More and more girls are abandoning scrubs in favor of peeling with acids. Their opinion is influenced by cosmetologists’ warnings about the dangers of mechanical effects on the skin, as well as active advertising of the newfangled procedure.
Let's find out whether acids are useful, what they are and what their advantages are.
Application of peeling with acids
What are the contraindications?
The procedure is a type of aggressive effect on the epidermis, so it is not allowed for everyone. Contraindications include:
- stage of exacerbation of infectious, viral, bacterial, fungal processes on the skin;
- unhealed wounds, cuts, abrasions, scratches;
- tendency to form keloid scars;
- tanning 2 weeks or less old;
- chronic diseases in the relapse stage;
- oncological pathologies;
- intolerance to the components of peeling preparations;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- recent laser procedures;
- large moles;
- unstable mental state.
The procedure is not performed if the patient is not feeling well: with fever, pain, high blood pressure, colds, or other ailments.
Basic properties of salicylic acid45
Salicylic acid belongs to the group of isomeric hydroxybenzoic acids. It has high penetrating ability.
Salicylic acid normalizes sebum production, has a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect. It is characterized by slight hydrolysis of lipids, which ensures good cleansing of the skin from dead cells.
In sufficient concentration, the chemical compound is capable of coagulating pathogenic proteins. That is why if you have black spots on your chin*, cosmetologists recommend resorting to a salicylic peeling procedure.
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How does acid affect the skin?
To obtain the effect of acid peeling, different components are used, depending on the patient’s age, the condition of his skin, the depth and volume of defects. Each acid has its own mechanisms of action:
- Almond – gently penetrates into tissues, capable of breaking down fats. Reduces the appearance of defects, fights free radicals, and has antibacterial properties. Used to treat post-acne and acne scars. Mostly suitable for superficial peeling.
- Milk – optimal moisturizing and whitening. Restores skin turgor and elasticity, removes inflammation, reduces the depth of wrinkles.
- Retinoic – promotes collagen synthesis in the body, removes pigmentation. Smoothes out fine wrinkles and improves skin texture.
- Malic acid is a universal acid used to moisturize and saturate cells with oxygen and nutrients. Stimulates microcirculation.
- Glycolic – care for oily skin. Helps with scars, scars, post-acne, eliminates signs of age-related aging. Evens out the texture and tightens pores.
- Ferulic – helps eliminate the effects of ultraviolet exposure. Gently penetrates the dermis, inhibits the inflammatory process, and prevents redness.
- Salicylic acid – dissolves dead epidermal cells, provides deep cleaning of pores. Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, activates the production of collagen and elastin.
The type of composition for acid peeling, concentration, and exposure time are determined individually by the cosmetologist, depending on the condition of the skin and the age of the patient.
There are three main types of peeling:
- superficial – shallow effect on the epidermis (fruit, glycolic, almond, retinoic, milk);
- median – affects the dermis (salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, azelaic acid);
- deep - affects all layers of the skin, down to connective tissue and fiber (phenolic).
Penetrating into the epidermis, the acid burns damaged, old and keratinized tissue, while simultaneously stimulating high activity of regeneration, cell division and the appearance of new structures. Also, chemical exfoliation of the stratum corneum promotes the accelerated production of your own collagen and elastin.
Important! A deep type of cleansing effect is carried out exclusively in special clinic conditions by a cosmetologist. The use of anesthesia and monitoring of the patient's health condition is required.
Efficiency of the technique
As a result of peeling with acids, the face will look rested and refreshed. An even tone will be restored, scars will be less noticeable. With regular use, you can reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands, get rid of comedones, and prevent new rashes. It will also have a positive effect on the condition of the dry dermis, the hydrobalance will be restored, and the pH of the skin will be normalized.
Attention! Home peeling will not solve the problems of scars, post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation. Superficial exposure affects the appearance of the skin and does not affect the deep dermal layers and fiber.
Advantages of this procedure
Acid peeling has many advantages:
- effective at any age, provided the correct composition is selected;
- stimulates cell renewal, promotes rejuvenation;
- activates tissue regeneration;
- helps reduce the depth of scars and cicatrices;
- effective in the treatment of acne, acne, comedones;
- restores the structure and oval of the face;
- removes hyperpigmentation, freckles, age spots;
- normalizes a healthy complexion;
- promotes collagen production, thereby increasing skin elasticity and firmness;
- inhibits fading processes;
- reduces the depth of wrinkles, fights sagging;
- reduces pores, normalizes sebum production;
- controls water balance;
- provides full access of oxygen and nutrients to cells;
- stimulates blood circulation and microcirculation;
- restores velvety and smoothness of the skin.
Chemical exfoliation is one of the effective ways to rejuvenate and heal the skin. The technique provides the fastest possible results; it is an excellent alternative to surgical interventions and plastic surgery.
Pros and cons of acid scrubs
Pros:
- acid scrubs make the skin more well-groomed;
- removes dead skin cells well;
- effective in the fight against post-acne and blackheads.
