What is microdermabrasion?  This treatment involves spraying fine crystals onto the surface of the skin in order to remove the outermost dead skin cells.  Microdermabrasion aims to improve superficial skin imperfections. This includes age spots, fine lines, mild acne scars, sun damage, and fine wrinkling around the eyes, mild acne scars, age spots or sun spots, enlarged or visible pores, and fine lines.  Because microdermabrasion is a simple resurfacing of the top layer of the skin, it is not recommended for deep wrinkles, moderate to severe scars, or pigmentary problems.  Microdermabrasion treatment offers an added benefit in that it stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin, creating a more vibrant appearance.

For clients in search of a simple skin-rejuvenating procedure with few side effects and minimal recovery time, microdermabrasion may be an ideal choice.  Because surface skin cells are removed during the treatment, there is no peeling afterwards, and recovery time is minimal.  However, clients with more prominent skin imperfections may wish to consider a glycolic peel.

A glycolic peel is a mild and effective skin peel that uses AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid).  The treatment involves applying a glycolic acid solution to the skin.  Glycolic acid breaks up the surface skin cells to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, uncovering newer skin cells over time.  A glycolic peel will address deeper skin conditions, such as acne, sun damage and wrinkling.  Glycolic peels offer the advantage of penetrating into the pores to dissolve acne plugs, and glycolic acid is able to both draw out old skin and draw moisturizers into the skin.  Recovery time is generally minimal.

How do the treatment processes differ?  Microdermabrasion is painless and relatively quick –a facial treatment usually lasts about 30 minutes.  Microdermabrasion does require several treatments to achieve the desired appearance – 10-12 treatments may be necessary, along with sessions every six to eight weeks to maintain results.  A glycolic peel usually takes 10-15 minutes for the peel itself, depending on the strength of the solution and the skin’s level of adaptation to the treatment.  A series of treatments is recommended for optimal results, and treatments are delivered three to four weeks apart.

Check out Skin Rx Clinic’s comprehensive offerings of glycolic peel options and microdermabrasion kits for home use.

First of all, chemical peels with quality ingredients can be used at home to treat and improve sun damage, skin discolorations, acne and acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles. When used as directed, you will also see smoother, brighter appearance of the skin overall as you restore the healthy glow you once had. This is accomplished as the face peels remove outer layers of skin cells with chemical ingredients such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. The acid face peels are very effective in revealing the underlying skin as the peel process works its magic.

At home peels come in kits which contain the same active ingredients as professional chemical peels. The difference is usually either in pH or concentration. Chemical home peel products are made to be safe for the home user, even for a beginner who has never performed a chemical peel before. No medical assistance is required for at home peels. Common ingredients found in chemical home peel kits can include lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, resorcinol, and others.

At home peels are specifically formulated to have a lower risk of side effects to home users. For example, a professional chemical peel treatment can cause redness that lasts for weeks, but a chemical home peel recovery time takes just a few  hours or a couple of days at most. It is quite simple to perform a chemical home peel. Just follow the directions on the product packaging and in less than 15 minutes, the treatment is complete. While performing a “peel” may sound scary or intimidating, it is not literally a “peel” that you will notice after the treatment is complete. Instead, you will see your skin is exfoliated and sloughed off over a period of a few days.

If you are considering using a chemical home peel, just be sure to purchase products only with high quality ingredients. Pay attention to your skin’s reaction and if you find your skin is sensitive to a chemical peel treatment, try a lower strength and do not use it too often. Moisturize well after performing any at home peels and only use as directed for safety and best results. For high quality at home peels, try Skin Rx glycolic acid peels, salicylic acid peels, and lactic acid peels.

Glycolic Acid Peels

The alpha-hydroxy acid, Glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar cane, is the smallest AHA molecule. Glycolic acid penetrates the skin quickly and easily to break up the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Newer skin cells are uncovered and with continued use, glycolic facial peels will increase skin cell turnover and boost collagen production. This same shedding of surface skin also clears the pores of blackheads and debris which results in an improvement of acne. Glycolic acid is one of the most effective acne treatments available and overall is considered to be relatively mild so as not to irritate the skin too badly.

Glycolic peels provide gradual improvement with continued used over a period of weeks. Glycolic facial peels are safe for nearly all skin types and come in varied strengths starting at 10%. This allows those who want to use at home peels to find the right glycolic acid peel best suited for their own skin.

