EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRUIT ACID PEELS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRUIT ACID PEELS
Chemical peels have become an integral part of modern skincare routines. Here you can find out everything you need to know about how fruit acid peels work, their benefits and how to use them correctly.
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WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
A chemical peel is originally a purely cosmetic treatment in which a solution of various acids is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells. This can result in smooth, radiant skin and can help in the treatment of acne, hyperpigmentation (pigmentation) and fine lines.
What is a fruit acid peel?
Fruit acids include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural acids originally come from fruit, milk or sugar cane. In skin care, acids such as AHAs are used to exfoliate the skin. Well-known AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. A fruit acid peel for the face exfoliates the top layer of skin, can promote cell renewal and improve skin texture. In addition to AHAs, there are other hydroxy acids that are used in chemical facial peels:
- Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs): A well-known example is salicylic acid. This fruit acid penetrates deep into the pores, dissolves excess sebum and is particularly suitable for skin prone to blemishes and acne.
- Poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs): Gluconolactone, for example, is a gentle acid known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. PHAs are ideal for sensitive skin as they are less irritating.
These different acids each offer different benefits for the skin and can be specifically combined to treat different skin conditions.
Exfoliating Mask
13 % AHAs exfoliate and reduce hyperpigmentation.
10 % PHA intensively moisturizes, refines the skin texture and gently exfoliates.
2 % BHA refines the pores, reduces impurities and regulates sebum production.
10 % pre- and postbiotics support the skin microbiome and have a calming effect.
Developed by dermatologist Dr. Emi Arpa
Your active answer for awesome skin!
ADVANTAGES OF THE ACTIVE ACIDS EXFOLIATION MASK
Triple Exfoliation Effect
The combination of AHA, PHA and BHA exfoliates the skin on three levels. PHA gently exfoliates on the surface, AHA promotes cell renewal in the deeper layers of the skin and BHA combats impurities. The result is smooth and radiant skin.
Intense Renewal Boost
With a total of 25 % hydroxy acids, our chemical peeling ensures intensive skin renewal. 13 % AHA, 10 % PHA and 2 % BHA deliver fast and visible results for a fresh complexion. This high-dose formulation is effective without being aggressive. The formulation can also reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Anti-Blemish Action
Salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates the pores and combats impurities. It can be used to support the treatment of acne and helps to refine the skin's appearance. AHAs also support the reduction of pimple marks and can make the skin tone appear more even.
Barrier +
10 % pre- and postbiotics strengthen the skin barrier, soothe and hydrate the skin and support the skin microbiome. Arginine can also contribute to hydration and soothe irritation. This care is particularly important after using a fruit acid peel on the face to soothe and protect the skin.
CPA Barrier Cream
The Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Cream takes the effect of the Active Acids Exfoliating Mask to the next level. The skin-barrier-strengthening cream with pre- and postbiotics moisturizes and soothes the skin after exfoliation - the ideal finish to your evening routine.
HOW DO THE DIFFERENT HYDROXY ACIDS WORK?
Active Acids Exfoliating Mask contains a powerful combination of 13 % AHA (lactic acid and glycolic acid), 10 % PHA (gluconolactone) and 2 % BHA (salicylic acid). These hydroxy acids act on different levels of the skin:
- AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids): These act on the top layer of the skin, dissolving dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal in deeper layers. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are known to improve skin texture and even out skin tone.
- PHAs (poly-hydroxy acids): Gluconolactone is a gentle acid that hydrates the skin and exfoliates superficially at the same time. PHAs are ideal for sensitive skin as they are less irritating.
- BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids): Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, dissolves excess sebum and prevents impurities. It is particularly effective for blemished skin.
What is the difference to a mechanical peeling?
Mechanical or physical exfoliants use abrasive particles to physically exfoliate the skin, while chemical exfoliants use acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. Chemical peels are often gentler and more even in application. Mechanical exfoliants can irritate the skin and cause micro-tears if used improperly, whereas chemical exfoliants work in a more even and controlled manner, resulting in less skin irritation.
For the ultimate skin renewal: highly dosed, but not aggressive
High-dose fruit acid peels from cosmetic brands, which contain up to 30% AHAs alone, are particularly effective but can severely irritate the skin. This is why we rely on a balanced 25% hydroxy acid combination of 13% AHAs, 10% PHA and 2% BHA in the Active Acids Exfoliating Solution. These concentrations provide effective exfoliation without unnecessarily stressing the skin.