Minuses:
- using acid scrubs may be uncomfortable for the skin;
- acids cause redness;
- products can provoke peeling and irritation.
Disadvantages of this procedure
Since exposure to acids on the skin is an aggressive process, this technique has disadvantages:
- a large list of contraindications;
- painful sensations due to chemical burns of the skin;
- long rehabilitation period - for superficial and medium penetration of acids is 10 - 14 days, for deep penetration - up to 2 months;
- possible appearance of hyper- or hypopigmentation - dark or light areas on the skin;
- Usually one procedure is not enough - treatment and rejuvenation must be carried out over a course;
- acids can cause allergies, even if there were no complaints of a reaction before the procedure.
After the session, you should not sunbathe for a long time under the sun or in a solarium, since ultraviolet radiation can cause complications. Therefore, acid exfoliation is not recommended in the summer; it is better in the cold season.
Indications for use
Acid cleansing will be useful for a wide range of skin problems:
- comedones;
- increased secretion of sebum;
- acne;
- acne scars;
- scars;
- burn marks;
- uneven complexion;
- hyperpigmentation;
- small and medium wrinkles;
- thickening of the stratum corneum;
- blurred oval face;
- sagging skin;
- peeling.
In addition to the face, acids are also applied to the neck and décolleté to solve similar problems. Peeling is also allowed on other parts of the body, for example, to eliminate post-acne or light stretch marks.
How is this peeling done?
The first consultation with a cosmetologist includes taking an anamnesis, examination, and identifying contraindications. After this, the specialist selects the acid composition, determines its dosage and exposure time. The doctor also gives recommendations on preparing for the session:
- 20-30 days before the procedure, you need to apply a low-acid composition to the skin, which will be recommended by a specialist - this will help the skin get used to the product, become more receptive, but not experience serious stress. A week before the session, use of the product is stopped.
- Scrubbing should not be used 7 days before the procedure. Such procedures can damage the skin and leave tiny abrasions on it, which can cause complications.
- You must stop tanning within 14 days. Go outside only after applying a cream with a high SPF content.
- People prone to herpes symptoms are recommended to take antiviral drugs.
Then it’s time for the procedure itself:
- Applying products (according to skin type) that remove dirt, dust and degreasing agents.
- The use of local anesthetics - anesthetics in the form of a spray or solution.
- Treatment with a special composition that prepares the surface of the skin for acid to soften the upper layer of the epidermis.
- Applying the preparation with fruit acid - in one or several layers for a certain time.
- Neutralization of acid composition with special means.
- Treatment of the skin with moisturizing, toning, soothing preparations.
The effect will be noticeable after the skin has recovered from exposure to acids. The number of sessions is from 3 to 10 with a weekly interval. The results obtained last for six months with proper care. Subsequently, maintenance procedures may be needed, no more than 2 courses per year.
Who is allowed and prohibited from peeling with salicylic acid? 45
Many visitors to beauty salons think about the question of how to get rid of skin imperfections? In the absence of contraindications, cosmetologists recommend undergoing an acid peeling procedure. It is indicated for acne (in the absence of inflammatory elements), seborrheic dermatitis, photoaging, pigmentation. But during periods when the sun is more active, it is better to avoid the procedure. The optimal time for the procedure is the autumn-winter period.
Acid peeling is contraindicated if you have:
- inflammatory rashes;
- injuries, cuts, burns and other damage in the affected area;
- herpes in acute form;
- increased skin sensitivity;
- taking glycemic drugs;
- individual intolerance to the components of the product.
Opinion of cosmetologists
Experts discuss the application features and the effect of fruit acids.
A cosmetologist writes about the ineffectiveness of fruit peels for smoothing wrinkles. The problem will be solved by phenol medium or deep, which is performed only by experienced surgeons.
A user describes the benefits of superficial peeling.
The review indicates restrictions on visiting the sauna during the preparation stage and after the procedure.
Patient reviews
Users often use fruit acids in home care. If the rules and safety measures are followed, they are satisfied with the result. Often it is possible to achieve an effect comparable to professional cleansing.
The review describes the good results of using lactic acid for blackheads throughout the winter.
A participant writes about the ineffectiveness of store-bought peelings and the desire to test the effects of lactic acid at home. conditions.
Feedback on the use of a professional series exfoliant; the participant was not aware of the need to use a neutralizer during the procedure.
A user writes about a negative experience of salon peeling with trichloroacetic acid.
Healing period
After the procedure, the skin needs careful care. Redness, swelling, and peeling may be observed, but not more than 3 days. To speed up the regeneration process and prevent side effects, it is necessary to follow a number of rules:
- use soft hypoallergenic foams and gels for washing, apply moisturizer 2 times a day;
- to relieve swelling and discomfort, you need to make a cool herbal compress;
- Do not drink alcohol for several days, refuse to play sports, visit the bathhouse, or solarium;
- Before leaving the house, use protective sprays and emulsions from ultraviolet radiation.
Attention! It is recommended to repeat home procedures no more than 3 times a month.