Salicylic Acid Peels

Whereas glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) which is derived from hearts of sweet bark & willow tree bark. In the skin care industry, salicylic acid products are used as a topical acne treatment and a chemical peel. Salicylic acid has been proven effective as an anti-inflammatory agent that also has the ability to dissolve and clear out sebum found in the pores. It is a bit stronger and involves a less gradual process than glycolic acid but for those with sensitive skin it can be used in lower strength concentrations in cases where glycolic acid peels are not well tolerated. As an added benefit when used regularly, salicylic acid products help protect skin from sun damage as it has the ability to absorb ultraviolet rays. Salicylic acid peels should not be used as often as the glycolic acid peels, as the peeling effects last a bit longer. When using salicylic acid peel products, it is recommended that you take a break in treatment after a period of use for best results.

As the Saint Louis University School of Medicine published in a study where glycolic acid and salicylic acid were compared in effectiveness at treating acne stated, “both types of treatments were similarly effective” for improving facial acne. If you have more sensitive skin, you can try a course of glycolic peels first and if you find you are not tolerating it well or are not happy with the results, move on to salicylic acid peels instead.

Light Chemical Peel – Light face peels are those in the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and the beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) category. These include glycolic acid peels, salicylic acid peels, and lactic acid peels. These can be performed either by a skin care professional such as an aesthetician or dermatologist or with a chemical home peel kit. With a light chemical peel, there is no need to be given anesthesia. You will experience only a slight sting but no pain. These types of acid peels take just 10 to 15 minutes each. After an AHA or BHA chemical skin peel, you will see the skin begin to slough off and may notice a mild redness for a day or two at which point you can resume your daily routine. Six to twelve at home peels are needed to see significant results depending on your own skin condition.

Moderate Chemical Peel – Medium chemical peel treatments commonly use an ingredient referred to as Tricholoroacetic Acid (TCA). Sometimes with a TCA peel, anesthesia is given but the peel itself is said to have a numbing effect. It gives off a very warm sensation which some individuals may find uncomfortable. A Jessner peel is also a commonly used medium chemical peel which is a combination of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. Medium chemical peels do not need to be performed as much or as often as light chemical peels for great results. They are only recommended every three to six months for best results. TCA and Jessner peels are great for all skin tones, even olive and darker complexions which is a great benefit when dramatic results are desired more quickly.

Deep Chemical Peel – These deeper face peels will deliver the most dramatic results given that they use the most powerful chemical peel solution available and are solely performed by a doctor or skin care professional. Deep peel solutions are not available over the counter and should not be attempted by the chemical home peel user.

Chemical skin peels are truly one of the most effective methods to improve the appearance of wrinkles. Skin Rx recommends trying these glycolic acid peels, salicylic acid peels, and lactic acid peels for your anti-aging skin care treatments.

Are you thinking about trying a chemical skin peel and wondering where to start?

There are many different kinds of home face peels.  One formula might be better suited for your skin than another – how do you know what to choose?  One important factor in the differences in home face peels is the pH level.

Your skin is made up of several different components, including water, protein, lipids, minerals and chemicals.  The protein in your skin is sensitive to the level of pH with which it comes in contact.  When the skin’s proteins react with an acid, they are broken down – and this is exactly what a chemical peel strives to do.  Existing skin tissues are destroyed, and new tissue grows to replace the old.

Products with a low pH feature a stronger acid.  This means that high pH products offer increased breaking down of old skin and growth of new skin tissues.  Conversely, products with a high pH contain a weaker acid, resulting in a more gentle reaction with existing skin and slower growth of new skin tissues.

If you’re trying a chemical peel for the first time, or if you have sensitive skin, you might want to start out by choosing a product with a higher pH.  Skin Rx’s 15% Glycolic Smoothing Gel features a pH of 3.  Even if your skin is sensitive, 15% Glycolic Smoothing Gel can be used several times a week as a peel – simply apply to clean, dry skin and remove after 5-10 minutes.  Those with less sensitive skin can leave it on for maximum results.

If you’re ready for a stronger formula, try 30% Glycolic Acid.  With a lower pH (1.9), our 30% Glycolic Acid offers a professional strength peel.  Skin Rx’s formula features pharmaceutical grade quality and is made from natural fruit acids (alpha hydroxy acids).  Our Glycolic Acids are available in convenient kits, which include our Peel, Pre-Peel Prep, fan brush applicator, and dispensing dish, enclosed in a zippered bag for ease and convenience.

There are 5 common fruit acids used for facial peels: citric acid peels (derived from the citrus fruits), lactic acid peels (derived from sour milk, but it’s still considered a fruit acid), glycolic acid peels (derived from sugar cane), malic acid peels (derived from apples), and tartaric acid peels (derived from grapes).

Lactic Acid Peels – Lactic acid peels are a derivative of sour milk. Lactic acid is sometimes said to be a more mild chemical peel compared to a glycolic acid peel, though it is similar to how a glycolic facial peel works. People with super sensitive skin, such as those with Rosacea, sometimes prefer to try lactic acid peels first before moving on to glycolic acid products.

