Chemical peels: What you should know about them
Peels are a great way to give your skin a fresh, radiant complexion and remove dead skin cells. In this article you will find out what chemical peels are available, who they are suitable for, what the difference is to mechanical peels and what advantages chemical peels have.
What chemical peels are there?
Chemical peels can be divided into three main categories:
- AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids): These include glycolic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid. AHAs are water-soluble and are great for dry and normal skin. They penetrate deep into the skin and are particularly effective in treating fine lines, uneven skin texture and hyperpigmentation.
- BHA (beta-hydroxy acids): The best-known BHA is salicylic acid. This acid is fat-soluble and penetrates deep into pores, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps clear clogged pores and reduce inflammation.
- PHA (polyhydroxy acids): These acids, such as gluconolactone, are similar to AHA, but have larger molecules and are therefore milder. They are ideal for sensitive skin as they cause less irritation while moisturizing.
Who are chemical peels suitable for?
Chemical peels are suitable for many skin types and skin problems:
- Oily and acne-prone skin: BHA peels can help unclog pores and reduce acne.
- Dry and normal skin: AHA peels can remove dead skin cells and leave skin smoother and more radiant.
- Sensitive Skin: PHA peels provide gentle exfoliation without severe irritation.
- Mature Skin: AHAs are particularly effective at reducing fine lines and improving skin texture.
Difference compared to mechanical exfoliation
Mechanical peels use small abrasive particles that are physically rubbed over the skin to remove dead skin cells. This can sometimes cause micro-tears in the skin, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Chemical peels, on the other hand, loosen the connections between skin cells and allow the dead cells to gently fall away without physically putting any strain on the skin.
Advantages of chemical peels over mechanical peels:
- Gentler exfoliation: Chemical peels are often gentler and less aggressive than mechanical peels, reducing the risk of skin irritation and microtears.
- Even results: Chemical peels produce a more even exfoliation because they work on a molecular level to evenly renew the skin's surface.
- Deep action: BHA peels in particular penetrate deep into the pores and clean them more thoroughly than mechanical peels.
- Multiple benefits for the skin: In addition to exfoliation, chemical peels offer additional benefits such as the treatment of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and acne.
conclusion
Chemical peels are an effective and often gentler alternative to mechanical peels. With a wide range of products suitable for different skin types and skin concerns, they offer a versatile solution for smoother and more radiant skin. If you've never tried a chemical peel before, it's worth adding to your skincare routine. However, for best results, you should start slowly and let your skin get used to the new products.
