If you’re interested in rejuvenating your skin, you might be wondering about the differences between microdermabrasion and glycolic peels.  Both treatments will resurface and exfoliate the skin by removing the superficial outer layer.  However, microdermabrasion and glycolic peels involve a different means of attaining the desired results and are recommended for different skin types and conditions. 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.

At home peels are a common and logical skin care choice for those who are looking to rejuvenate their complexion to achieve a smoother texture and younger appearance. A chemical home peel works to exfoliate and remove layers of dead skin cells for a more affordable price than going to a doctor’s office or a professional skin spa. If you have never tried a chemical skin peel at home before, you may be concerned about whether or not you will experience side effects and if so, what they are. 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.

When it comes to at home peels, it can be confusing when you are trying to decide which one to try. You have probably heard the good and the bad during your research including people who have had amazing results and some who have had some downright scary results. This is why alpha-hydroxy chemical home peel products are great, as they work on all skin types and deliver the results you expect. If you are considering lactic acid products, here are the basics and some information about who would benefit from the use of lactic peels. A lactic acid peel works by exfoliating and peeling the outer layer of skin to rejuvenate and stimulate new skin cell growth and to reveal the more beautiful skin underneath those dead skin cells. It is derived from milk sugars, so it is all-natural. The properties of lactic acid when compared to other alpha hydroxy acids are different in that the molecules are larger which causes a lactic acid skin peel to penetrate the skin more slowly. This means it is gentler on the skin but is still very effective for its intended uses. Because lactic peels are proven effective, work on any skin type and are gentler to the skin than other chemical peel products, they are a good choice for:

• The Beginner – someone who has never used at home peels before
• Sensitive Skin – someone whose skin is easily irritated
• Acne Prone Skin – someone whose skin breaks out with acne often and has acne scars
• Mature or Dry Skin – someone who is over 35 or has very dry skin

Skin care experts recommend starting out with the lowest concentration possible, as in 30% lactic acid peels, and then increasing in strength once the skin is accustomed to undergoing at home peels. Skin Rx offers lactic acid facial peel products ranging from 30% lactic acid to 50% lactic acid for all levels of chemical home peel users.

People who have acne scars, whether mild or severe, are never fully happy with their appearance. These red blemishes are difficult to cover and never seem to fade very much on their own. With certain chemical peel treatments however, acne scars can either fade drastically or even disappear completely. It does take time and consistency to achieve great results but it is well worth the effort if you are unhappy with acne scars on your face.  One very common treatment for acne scars is lactic peels. This type of chemical peel is made with lactic acid, an Alpha-Hydroxy acid derived from milk and which also can be found naturally inside the human body. Because of its natural occurrence in our bodies, lactic acid products tend to be safe even for very sensitive skin and do not often cause allergic reactions. As an added benefit to the skin, lactic acid is different from other chemical skin peel products due to its hydrating properties which allow the lactic acid facial peel to moisturize the skin. For people with dry skin and acne, this is a great choice. Lactic acid products have anti-aging benefits as well as they stimulate both collagen and elastin production. Now as far as acne scars, lactic acid is a good choice. Alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic acid are good for all skin types, so there is no concern about what skin type you have when choosing to control your acne and fade acne scars with lactic acid facial peels. Lactic acid peels are not deep peels and they work to exfoliate and peel off the top layer of the skin. This means that it will take more than one lactic peel to really see significant results in fading or eliminating acne scars. Skin care experts recommend doing six lactic acid peels spaced out every two weeks and then one lactic acid facial peel per month to control reoccurring acne. With larger molecules than other AHA’s like glycolic acid, lactic acid slowly penetrates the skin which causes less of a burning sensation during the chemical peel. Lactic acid facial peels are proven effective in moisturizing the skin and in improving the tone and texture, even on mature skin. As with similar alpha-hydroxy chemical skin peel products, lactic acid peels are available in different strengths which can be increased for more dramatic results over time.

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.

Microdermabrasion is a type of treatment for the skin in which tiny crystals are applied to the skin to remove the top layer by “sanding” or “polishing”. The microdermabrasion crystals work to remove the dead surface layer of skin cells to uncover a healthier layer of skin underneath. Personal microdermabrasion treatments work to stimulate the layers of skin underneath that dead outer layer to increase the production of elastin and collagen. This helps defy the aging process by providing a younger, healthier, and even firmer appearance. Home microdermabrasion is becoming more and more popular due to its low cost and convenience in comparison to microdermabrasion treatments given by a dermatologist or other skin care professional. People who are looking to use a microdermabrasion kit tend to ask a lot of questions about the difference in results when it comes to home microdermabrasion vs. professional microdermabrasion treatments.

