Aha peel

Types of AHA peels

AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acid. It is an acid that is extracted from fruits and is commonly used in skincare products. AHA peel is a type of acid that helps remove dead skin cells. There are different types of AHA peels, and they include the following:

• Lactic acid peel

  These are peels made with lactic acid, a naturally occurring acid derived from milk. It is a gentle exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. It is best for dry and sensitive skin types. It helps hydrate and brighten the skin.

• Glycolic acid peel

  These are peels made with glycolic acid, the smallest AHA molecule, derived from sugarcane. It has a high penetration power and is very effective. It is suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin types. It helps improve skin texture, unclog pores, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

• Citric acid peel

  These are peels made with citric acid, which is derived from citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. It is an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage. It is suitable for all skin types. It helps improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

• Tartaric acid peel

  These are peels made with tartaric acid derived from grapes. It has exfoliating and antioxidant properties. It is suitable for mature skin. It helps improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten dull skin.

• Malic acid peel

  These are peels made with malic acid, which is derived from apples. It has hydrating and exfoliating properties. It is suitable for oily and dehydrated skin. It helps remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of pores.

How to choose AHA peels

Before buying AHA face peel products, consider the following factors to make a good choice.

• AHA Type

  AHA peel products come in different types. Each type serves a unique purpose. For instance, glycolic acid is the most used AHA because it has a small molecular size that allows deep penetration into the skin. This makes it very effective. However, it is quite harsh on the skin. Lactic acid is a gentler alternative. It provides excellent hydration and is the best choice for people with sensitive skin. Citric acid is derived from citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. It has a double action of exfoliating the skin and brightening it. Mandelic acid has antimicrobial properties that make it suitable for acne treatment. Tartaric acid is the least used. It has the same properties as glycolic acid but is not as effective.

• Skin Type and Condition

  The skin type and condition greatly influence the choice of AHA peel. There are products designed for oily, dry, or sensitive skin. Buyers should choose AHA peel products formulated for their skin type. If the skin has any condition, like rosacea or severe sensitivity, lactic acid peels are the best choice because of their gentle nature.

• Concentration

  The AHA concentration in the peel affects the depth of exfoliation and the intensity of the product. AHA peel products with low concentrations are ideal for beginners and people with sensitive skin. They provide mild exfoliation and are mostly found in cleansers, masks, and moisturizers. Products with moderate concentrations are used for noticeable results and are mostly found in toners and treatments. High concentrations are meant for professional use only. They provide very deep exfoliation and are used to treat severe skin conditions.

• Formulation

  AHA peel products are formulated differently. Some have added ingredients that enhance the benefits of the product, like hyaluronic acid, which provides hydration, or niacinamide, which brightens and strengthens the skin barrier. Others have ingredients that counteract the effects of the AHA, like parabens that provide moisturization.

• Brand Reputation and Reviews

  Always choose AHA peel products from reputable brands. They are more likely to offer the right product formulation as advertised. Reading product reviews helps buyers understand the experience of other customers who have used the product.

How to use and product safety

Although AHA peels offer many benefits, they must be used correctly to ensure safety and effectiveness. Below are some tips on using AHA peels.

• Prepare the skin

  Prepare the skin to use an AHA peel by using a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil. Finish with a pH-balanced toner to tone the skin and prepare it for the AHA peel.

• Apply the peel

  Apply the peel solution evenly to different skin areas using a cotton ball, brush, or Q-tip. Start with a thin layer and let it sit for some minutes before applying a second layer. Ensure the first layer is dry before applying a second layer.

• Monitor the skin

  During the peel, people may experience tingling or stinging sensations. Monitor the skin closely for any adverse reactions, like redness, swelling, or discharge. If any negative symptoms occur, stop the process immediately and remove the peel solution with water.

• Neutralize and rinse

  After the desired peel time, neutralize the acid by applying a baking soda solution or cream. Then, rinse the skin with lukewarm water to remove all peel residue.

• Post-peel care

  After the peel, the skin may be dry, tight, or red. Apply a moisturizer to hydrate the skin. Use products with ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera to soothe the skin. Also, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for at least a week to protect it from UV rays.

Product Safety

Follow the guidelines below to use AHA peels safely.

• Choose the right type

  Select the right type of AHA based on the skin concern. For instance, people with dry or sun-damaged skin can use glycolic acid to improve their skin condition.

• Don't overuse

  Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how often to use the product. Using the peel more frequently can damage the skin barrier.

• Stay within the recommended time

  Don't exceed the recommended time. Staying within the recommended time can prevent over-exposure to the acid, which can hurt the skin.

• Perform a patch test

  Perform a patch test to check if the skin is allergic to the product. Apply a small amount to a certain area and wait 24 hours to see if any negative symptoms occur.

• Consult a professional

  Consult a professional esthetician or dermatologist before using AHA peels. This is especially important for people with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Functions, features, and design of AHA peels

• Exfoliation: One of the main functions of an AHA peel is to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells. This process reveals a more radiant and smoother complexion underneath. Regular use of exfoliating AHA products can help achieve this.
• Hydration: Many AHA peels also contain ingredients that hydrate the skin, such as hyaluronic acid. This ingredient helps counteract any dryness or flakiness that may result from exfoliation. Keeping the skin well-hydrated promotes a healthy, plump appearance.
• Pore Minimization: By sloughing off dead skin and removing any built-up debris from the pores, AHA peels can make them appear smaller. This results in a more even skin texture and tone. Some AHA peel products even contain pore-refining ingredients like niacinamide.
• Even Out Skin Tone: Exfoliating with AHA peels encourages cell turnover, helping fade hyperpigmentation marks, sun spots, or other discolorations over time. The skin will look brighter and more uniform. This is an important benefit of regular AHA peel application.
• Anti-Aging Benefits: AHA peels stimulate collagen production, which helps thicken the dermis layer over time. A thicker dermis means fewer fine lines and wrinkles as the skin ages. Some AHA formulas contain antioxidants to further combat signs of aging.
• Acne Treatment: Removing dead skin cell buildup and excess oil prevents future breakouts when using AHA peels. Some contain antibacterial or anti-inflammatory ingredients that help treat existing acne as well. This dual action makes AHA peels an excellent choice for acne-prone skin types.

Q&A

Q1: Is AHA peel good for the skin?

A1: AHA peel is good for the skin. It improves the texture and appearance by removing dead skin. It also stimulates the production of collagen for a more youthful-looking skin. In addition, it reduces the size of skin pores and the visibility of sunspots and wrinkles.

Q2: What AHA concentration should one use?

A2: It depends on the type of skin and what the user wants to achieve. Beginners should start with low concentrations, like 10%. They can progress to higher concentrations as they become more comfortable with the product. Those with stubborn skin use higher concentrations to achieve results faster.

Q3: Can AHA be used under or over sunscreen?

A3: Sunscreen should be used as a protective layer over AHA products. AHA peels exfoliate the skin and increase sensitivity to the sun. Using sunscreen reduces the risk of sunburn and protects the skin from UV rays.

Q4: Can people with acne use AHA peel?

A4: AHA prevents acne by exfoliating the top layer of the skin. It prevents the clogging of pores, which is the main cause of acne. However, people with active, cystic acne should use aHA peel. They can use BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) peel instead because it exfoliates deeper into the pores.