The formulation of the Active Acids Exfoliating Mask contains around 10% AHAs, consisting of glycolic acid and lactic acid. These acids help to exfoliate the top layer of skin and improve skin texture. While other chemical peels contain up to 30 % AHAs, with DR. EMI ARPA SKIN we prefer a moderate yet effective concentration to avoid severe irritation.
It also contains 10 % gluconolactone (PHA), which ensures gentle exfoliation and intensive moisturization. PHAs are less irritating than other hydroxy acids and yet still effective.
Active Acids Exfoliating Mask also contains 2% BHA in the form of salicylic acid. This concentration is the legally prescribed maximum concentration for cosmetic facial care products and is particularly effective in treating blemishes.
This is how chemical peeling should be used at home:
- Preparation: First cleanse the skin thoroughly to remove dirt and oil, for example with the The Ten Out Of Ten Gel Cleanser. Then dry the face well.
- Exfoliation: The Active Acids Exfoliating Mask thinly onto clean and dry skin. For precise and clean application, use the Precision Pro Treatment Brush should be used for precise and clean application. Avoid the lip and eye area. For the first application, the application time is 1-3 minutes. For advanced users, the application time can be gradually increased to a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Cleansing: After the application time, rinse off the peeling thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Moisturizer: Finish with a moisturizer such as the Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Cream to strengthen the skin barrier.
- Sun protection: The next morning and on the following days, always use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 50) and avoid direct sunlight, as hydroxy acids can make the skin more sensitive to light.
NOTE: Protection from the sun after a fruit acid peel
While using Active Acids Exfoliating Mask, some people may experience a slight tingling sensation - a sign that the acids are working. After washing off, the skin may appear slightly reddened. Don't worry, this redness usually subsides quickly and is completely gone by the next morning, leaving your skin looking fresh, radiant and regenerated.
After using a fruit acid peel, it is particularly important to protect the skin from the sun. Fruit acid peels, like AHA peels, contain acids that exfoliate the top layer of the skin and can therefore make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. This is particularly true for the face, as these areas are most frequently exposed to the sun.
After a chemical peel, a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 50) should definitely be used. This protects the freshly exfoliated skin from UV rays and prevents damage such as sunburn and hyperpigmentation. It is advisable to avoid the sun as much as possible in the following days.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Chemical peels, such as fruit acid peels, offer numerous benefits for the skin. They exfoliate the top layer of skin, promote cell renewal and improve skin texture. Active Acids Exfoliating Mask combines the positive properties of AHAs, PHAs and BHAs to renew and revitalize the skin. With the right application and subsequent care, an even complexion with an immediate glow can be achieved.
FAQ
A fruit acid peel is a chemical peel that uses alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid and lactic acid to gently exfoliate the top layer of skin. These acids promote cell renewal and improve the skin's appearance. Originally, these acids were extracted from natural sources such as fruit, milk or sugar cane, but nowadays they are mostly of synthetic or biotechnological origin to ensure consistent quality and effectiveness.
The frequency of use depends on your skin type and the concentration of the peeling. It is recommended to use a fruit acid peel at home once or twice a week. For sensitive skin, it may be advisable to limit use to once a week.
The disadvantages include possible skin irritation, redness and increased sensitivity to UV rays. It is therefore important not to leave the peeling on for longer than 3 minutes when first applying it and to always use sun protection on the following days to protect the skin from damage.
A fruit acid peel exfoliates the skin, promotes cell renewal and can help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and some acne. It ensures smoother, brighter and more even skin.
During fruit acid peeling, the acids dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, which are then removed. This promotes cell proliferation (cell turnover), i.e. the skin's renewal process. This supports the migration of new cells to the skin's surface, which can lead to smooth and radiant skin.
Possible side effects may include redness, dryness and a slight burning or tingling sensation during and after application. These effects are usually temporary. More severe irritation may occur if the product is used incorrectly or too frequently. In such cases, the application should be interrupted immediately.
Many users report smoother, brighter skin and an improvement in the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation and fine lines. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and pay attention to skin reactions.
Long-term use of fruit acid peels can lead to a significant improvement in skin texture, reduction of fine lines and an even skin tone. It can also promote the production of collagen, which makes the skin appear firmer.
Fruit acid peels can generally be suitable for all skin types, but people with very sensitive skin or skin conditions such as rosacea should be careful and may need to consult a dermatologist before using a highly concentrated fruit acid peel.
Yes, but it is important to choose products that do not further irritate the skin. Soothing and moisturizing products should be used after a fruit acid peel. Strong active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g. retinal) or other hydroxy acids should be avoided in order to prevent possible irritation.
Related blog posts
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