Professional Microdermabrasion Treatments Professional microdermabrasion treatments administered by a dermatologist or esthetician uses a special machine which sprays aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. Only licensed professionals are allowed to use microdermabrasion machines. Professional microdermabrasion treatments are somewhat costly and usually at least ten treatments are recommended for dramatic improvement. Another form of professional microdermabrasion known as “Diamond Microdermabrasion” does not use crystals but instead a wand with a diamond tip is rubbed against the skin. With both types of professional microdermabrasion treatments, dead skin cells are removed and immediately sucked away with a vacuum tool. Personal microdermabrasion kits systems are becoming a popular alternative to professional microdermabrasion treatments. Microdermabrasion kits are less expensive than professional treatments and are quite easy to perform on oneself. Though not as powerful as professional quality microdermabrasion machines, a home microdermabrasion kit will still produce professional quality results when used as directed. While many of the most popular skin care companies have introduced their own version of home microdermabrasion including Olay and Neutrogena, there are other brands which can produce a more spa like experience with professional results. Skin Rx offers a microdermabrasion kit, Microdermabrasion Peel Kit # 1, which contains a unique combination of microdermabrasion crystals and glycolic acid for a double peel effect to rejuvenate the skin giving professional results. A home microdermabrasion kit is easy to use. A microdermabrasion cream is applied to the face and with a special tool, it is massaged into the skin. Rinse, cleanse, and use a toner – and it’s done! It’s easy even for a beginner. The major differences between professional microdermabrasion treatments and a home microdermabrasion kit comes down to cost and technology. You may see results more quickly with professional microdermabrasion treatments but they are much more expensive than home microdermabrasion. If you use your home microdermabrasion kit as directed, you will see significant results with continued use that are comparable to professional microdermabrasion treatments offered in a spa or dermatologist office.

Lactic acid products contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids which are derived naturally from fruit. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are found in many different fruits including apples and grapes and are considered to be nontoxic because they are naturally occurring and are even found within the body after ingesting foods which contain them. Using a lactic acid skin peel gives a thorough skin exfoliation, and the treatments can remove the outer layers of skin to reveal softer, smoother, more refreshed skin underneath.  Many people use chemical home peel treatments such as lactic peels to achieve a smoother and healthier appearance. If used on a regular basis, lactic peels have been proven to be effective in removing age spots and brown spots, improving dry skin as well as oily & acne prone skin and in decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lactic acid products are specially formulated for sensitive skin. Lactic peels are a great choice if you have been hesitant to try at home peels as you are less likely to have an adverse reaction. A lactic acid skin peel provides all the benefits of a professional facial peel to rejuvenate the skin but it also provides intense moisture. If you choose lactic acid products as a component of your skin care regimen, you can expect healthier skin over time and a decrease in age spots, mild acne and fine lines. Lactic acid skin peel products are offered in varying strengths from 20% to 70%. For an inexperienced chemical peel user, lactic peels with a lower strength are a better choice or for those with super sensitive skin. Many people wanting to try at home peels like to start out with the 30% strength lactic acid facial peel. Even at 30% strength, the lactic acid is still effective enough to stimulate collagen and increase the rate of skin cell turnover. When you become a more experienced user of at home peels, you can choose to increase up to the 40% lactic acid peel. Keep in mind that you should never use lactic peels which are too strong for your skin in hopes of getting more dramatic results. You can safely and gradually increase the strength of your lactic acid products as your skin requires it based on factors such as aging and sun damage. When you become a chemical peel user to improve the health of your skin, remember that it is important to avoid sun exposure. Follow all of the instructions on your lactic acid products exactly as they are written to achieve the best results possible.

Dermabrasion is a somewhat invasive skin procedure which entails the skin being frozen and then “sanded”. A special instrument is used by a skin care professional which applies the abrasion to the skin to remove the surface layer of skin and replace it with a layer of new, younger and fresher looking skin. Dermabrasion is done by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or licensed skin care specialist. Microdermabrasion is a less invasive procedure. Microdermabrasion treatments involves using tiny crystals to remove the surface layer of skin which works to lessen the appearance of dull skin, brown spots or age spots, fine lines, minor acne scars. Microdermabrasion can be done by skin care professionals but home microdermabrasion is also an option. Dermabrasion was developed primarily for improvement of acne scars, pockmarks and other types of scaring. As knowledge of the procedure increased and technology improved, it can now also be used to treat wrinkles, age spots, and other skin defects. Microdermabrasion treatments are used only to improve the appearance of skin problems which are considered superficial. Personal microdermabrasion is effective on all skin colors and skin types to produce subtle changes and improvements over time. Even the best microdermabrasion products can not remove deeper skin problems such as stretch marks and severe acne scaring, however. Also when microdermabrasion creams are used, there is no down time like a person will have with dermabrasion treatments. One’s skin recovers fully within 24 hours of microdermabrasion treatments. Personal microdermabrasion is a great choice for the masses as it is non-surgical whereas dermabrasion carries some of the risks associated with surgical procedures because anesthetics are used and the skin bleeds and may not be right for everyone. The Procedures Dermabrasion is performed either in an outpatient center or in a plastic surgeon's office, depending on who is doing the treatments. In some cases, a patient is given medication in order to achieve relaxation during the treatment. The area to be treated will be cleansed and then a spray is applied which freezes the skin. An instrument with a high-speed rotary action with an abrasive surface is then used to remove the outer layers of the skin. Microdermabrasion treatments use special microdermabrasion creams with tiny crystals which are applied onto the skin using a gentle abrasion technique. This action removes only the dead surface layer of the skin. Personal microdermabrasion works to exfoliate the skin for total rejuvenation and skin cell renewal. Professional or home microdermabrasion kits are very effective to remove age spots and improve the appearance of fine lines to create a younger, more refreshed look and feel of the skin when microdermabrasion treatments are continued. For those who are looking to improve their skin without an invasive procedure, try a home microdermabrasion kit. Skin Rx recommends Microdermabrasion Peel Kit #1 which combines glycolic acid and microdermabrasion crystals for a “double peel” effect. This microdermabrasion kit includes everything you need for professional microdermabrasion treatments at home.

