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.

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.

Glycolic acid peels are often used by people who want to improve their skin's appearance and overall condition. Glycolic acid renews the skin by removing old skin cells from the surface and allowing new skin to regenerate. Glycolic peels can also be used to help clear up acne by removing debris from clogged pores and to reduce hyper-pigmentation of the skin. Glycolic acid peels are often performed at spas but can become quite expensive after repeated treatments. Fortunately, a glycolic acid home peel can be easily purchased online and are now readily available. Glycolic acid home peels are much more affordable for the average person. As a precaution, anyone who will be performing a glycolic acid peel at home should be sure to perform a skin patch test beforehand to ensure no allergies to the product exist. 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.

40% Glycolic Peels are great for people who have either used 30% Glycolic Peels several times and wish for more dramatic results or for those who have mature skin, over the age of 35. A chemical peel has many benefits, but you should know what to expect beforehand. Having realistic expectations will ensure you are happy with the results. When using Glycolic Acid for your skin, you can expect to see an improvement in the way your skin care products penetrate and work on your skin overall. As you exfoliate the top layer of your skin, you will notice that your topical products penetrate more deeply and evenly and produce a better result as they are able to get deeper into the derma.   You can also expect with a 40% Glycolic Peel to see a reduced appearance of mild scars. The scars will not completely disappear, but they will fade and be less noticeable. A 40% Glycolic Peel is an effective treatment for removing stubborn blackheads that have otherwise not gone away with other methods. If your face is holding a lot of blackheads which makes your pores very noticeable, the removal of these blackheads may help your pores to appear less pronounced. As for sun damage and wrinkles, a 40% peel is a good choice. The treatments will be able to correct much of the sun damage and reduce the depth and appearance of some wrinkles for a younger look. If you plan to continue exposing your face to the sun however, glycolic acid peels are not a good choice for you as you will be at an increased risk of sun damage. You must protect your new layer of skin with sun protection products. Keep in mind that using Glycolic Peels is a process. While one treatment will result in some improvement to your skin, you can’t expect a miracle overnight. Expect to repeat the process about six to eight times for optimal results. If you are ready for a 40% peel, Skin Rx recommends the following complete kit: Glycolic Peel Kit #3 – Includes Pre-Peel Prep, 40% Peel, an Applicator Brush and a Dispenser Dish.