For smooth skin, even skin texture and a radiant glow, nothing beats the daily use of superficial peels, a method of gently exfoliating the skin in order to regenerate the destroyed cell layer. Here's what you need to know about these light peels.
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What Is a Light or Superficial Peel?
Summary
- Let’s Define “Superficial” Peel
- How Does a Light Peel Work?
- What Products Are Used for Superficial Peels?
- Source
Published March 4, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
6 min read
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Let’s Define “Superficial” Peel.
In cosmetics, light or also called a superficial peels, are by definition the application of a cocktail containing chemical substances to the skin in order to improve the quality and appearance of it. These treatments allow the skin to be spotless, and all impurities will be removed. The term “light” or “superficial” defines the fact that the treatment used acts only on the epidermis, without penetrating beyond the basement membrane. Present in small quantities (from 5 to 10%) and with a more or less acidic pH, this type of care can therefore be performed at home in a cream, mask, lotion, or serum version to be used daily. It thus recreates the effects of a chemical exfoliation but more gently. However, if the concentration exceeds 30%, it must be performed by a doctor. The soft peel is indicated in case of blackheads and other small imperfections, dilated pores, oily skin, irregular skin texture or blurred complexion.
How Does a Light Peel Work?
In the majority of cases, the formulas used are based on fruit acids, AHAs, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. AHAs have properties that can break the bond between the cells of the corneal layer of the skin. Therefore, this peel, acting only on the epidermis, causes a superficial, light, limited and controlled desquamation of the corneal layer. This technique makes it possible to get rid of the dead cells on the surface of the skin (corneocytes) that dull the complexion and to stimulate cell renewal. By creating a micro-exfoliation of the skin, it allows attenuating the imperfections of the skin. It wakes up its brightness, decongests the pores in depth, uniforms the complexion, regulates the production of sebum, smoothes the cutaneous surface and reduces the irregularities of the skin.
What Products Are Used for Superficial Peels?
At Typology, we offer a range of products for gentle exfoliation of the skin. Because of their peeling properties, these products should be used on clean, dry skin, only in the evening to limit any risk of photosensitization:
The exfoliating toner with 8% glycolic acid which is to be used after each cleansing to, among other things, rebalance the skin's pH and eliminate lime residue. Simply impregnate a cotton pad with the solution and apply it to the entire face.
The peeling mask contains PHA (poly alpha hydroxy acids), such as gluconolactone, which is gentler than AHA and therefore particularly suitable for dry and reactive skin, as it is non-irritating. In fact, this group of acids functions similarly to AHAs, but differs in their larger molecular size, limiting their ability to penetrate the skin and thus induce sensitizing side effects.
The exfoliating serum based on 10% glycolic acid has a low molecular weight and is therefore able to penetrate the skin deeply. As with any exfoliating active ingredient, the first use may cause slight redness and even a slight tingling sensation.
The gentle peeling serum with 10% lactic acid is a suitable alternative for skin that has not tolerated glycolic acid products. In fact, unlike glycolic acid, this acid is larger, so it will penetrate the epidermis less deeply.
Source :
FERNANDEZ L. F. & al. Chemical peeling : a useful tool in the office. Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas (2017).
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