What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid is my "staple" product all year long in every facial

because of the incredible benefits! I often use it in conjunction with a

microdermabrasion treatment.

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In its earliest incarnation, glycolic acid was a totally natural ingredient derived from sugar cane. These days, however, manufacturers often make it synthetically. Regardless of the manufacturing method, glycolic acid falls into a category of effective active compounds known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). There are several types of acids derived from natural sources:

• Glycolic acid, from sugar cane and found in many fruits & pumpkins

• Lactic acid, from milk

• Citric acid, from oranges and lemons

• Malic acid, from apples and pears

• Tartaric acids, from grapes

• kojic acid, from mushrooms and fermented foods such as rice wine and soy sauce. 

Glycolic acid is the most commonly used alpha hydroxy acid, owing to its reputation as one of the safest and most effective. Its molecules are the smallest among the AHAs, so it's able to penetrate skin better and be absorbed readily.

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Glycolic Acid Skin Benefits

It works by actually destroying the bonds between old skin cells, freeing them so they can be sloughed off. This might sound scary and counterproductive, but it's actually quite beneficial.  Glycolic acid is an exfoliator, which means that it safely removes the outer layer of dead skin cells. In this way, it helps accelerate your skin's renewal process, bringing fresh, new skin to the surface on a regular basis when used routinely. This can help your skin look younger and dewier, with a glow that arises from increased circulation and faster cell turnover.

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It's much more than an anti-aging product, though; glycolic acid also helps lighten discolorations such as sun and age spots. It can even help skin that's prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne by keeping pores clear of old skin that tends to clog them and cause problems.

CHEMICAL PEELS

These treatments are typically "only" performed in the late fall/winter months, because staying out of the sun is imperative for maximum results, and sunscreen in a MUST!

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What Is a Salicylic Acid Peel?

Salicylic acid peel is a chemical peel mostly used to treat acne. The process involves applying a chemical to the skin that causes the skin to break down and shed.  Salicylic acid is known as a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA, and has been used on the skin for more than 2000 years. It comes from natural sources of salicylates like willow bark, sweet birch, and wintergreen leaves, but it can be made synthetically.  Salicylic acid is a precursor to aspirin and is an ingredient in lots of different cosmetics. It is a safe and well-tolerated peel that can be used for all skin types.

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Salicylic Acid Peel Benefits

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• Salicylic acid cleans out your pores and sloughs away dead skin cells that build up around your hair follicle and cause blemishes.‌

• Anti-Inflammatory. Salicylic acid can lower inflammation, redness, and swelling caused by acne. 

• Antifungal. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in Whitfield’s ointment, which is used for fungal infections, and also the main ingredient in Compound W, and over the counter wart removal medication that contains only 1% salicylic acid. I use a pharmaceutical grade that is 22%. A salicylic acid peel can also help treat fungal infections like fungal acne.‌ 

• Salicylic acid breaks down and sheds the connective tissues in your skin by disrupting the connections in your cells. The shedding of skin cells helps keep pores clear.‌

• Lowers oil production. Sebum is a natural oil that moisturizes your skin. Too much oil and dead skin cells together can clog your pores and cause a break out. Salicylic acid lowers the amount of oil in people with acne.

• Improves hyperpigmentation. While not used for dark spots as often as other acids, a salicylic acid peel can help improve sun spots or melasma. Breaking down the superficial layer of the skin can help rejuvenate the skin and improve appearance.‌

• Prevents tumors. Salicylic acid can help stop cell growth that leads to tumors in your skin. It can especially help with growths caused by sun damage. 

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What Is a TCA Peel?

• TCA is the abbreviation for trichloroacetic acid, a chemical commonly used in a wide range of chemical peels.  “Trichloroacetic acid is a derivative of acetic acid (vinegar) and is used to remove the top layer of cells for a smoother, clearer complexion. Among the conditions that can be treated with TCA are melasma, sun damage, actinic keratoses, fine lines, texture & acne scarring

• TCA  breaks up keratin, a protein found in the skin. This causes the keratin to stop functioning properly, lighten in color and peel away from the skin over the course of several days. As the layers of damaged skin are removed, healthier, smoother skin is revealed beneath.

• While a light peel only affects the topmost layer of skin, the epidermis, a medium peel can penetrate the papillary dermis below to treat deeper damage.

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What Is a Mandelic Acid Peel?

• Mandelic Acid is designed to relieve dullness, photo damage and hyperpigmentation.

• The Mandelic Acid Peel is a mild brightening peel & excellent for rejuvenating normal to mature skin, and those suffering from hyperpigmentation.

• Boosts cell turn over.

• improves skin texture and uneven skin tone.

• Lightens dark spots from acne scars or sun exposure.

• Powerful anti-bacterial properties to help fight acne.

• This peel can be used alone or layered beneath the TCA peel for an extra boost!