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.

A chemical skin peel is an effective method used to rejuvenate the skin, treat acne, and improve the skin’s overall appearance. While glycolic facial peels and salicylic acid peels were at one time solely performed by dermatologists, physicians, or skin care professionals, there are now at home peels which are just as effective and yet much less expensive. When it comes to acne, these two common face peels both have their advantages. 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.

Chemical peel treatments are a great way to erase the lines of time – as in those fine lines and wrinkles that you have been wanting to get rid of. There are a variety of different at home peels you could try for anti-aging. Some of the varieties of face peels are described below to help you decide which one is right for you. 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.

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.

Both chemical peel treatments and microdermabrasion treatments are used to resurface and exfoliate the skin. The treatments work in different ways to achieve similar results. Microdermabrasion is recommended to improve superficial skin imperfections. This includes mild acne scars, age spots or sun spots, enlarged or visible pores, and fine lines. A chemical peel, whether it is lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or other variation, is recommended for more serious skin conditions such as deep or severe acne scarring and moderate wrinkles or extensive sun damage. This means that the recovery time from a chemical peel may be longer as well. Microdermabrasion treatments come in just one strength, whereas a chemical skin peel is available in various strengths ranging from mild to medium to deep. A deep chemical peel is usually only administered by a skin care professional who may use anesthetic due to pain or discomfort involved. Microdermabrasion treatments do not hurt at all, even with several treatments. As far as recovery time involved for a chemical peel, it will depend on what acid was used and at what strength. If you are looking for something mild, a glycolic acid peel is recommended. While they require more than one treatment due to their mildness, glycolic acid peels do produce great results over time. Other face peels, such as a Jessner peel, may produce redness which lasts a bit longer and you may experience a burning sensation as they are a bit stronger due to the ingredients used. Microdermabrasion on the other hand, requires no downtime at all and the recovery takes just a few hours. When it comes to results, microdermabrasion will require several treatments to be optimally effective, sometimes up to ten or twelve treatments scheduled two weeks apart. A maintenance session of microdermabrasion treatments is then recommended every couple of months. In contrast, a deep chemical peel needs only one treatment. A medium chemical peel will require a treatment once every 6 weeks and then a maintenance treatment once every 2-3 months for a minimum of one year. Microdermabrasion and a chemical skin peel can be used on the face, chest, neck, back, and hands. Both treatments take about the same amount of time whether performed at home or in a professional skin care facility. Microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments are both offered professionally in dermatologist’s offices and other skin care facilities but can also be performed with home versions.

At home peels, which are usually milder than deep professional chemical peel treatments typically cost between $15-$100 per treatment and home microdermabrasion kits cost anywhere from $40-$65 which include multiple treatments.

Unlike glycolic acid and lactic acid chemical peel treatments which are Alpha Hydroxy Acids, salicylic acid is a Beta-Hydroxy Acid. Salicylic acid is the only Beta-Hydroxy acid. The difference between AHA’s and Beta-Hydroxy acid is that AHA’s are water soluble while salicylic acid is oil soluble. What this means to those using at home peels is that salicylic acid peel products are great for people with oily and acne prone skin. Salicylic acid peels are very effective in superficial skin peeling and in reducing oil & cleansing the pores. Salicylic acid has been proven effective in fighting acne as well. For those with ultra sensitive skin, using a salicylic acid facial peel is a great alternative to glycolic acid peels. Salicylic acid peel products are specially formulated to penetrate into the pores to clearing them of oil and sebum while also reducing inflammation and irritation to leave a smooth, clear complexion. As an added benefit, salicylic acid peels are able to be used more often than the other chemical peel products. Most commonly, salicylic acid peels are used to treat mild or moderate acne prone skin. Continued treatments can dramatically reduce the appearance of mild acne scars and red spots. However, salicylic acid peel products are not for people who have severe acne or deep scarring caused by their acne. Salicylic acid facial peel products are not strong enough to treat severe acne and a dermatologist or skin care specialist should be consulted before starting chemical peel treatments. Besides being a great treatment for mild acne, salicylic acid facial peel products can also treat other skin blemishes including brown spots, dull skin, and uneven skin tone. Even though salicylic acid peels are good for people with sensitive skin, you should only perform these types of at home peels about once or twice a week. Salicylic peels are not recommended for every day use due to the harsh effect it could have on the skin if used too frequently. Start with a once per week application and if you feel that you are not getting good results, try using it twice per week.

Jessner’s Peel is a combination chemical skin peel treatment which has been proven effective in peeling away the superficial layers of the skin. It is a light chemical peel which is a combination of resorcinol, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. This combination provides more significant results than these ingredients used alone to achieve better exfoliation and deeper penetration. A Jessner peel can also be used for hyperpigmentation to lighten areas of the skin and even to treat brown spots due to aging or sun damage. Jessner’s peel works well on all skin types to smooth and rejuvenate the skin and improve mild to severe acne, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and moderate wrinkles. Jessner’s chemical peel can be used on the face, neck, upper chest, and hands, as well. A Jessner's Peel is a medium depth peel, stronger than other chemical face peels on the market, which can either be done by a dermatologist or skin care professional or as an at home chemical peel. Because of the unique combination of ingredients, a Jessner’s peel can improve more extensive skin damage from acne, aging, and sun damage compared to lactic acid or glycolic acid peels. When you are ready to perform your Jessner peel, you will first need to cleanse your face with a glycolic cleanser such as

Skin Rx’s Glyco-Lactic Gel Cleanser. This will ensure that no dirt or oil is left behind on your skin so the Jessner peel will be able to properly penetrate your skin.  Once you have applied the Jessner’s chemical peel, it is normal to feel a mild burning sensation on your skin. It may help to have a fan close by which you can use to blow cool air onto your face to alleviate the burning feeling. A Jessner’s peel stays on for a short period of time as recommended on the product instructions and then it is to be rinsed off thoroughly with cool water. Over the next few days, your skin will peel or flake off to reveal healthier and smoother skin.