The popularity of chemical peel treatments globally has been growing steadily over the last few years. And it’s no surprise. The results following treatment are quickly visible, and chemical peels can be used to treat a number of complaints like age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration.
Put simply, a chemical peel uses different types of acid to break down layer(s) of the skin. As the skin rejuvenates, smoother, softer and younger-looking skin is revealed.
Dermatologists and skin technicians use a variety of different acids depending on the type of skin and the complaint or problem that needs to be resolved. Many professional-quality skin care products also contain these acids. Here we take a look at the different acids and why they are beneficial to our skin’s condition.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), one of the most potent antioxidants. Benefits include:
neutralizes free radicals;
strengthens photoprotection;
prevents premature aging;
lightens the skin;
stimulates collagen production.
Retinol (derived from Vitamin A). Benefits include:
stimulates the production of collagen;
prevents the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines;
increases the firmness of the skin;
stimulates cell renewal;
provides thinner skin, improving the skin tone.
Glycolic acid. Benefits include:
promotes cell renewal while hydrating the skin;
promotes rejuvenation;
lightens of blemishes;
reduction of acne lesions.
Salicylic acid. Benefits include:
exfoliates the skin, thinning the skin and reducing sebum-production;
prevents contamination of bacteria,
promotes cell renewal, removing dead cells and excess oil.
Azelaic Acid. Benefits include:
brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes;
acts as an effective antioxidant.
Ferulic acid Benefits include:
antioxidant and lightening properties
stabilize and potentiate the antioxidant action, which helps to prevent redness after exposure to the sun,
prevent the appearance of fine lines,
improve the skin tone.
Dioic acid. Benefits include:
soothing and antibacterial action
lightens and improves skin imperfections, such as acne blemishes.
Hyaluronic acid. Benefits include:
provides hydration,
improves rejuvenation due to its skin smoothness action which reduces wrinkles and expression lines.
Kojic acid. Benefits include:
inhibits the melanin production, promoting whitening and uniformity to the skin tone,
treats hyperpigmentation without causing sensitivity.