Chemical Peels - Spotlight on Salicylic Acid
There are various different types of chemical peels which aim to
remove pigmentation and resurface the skin, resulting in a dramatically
softer, smoother, rejuvenated skin, enhancing your appearance and your
self confidence. Chemical peeling is a technique used to improve the
appearance of the skin and it can be used on all areas of the body.
They induce exfoliation of the skin through the application of various
chemical agents.
Chemical Peels are suitable for aging skin, acne scars, melasma,
fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots, freckles an uneven skin.
What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid.
A form of it was originally discovered by American Indians
in the bark and leaves of certain trees.
That particular form of salicylic acid was acetyl salicylic
acid. It was known and passed down for generations that when
that bark was chewed, headaches or other inflammatory processes
actually became improved. We know acetyl salicylic acid
today as the drug aspirin.
The Salicylic Acid used for skin treatments is actually a
higher concentration than would be found in nature. Its
usefulness in acne control and anti-aging is that it promotes
exfoliation of the skin surface cells, and in particular the
cells lining the sebaceous ducts. Topical application of
Salicylic Acid on a daily basis in low (1-3%) concentration
promotes regular, even exfoliation that minimizes the
plugging of follicles.
In more concentrated forms (4-20%), Salicylic Acid acts
as a peeling agent.
Salicylic Acid
commonly comes in strengths of 1% or 2% in over-the-counter products.
We feature the Doctor strength products of 2% up to 14% in our safe and
highly
effective formulations!
Salicylic Acid (BHA-Beta Hydroxy Acid) has been used to treat stretch marks, acne pimples, oily skin, scars, sun damage and aging skin!
It is widely known that Salicylic Acid is excellent for acne and oily skin, sun-damaged skin, and aging skin.
Many Doctor's believe the Salicylic Acid is better than Glycolic Acid and other AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
for anti-aging and for skin exfoliation.
Salicylic Acid better than Glycolic Acid?
A leading dermatologist, Dr. Albert Kligman, believes
that BHAs, in particular Salicylic Acid, at concentrations of
about 2% or higher, are better than AHAs for anti-aging and
for skin exfoliation.
Professor Kligman is well
known in dermatology for his research on the anti-aging
actions of retinoic acid (Retin-A). Results from Dr.
Kligman's laboratory found that the outermost layer of skin (the stratum
corneum layer) is renewed and rejuvenated after applications of salicylic
acid.
Salicylic Acid is more effective than Glycolic Acid, but it is less harsh on the skin. A small amount of the salicylic acid is converted
into copper salicylate, a powerful and safe
anti-inflammatory. So, when you use Salicylic Acid, it has it's own built-in anti-inflammatory effect to keep your skin from
being damaged. Salicylic Acid blends powerful skin exfoliation
with skin soothing actions. Salicylate also has
ultraviolet absorbing properties. This means that it helps to protect the skin from the
damaging effects of the sun. Glycolic Acid does not have
these properties.
It is also believed that Salicylic Acid contains many more benefits. Prof. John Sorenson has researched and written
extensively on the beneficial actions of copper salicylate
on skin, general health, and the anti-cancer properties
of copper salicylates.
One strongest, and most effective peel is our Salicylic Acid Peel. This peel is actually a type of peel known as a "Modified Jessner's" Peel - a superficial to medium peel.
Our Salicylic Acid Peel beautifully blends salicylic acid,
lactic acid and resorcinol. It is recommended for light to
medium skin types.
The goal of this peel is to cause a
vigorous exfoliation and to improve overall
appearance of the skin, replacing dull, lifeless
skin cells with new, healthy ones.
You may expect:
- fine lines to be diminished
- a reduction in pore
size
- a more even skin tone, smoother texture
- a
vibrant and healthy glow
- clearing of acne and diminished look of acne scars
This peel is used
successfully for acne scars and hyper pigmentation
-- it is our peel of choice for both.
A series is recommended and should be spaced three to four weeks apart.
Most experience mild peeling, but there is no way to predict the amount
of peeling to expect. There is no limit to the number of peels a person
can receive as long as improvement continues.
Our Salicylic Acid Peels come in 2 strengths, the 7% and the 14%. Start with the 7% if unsure - these peels are Very Strong!
If new to Salicylic Acid Peels, try the 3% Salicylic Acid Serum for a milder version - The 3% Serum can be used as a daily treatment.
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