SKINCARE MISTAKES THAT ARE DAMAGING YOUR FACE

Most of us have a skincare routine that we stick to out of habit — it’s all about a repetition of steps you have to do day in and day out. But what if you are you repeating the wrong steps? Here are 20 of the top skincare habits we’re all guilty of.

OVER EXFOLIATING

It’s tempting but highly damaging in the long term to buff away too much of your top skin layer. “You’re actually removing the protective barrier that your skin has,” says Dr. Ben Johnson, founder of Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare. “Once removed, your skin is exposed to environmental toxins and sun damage, causing aging.” Exfoliate two to three times a week, max.

EXFOLIATING AWAY OILY SKIN

Not possible, says Florida-based esthetician Crystal McElroy. “People think that if they exfoliate with different scrubs they’ll eliminate issues like oily skin, but when your skin is over-scrubbed, the oil production actually speeds up because skin’s natural repair mechanism is put into overdrive.” Again, two to three times per week is sufficient for exfoliation. 

FALLING INTO BED WITH YOUR MAKEUP ON


You can be forgiven for that one drunken night, but it can’t be a habit. “Not removing your makeup for the night clogs your pore and oil glands,” says Dennis Gross MD. “When makeup becomes impacted in pores, it makes them appear larger. Once your collagen levels decline, the pore won’t snap back as easily once it has been enlarged.” Plus, he says, it leads to inflammation. 

PICKING AT YOUR FACE

Most of us know we shouldn’t do this, but lots of us do it anyway. “Anytime you pick or pull at your skin, you are causing damage and creating irritation, scars and wrinkles,” says Johnson. Just. Stop.

NOT CLEANSING PROPERLY

You may be diligent in makeup removal, but are you using the right cleanser to put your skin in optimal condition for overnight renewal? “Look for a cleanser that contains the right ingredients,” says Gross. “Things like antioxidants for protection, salicylic acid to help clear your pores, and witch hazel, which acts as a natural astringent.”

USING DIRTY MAKEUP BRUSHES

Yes, it’s doing more damage to your skin than you think. “Invest in a brush cleaner, especially for your foundation brush,” says McElroy. We love Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner. “Keeping your brushes clean every day will ensure no dirt and old makeup buildup is going to effect your skin.”  

NOT APPLYING PRODUCTS IN THE CORRECT ORDER

“One of the keys to maximizing the benefits of the products in your regimen is to apply products with a thinner consistency before the thicker, creamier ones — no matter what their active ingredients are,” says Gross. “Products with heavier consistencies can block lighter weight ones from penetrating the skin and doing their job.

OVER-USING ALL OF YOUR PRODUCTS (NOT JUST EXFOLIANTS)

Just like over-scrubbing, over-using your cleanser or retinol products also compromises your skin’s natural protective oil. “It isn’t necessary to cleanse in the morning and the evening,” says esthetician Andrea DeSimone. “The evening cleanse is crucial to removing dirt, oil and makeup, but during sleep, the oils that your skin produces are hydrating and balancing, so they shouldn’t be washed away in the morning.” She suggests buffing skin with a wet cotton washcloth in the morning instead of another round of cleanser.

POPPING PIMPLES

We know you’ll do it sometimes, but it’s still a bad idea for your skin overall. “When a dermatologist drains a pimple they apply downward pressure,” says Dr. Gross, “but when people try to do it themselves, they squeeze from the side which ends up backfiring because it causes infection to go down deeper into the pore.” He advises washing your face with a clean washcloth. If the pimple is ready to pop, this is all the pressure needed to drain it. 

SLEEPING WITH YOUR HAIR OUT AT NIGHT

“Many people have perimeter and forehead breakouts due to the oil and hair care products that they use — especially those with long hair or bangs,” DeSimone notes. “Pull all of your hair off your face and clip your bangs back before bed.”

NOT WASHING YOUR SHEETS & PILLOWCASES FREQUENTLY ENOUGH

“Pillowcases accumulate a buildup of reside from things like conditioner and scalp oil that can clog your pores on your face over time,” says Gross. “You should change your pillow case at least once a week or more if you are more acne-prone. Wash in hot water to kill off dust mites that can cause allergies.” 

SLEEPING ON A COTTON PILLOWCASE

Better yet, switch to silk. “Satin or silk minimizes permanent creases and complexion issues. Persistently pressing your face into a pillowcase causes trauma to the skin. Over time, this trauma aggravated by the friction of cotton can cause permanent creases as our collagen breaks down,” says Dr. Gross.

NOT WEARING SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY

It’s not just for the beach: The best protection against skin aging is a good sunscreen defense. “Wear it everyday, and look for one that has an SPF of 30 or higher,” says Florida-based dermatologist Marisa Potter. “It should also be broad spectrum, which means it helps to shield you from UVA rays (as well as UVB) which are known to cause photoaging of the skin.” She also advises applying sunblock to your chest and the top of your hands daily as well. 

NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP


“Getting a good night’s sleep helps your skin to look its best,” explains Dr. Gross. “When the skin is getting less than optimum rest, it becomes dull and pale with under-eye circles. A lack of sleep can be so stressful that it can cause our bodies — including our skin — to generate free radicals.”

