Frequently Asked Questions About AHA / BHA Chemical Peels

September 23rd, 2018

Chemical peels have become very popular in the last 20 years for skin rejuvenation. Perhaps you have considered having a chemical peel but you’re not sure if it’s right for your skin, or if it’s safe. Here are some top questions people ask us about chemical peels.

 

Is a peel good for your skin?

 

A chemical peel is not necessarily a nurturing treatment for the skin, it’s more of a corrective treatment. A chemical peel is appropriate for your skin only if your skin needs correction. It is not a treatment you should be doing on your skin over and over again. Typically you will have only a one-off peel or a course of peels, after that, you follow it with regular facials to maintain results. Peels can be damaging on some skin types and skin conditions so a thorough skin consultation must be done before you do a peel to ensure it is appropriate for you.

 

What does AHA do for your skin?

 

AHA stands for Alpha hydroxy acid, It’s a water-soluble acid that helps to dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells. AHAs are exfoliants that resurface the skin at a deeper level. Some examples of  AHA peels include glycolic acid and lactic acid. Glycolic acid is a stronger AHA and is better for sun damaged skin, open pores, and scarring. Lactic acid is gentler and more hydrating for the skin so it’s better for dry skin types, aging, wrinkles, and brightening.

 

Are chemical peels safe?

 

Chemical peels are safe if they are done by a trained and experienced professional and on the right skin types and conditions. Chemical peels are safe as long as they are not overused and the skin is not over treated. If your skin is left burning, red, irritated, peeling and flaking afterwards excessively, the peel has been done incorrectly. The skin needs to be prepared before a peel to ensure it can tolerate the intensive treatment. Aftercare is also critical to bring the skin back to balance help it to repair and rejuvenate quickly.

 

Is chemical peel painful?

 

Some peels can feel stronger than others but it should not be painful to the extreme. Most of the time people will feel a slight tingling or heat or slight burning sensation when the peel is applied or being removed. The peel typically stays on the skin between 3 to 7 minutes. Afterwards, the peel is neutralized and the skin is brought back to balance, so following a peel your skin should feel normal and comfortable again, it should not be burning, it should not be red or irritated.

Do chemical peels work for wrinkles?

 

A course of lactic peels is excellent for treating surfers lines and wrinkles. Even a glycolic peel can be used for in resurfacing the skin, smoothing it out, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. You will need a course of peels to see visible results.

 

What chemical peel is best for hyperpigmentation?

 

For light sun damage and pigmentation glycolic and lactic peels are excellent. For deeper pigmentation, large stains and brown spots, salicylic acid is excellent. A course of salicylic acid peels will help to reduce the appearance of chloasma and melasma.

Can Chemical peels get rid of acne?

 

Absolutely,  peels have already been invented to treat acne and acne scars. Glycolic acid is great and helping to unclog pores that lead to clogging congestion and breakouts. Salicylic acid is brilliant and deep cleansing the pores reducing clogging. Salicylic acid is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and very effective in reducing pimples and acne.

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