Radiance
AHA peeling: You should pay attention to this when using the acid peeling
AHA peelings help the skin to regenerate by removing dead skin cells.
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The desire for healthy and pure skin is great. Skin types are different, however, and the beauty industry often makes flowery promises. Read here what an AHA peeling can and cannot do, for whom it is suitable and what is the difference to BHA.
Acid is not the same as acid, but in essence it stays that way. This is why you have to pay attention to the correct application of an AHA peeling. The product is said to reduce blemishes, smooth the skin and make it glow. However, if you use too high a dose, you can irritate the skin and damage the natural protective barrier. How can you benefit from an AHA peel? Here are the most important tips.
What is an AHA peel?
The abbreviation AHA refers to the English terms “alpha hydroxy acid”. The last word tells what a AHA peeling is an acid peeling. There are now various AHA peelings from different brands. It is used on the face to remove dead skin. The acid can occur naturally or be synthetically produced. AHAs are known for use in the cosmetics industry. They’re often found in products designed to help reduce wrinkles. The AHAs most commonly used in cosmetics are similar to those found in foods, such as glycolic acid (in sugar cane), lactic acid (in sour milk), or citric acid (in citrus fruits). However, the source of the AHAs in cosmetics is predominantly synthetic, i.e. comes from the laboratory.
How does an AHA peel work?
The top 0.1 millimeter thin skin layer is completely renewed every four weeks and forms a horny layer for protection. Human skin is made up of two main components, the upper epidermis and the dermis below. A chemical peel as the AHA peeling penetrates deeper into the skin than conventional peelings, which with their small granules tend to have a scrubbing effect and only have a superficial effect. AHAs reduce the cohesion of the horny cells in the skin, so that the dead cells dissolve more quickly. They also stimulate the formation of glycosaminoglycans, thereby increasing the skin’s moisture content.
That’s why you do a peeling
In general, peelings help the skin to remove dead skin and thus promote cell and collagen production. This supports the skin renewal process. A positive effect of a peeling can be radiant, smooth skin that gains elasticity and moisture.
How do you use an AHA peel correctly?
If you’ve never tried a chemical peel before, caution should be exercised. The skin should slowly adhere to one AHA peeling get used to. Means: Do not use the product more than once a week at the beginning and watch how your skin reacts. If your skin can handle the peeling, you can do it regularly – as needed two to three times a week in the evening – Instruct. A slight tingling sensation or a feeling of warmth are normal after the application. If your skin reacts with redness and pain that does not go away after a short time, you should consult a dermatologist.
application
- Thoroughly cleanse your skin and then dry it off thoroughly afterwards.
- Apply the AHA peeling to dry and cleansed skin and leave it on.
- Then, apply a moisturizer to your skin.
Sun protection is essential
Using an exfoliator makes the skin more sensitive in the short term. An AHA chemical peel, in particular, increases the sensitivity of your skin to light. There are numerous anti-aging products or moisture boosters that you can use, but if you neglect sun protection, your skin will still age faster. You will get the best result if you apply an effective UV protection (at least sun protection factor 30) outside after the peeling. Otherwise, you run the risk of redness in the short term and wrinkles, pigment spots or skin cancer in the long term.
Tip: A light sun gel is ideal for everyday use because it works like a moisturizer without weighing down or greasy skin.
Difference between BHA and AHA
Product names that sound similar can create confusion when making a purchase decision. In addition to the AHA peeling, so-called BHAs are also popular. It is also an English abbreviation “beta hydroxy acid” and means beta hydroxy acid. Like AHA, the acid loosens dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Unlike AHA, which is represented by fruit acid or lactic acid, BHA can be salicylic acid, for example. It has the advantage of being lipophilic. This means that it cleans the pores more thoroughly and is therefore particularly popular on blemished skin.
Sources: German Pharmacist Newspaper, pharmacy magazine
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