A question that many women ask during pregnancy is whether or not glycolic acid is safe to use while pregnant. The simple answer is “yes”. If you want to use glycolic acid, pregnancy is a perfectly safe time to use it. Glycolic peels for pregnant women are a great choice for those suffering acne during pregnancy. Safe acne treatments during pregnancy are often researched due to the fact that anything which enters the mother’s body or skin could possibly affect the unborn baby as well. The great thing about glycolic acid products is that they contain naturally derived ingredients. Glycolic acid is an AHA, or Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid which are acids that occur naturally in fruits. It is also occurs naturally in the body when you ingest or eat certain fruits. Glycolic acid products at concentrations 10% or less are not able to penetrate the skin deep enough to reach the blood stream, so it is 100% safe for acne during pregnancy.  Even for higher concentrations of glycolic acid which can penetrate through the skin and possibly into the blood stream, it is said to be of no harm due to the fact that it’s an acid which is naturally occurring in the body anyway. Experienced estheticians and dermatologists continue to use professional strength glycolic acid products to improve the skin from acne related conditions and skin discolorations from pregnancy. Skin Rx Clinic offers several high quality glycolic acid products that are safe to use for acne during pregnancy. Try Glycolic Facial Polish which contains 10% glycolic acid, anti-oxidants, and vitamins to exfoliate and smooth the skin. To improve the overall texture and condition of the skin from acne and other blemishes, fine lines, large pores, and sun damage, try 15% Glycolic Smoothing Gel.

Whether you are using home microdermabrasion as a follow-up to professional microdermabrasion treatments or because you can not afford the cost otherwise, you will need to know a few basic instructions before you get started. Using your personal microdermabrasion system properly is the best way to ensure the most significant results. Follow these steps, using Skin Rx’s Microdermabrasion Peel Kit #1. 1. Wash face with a mild cleanser such as Skin Rx’s Arnica Facial Wash. After washing, rinse your face clean and gently pat your face dry. Patting dry gently helps to keep your skin calm. It is important not to skip this step, as your face needs to be clean before you use microdermabrasion creams. 2. Apply Microdermabrasion Peel to your face with the rotating wand applicator tool. For best results, work in small sections for 3 to 4 minutes on each section. As you apply the Microdermabrasion Peel to your face, you will feel a soft, fine sand-like texture which is the Corundum Crystals. This key ingredient, along with 10% glycolic acid, work to peel away dull surface skin and age spots to give a rejuvenated and younger-looking appearance. As you use the product with the applicator wand, you will see small clumps forming and falling off. This is the used product absorbing the dead skin which is peeling away from your face. Home microdermabrasion is good for reducing fine lines, acne scars, and uneven texture. The process also helps to get rid of sun damage, age spots, brown spots, and other areas of hyperpigmentation.

3. You can repeat Step 2 until you have covered your entire face. The home microdermabrasion kit can also be used on your neck and other areas of the body such as your hands. Because age spots or brown spots are a common occurrence on the hands, microdermabrasion treatments are an easy and effective way to remove them. 4. Rinse face thoroughly to remove the microdermabrasion cream and dead skin cells when have been sloughed off. To avoid any unnecessary irritation, it is extremely important to rinse away every bit of the product and not leave any on the skin. Pat your skin dry again. Your face will feel very refreshed and smooth after your microdermabrasion treatments. You should not experience any pain or discomfort at all but your face may feel a bit tingly for awhile. 5. The last step is to apply Soothing Serum. This product contains Hyaluronic Acid to provide superior moisture and Canadian Willow Herb and Vitamin K to soothe and calm the skin.