Citric Acid Peels - Citric acid peels are easy to use, minimally invasive, but take many treatments to see significant improvement on the skin.

Malic Acid Peels – Malic acid is used in the same way as a citric acid peel in that it is only mildly invasive and requires several treatments to get significant results. A malic acid peel is also used for acne treatments as it can open pores to allow the sebum to be cleared out which helps reduce blemishes.

Tartaric Acid Peels – Tartaric acid is a derivative of grape extract. This type of peel is very similar to all other fruit acid peels and works to improve the skin and reduce acne with repeated treatments over time.

Buffered Glycolic Acid – Buffered glycolic acid peels are neutralized to some degree to about a 2.1 on the pH scale. For the home user, a buffered glycolic acid product is considered safer.

Unbuffered Glycolic Acid – Unbuffered glycolic acid peels have a lower pH and are known to be more aggressively and to produce faster results when applied to the skin. Unbuffered glycolic acid products should only be applied by a skin care professional or dermatologist for best results.

Alpha-hydroxy-acids including the lactic acid, fruit acids, and glycolic acid, are a safe alternative to chemical peels which home users can use to obtain smoother, younger-looking and more even colored skin for those who do not want to or can not afford to get a peel from a physician or dermatologist. AHA facial peels can treat and improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, dryness, uneven skin color, and also acne. Different concentrations of an alpha-hydroxy-acid peel can be applied at regular intervals to achieve significant results.

Skin Rx Clinic offers the very best glycolic acid products with high quality ingredients formulated to give home users the same results that can be achieved from a doctor strength glycolic peel. Skin Rx Clinic has 15% Glycolic Acid, 30% Glycolic Acid, and 40% Glycolic Acid products and a variety of Glycolic Peel Kits for beginners and experienced glycolic facial peel users alike.

Step 1: Wash Your Face

With a mild cleanser, wash your entire face where the glycolic facial peel will be applied. Rinse thoroughly to remove all of the cleanser and then gently pat your face dry with a towel. Before applying any glycolic treatment to your face, you need to make sure you start with a clean surface to ensure the product penetrates the skin evenly.

Step 2: Apply a Toner

Apply a toner to your skin with a cotton pad or cotton ball and allow it to dry on your skin. This extra step will wipe away any dirt or residue which may have been left after cleansing your face. Do not rinse the toner off, as it contains ingredients to refresh and calm your skin before you apply your glycolic facial peel.

Step 3: Apply Glycolic Acid with Applicator Brush

Preferably using the applicator brush in the Glycolic Peel Kit, apply an even coat of the glycolic treatment to your face. Leave the peel on your face for the recommended time – no more and no less. Leaving glycolic acid products on your skin for too long can damage your skin and not leaving it on long enough will not produce the desired results. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Rinse the glycolic peel treatment off of your face thoroughly, and then apply a mild cleanser. Wash your face gently to ensure the glycolic facial peel is completely washed away from the skin so that irritation does not occur from any residue.

Special Tips

When applying a glycolic acid peel, keep the product about one quarter-inch away from the eye area and mucus membranes. If your skin becomes irritated after glycolic acid products are applied, immediately rinse your skin and consult with your personal doctor. Do not attempt to use glycolic peels on any open wounds or otherwise irritated or highly sensitive skin. Avoid being exposed to the sun for at least one full day after applying the glycolic treatment. Additionally, do not apply a glycolic facial peel to skin that has been shaved within 24 hours. When using a peel, it is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation but if it hurts too much or is extremely uncomfortable, rinse it off immediately. Your skin might be a bit red after using glycolic acid products, however, the redness will gradually fade away as your skin calms. Before you buy glycolic acid for home use, be sure to purchase from a reputable source that only sells high quality skin care products.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Before & After

After you have made the decision to receive laser skin resurfacing treatments and your appointments are booked, you should start to prepare for caring for your skin post-op. Proper post laser skin care is the best way to ensure you get optimum results from your treatments and also to help you avoid any complications or irritations that could potentially get in the way of healing.

Using the right post-op skin care products will promote faster healing times and even reduce the appearance of bruising and discolorations immediately following your procedure. Your skin will undergo certain changes during the healing process, and your best bet is to use non-irritating post laser skin care products which are free from perfumes, alcohols, and other harsh ingredients.

Skin Rx suggests the following post laser skin care products to minimize healing time following your cosmetic procedures:

RosaPlex Skin Serum – A calming skin serum which soothes, hydrates, and calms inflammation.

Vital K Ampoules – An emollient loaded with Vitamin K which helps to heal and calm the skin post-op.

Have questions about post laser skin care? Post a comment and we’ll help you with your skin care needs!