imperfections as pigmental spots and fine lines when are used in higher concentrations.

It’s better to use AHA chemical peels treating normal to dry skin type, thick skin and sun damaged skin. Since BHA is oil soluble, it’s best suited to oily type skin, acne type skin and skin with blackheads and blemishes. Using your AHA and BHA chemical peels make sure they don’t irritate your skin too much and try not to use them more often than 2-3 times a week.

Chemical skin peel procedure:

Chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure which applies chemical solutions to the skin in order to correct its appearance and health. During the procedure the outer layer of skin is removerd with the help of these chemical solutions.

The solutions used in the chemical peels can include phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) and betahydroxy acids (BHA).

Chemical skin peels can be used in order to remove such skin imperfections as:

• Facial flaws
• Birthmarks
• Fine lines
• Scars
• Clogged pores
• Unequal skin pigmentation
• Acne

Chemical peels also stimulate collagen production and cell renewal.

The type of skin peel and solutions used to exfoliate the skin are usually chosen according to the individual characteristics of the skin and the needs and expectations of the person.

Chemical peels types:

• AHAs. Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are the mildest type of chemical peels. These peels can include such solutions as glycolic (derived from sugar cane), lactic (derived from sour milk), or fruit acids.

AHAs can help to make skin smoother and younger, diminish fine lines, treat acne and unequal pigmentation and almost don’t require recovery time.

AHAs usually are applied in the series of treatments to achieve the best results. AHA chemical peels can be used weekly or at longer periods of the time, depending on the type and state of the skin as well as the concentration as the acids in the product. In mild concentrations it can be used daily as the part of facial skin care products.

• TCA. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is a medium-depth peeling procedure.

TCA peels can be applied in order to remove thin wrinkles, small facial flaws, stretch marks and improve skin pigmentation. This type of chemical peels is the best suited for people with dark skin.

TCA peels usually are applied in the series of procedures to achieve the best result.

TCA peels almost don’t need a recovery time, but sunscreen and moisturizer are needed after the procedure.

• BHAs. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are the simple organic fruit acids. These acids can be derived from the fruits or synthesized. BHAs are closely related to the AHAs, but diifer a bit in hteir structure and action. BHA in contrast to AHA is oil soluble.

The most common used BHA is salicylic acid. BHAs are the best for acne treatment, oily skin treatment, sun damaged skin and pigmentary disturbances.

• Phenol peels. Phenol skin peels are the deepest chemical peels and the most powerful one.

Phenol skin peels are the best of the chemical peels in treating facial lines, scars, stretch marks and skin blots caused by sun and other factors.

Phenol peels provide long-lasting effects, but may cause appearance of lightening areas, so it is the best suitable for light-skinned people. Phenol peels are used only once and need the recovery time up to two month.

All these methods of skin exfoliation should be used after your skin has been cleaned and dried and should always be followed by sunscreen.