Keratosis pilaris is quite a common condition which affects a person’s skin. It is a complicated name for something which is completely harmless but is considered to be aesthetically annoying to those who suffer from it. Those who do have keratosis pilaris are often afflicted with poor self perception and feel very self conscience about it. The condition known as keratosis pilaris is most often a result of genetics, but is also associated with a variety of other skin conditions. It can occur on all skin types and becomes worse when the skin is dry. During the winter season, because of the dry weather, keratosis pilaris can become worse. It happens most often in females and sometimes clears itself up in adulthood. Keratosis pilaris looks like tiny bumps on the surface of the skin – similar to what goosebumps look like except they do not go away. The area feels rough and when it lacks moisture, the skin may also feel itchy. Keratosis pilaris is connected to the process of keratin production. Keratin is an insoluble protein found in hair and nails as well as the most outer layer of the skin. It acts as a barrier against infections. Excess production of keratin will clog the pores and hair follicles which creates the appearance of the tiny bumps on the skin. Chemical peels which contain AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) have been used with success to treat keratosis pilaris. Because it is hereditary and there is no known cure, the condition will not completely subside but it can be significantly improved through the use of glycolic acid chemical peel products and other AHA peel products such as lactic acid. Glycolic acid peels work to remove the dead outer layer of skin cells which can unclog the pores to reveal smoother skin. The glycolic peels can be done every couple of weeks to achieve the best results and in between treatments a glycolic acid moisturizer will help to maintain the smoother skin. If you suffer from keratosis pilaris and you are ready to try a chemical peel to treat the condition, Skin Rx recommends starting out with a 30% glycolic acid peel or 30% lactic acid peel. For maintenance in between chemical peel treatments, try Glycolic Smoothing Gel. With a consistent skin care routine including the glycolic acid or lactic peels, the skin will begin to look and feel smoother.

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.

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.

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.

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.

True glycolic acid comes from the natural acids of fruit, also called alpha hydroxy acids. As a skin treatment, glycolic acid products are used to renew a person’s skin through peeling old, dead sun-damaged skin cells on the surface. Overall, glycolic acid is the most commonly used form of alpha-hydroxy-acid used for glycolic acid facial peels. 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.