DRYING OUT YOUR SKIN

“We all break out,” says California-based dermatologist Howard Murad. “People with acne or the occasional pimple think they need to dry out their skin, so choose products that are too harsh — which can cause further irritation than the breakout itself.” He says to look for a treatment that soothes while it targets your skin concern, and to always finish with a hydrating moisturizer. 

EATING A BAD DIET

In Dr. Gross’ words, what is good for the heart is good for the skin. “I recommend the tri-color salad approach,” he says. “Make sure they are a bunch of colors — red cabbage, green lettuce etc. Eat veggies that have a lot of color. Nature color codes them for us. The more colors you eat, the better.”

NOT MOISTURIZING OILY SKIN


Regardless of your skin type, it’s imperative that you moisturize daily and apply a heavier cream at night, says Dr. Murad. “It’s a common misconception that those with an oily skin should avoid moisturizers. In fact, it’s vital that even oily skin gets moisture because without it, skin will overcompensate for the loss of hydration [with more oil], leading to breakouts and an uneven skin texture.” Take note: Moisturizing adds water to the skin, not oil.

LOADING YOUR SKIN UP WITH PRODUCTS AT NIGHT

Less is more, says McElroy. “After a normal cleansing routine, applying two or three different serums for a variety of concerns isn’t effective at all. All topical products are effective up to 0.3% absorption into skin so the more you add the less effective each of them is.” If you have multiple skin needs, alternate your serums.

TAKING TOO-HOT SHOWERS

It’s tempting … but problematic for your skin. “Hot showers can strip your skin of essential moisture and healthy oils. I recommend taking warm, not hot showers,” says Dr. Murad.

NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE PUTTING ON YOUR SKIN

How can you ever truly enjoy great skin if you don’t educate yourself on what you are putting on it? “Read up on ingredients and learn about what you are applying on yourself,” says McElroy. “Remember — price doesn’t always determine quality.”

Avoiding Crow's Feet Wrinkles!

Best way to prevent Crow's Feet is to wear large, fashionable sunglasses as often as possible! The frames not only look glamorous, but actually block the sun from toasting you delicate under eye area. Be sure they offer UV protection. Make sure to apply anti-aging eye serums and creams 2x daily (Stem-Cell Anti-Aging Duo, 3 Day Facelift) and perform regular exfoliation (Glycolic 10% daily exfoliator) to help aid the cellular turnover. This will keep the skin smooth, bright and firm. Oh did we forget, most important- SUNBLOCK! (Age Defy SPF 30+)

Visit Skin-Peel.com for more information on the products above!

What are the biggest crows feet instigators?

The three S’s: Smiling, Squinting and Sleeping, listed in the order of problem-causing. Smiling is the biggest instigator of crows feet, then squinting, then sleeping.

To get an idea of how wrinkles form, picture a paperclip. When you bend that paperclip back and forth and back and forth, after a while, the paperclip will break. This is the same with your skin. Repetitive motions that cause creases in your skin will break the collagen and elastic fibers in your skin and cause wrinkles anywhere on the face, not just around the eyes.

Smiling: Smiling is a repetitive movement and chances are good you smile many times every day. Everyone smiles a bit different, but those people who use the muscles next to their eyes when they smile will obviously get crows feet earlier than people who don’t.

Squinting: You should wear sunglasses every single day, all year round. This is because squinting from the sun is a repetitive movement and just like that paper clip analogy, continuous squinting causes the collagen and elastic fibers to break down and wrinkles to form.

Sleeping: The most ideal way to sleep to avoid wrinkles is on your back and using one of the u-shaped travel pillows. This is obviously not something that most people can do, so using a silk pillow case might be something that can help.

Here’s why. When you wake up, do you notice sleep lines? Sometimes your skin gets pulled on the pillow case when you are sleeping and that causes creases in your skin. When you use a silk pillow case, your skin is able to slide easier and won’t get tugged or pulled by the pillow case.

2 Great Skincare Recipes for Amazing FaceMasks

What green tea can and cannot do for your skin

Tea is an ancient herbal drink known for its stimulant qualities largely attributed to caffeine. In modern times, it also became touted as a health food allegedly helpful in preventing or ameliorating a variety of conditions, from heart disease and cancer, to gum disease, skin aging and weight loss. The major types of tea include black, green and white, differing by the method of harvesting and processing.


Active principles in tea

The medicinal properties of tea are attributed to flavonoid phytochemicals called polyphenols. The polyphenols found in tea mainly belong to the subtype called catechins. Green tea has more catechins than black tea (about 25% vs 4%). White tea is almost as rich in catechins as green tea but is different in composition and less well studied. The main catechins in green tea include gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin (EC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).


Tea and general heath

Numerous studies have shown tea polyphenols to have protective effects against free radicals, cardiovascular damage, some cancers, infections, toxins and so forth. But there is a catch. Most of the direct studies of the green tea effects have been done in tissue culture (test tubes) and animal models. The majority of human studies have been based on statistical correlations, i.e. the researchers used statistics to link tea consumption and the incidence of various diseases. Such correlational (a.k.a. epidemiological) data is by no means proof or even strong evidence of cause and effect - although it is a useful starting point for designing clinical trials.

As of the time of this writing, the overall impression from the limited human clinical trials is that tea (especially green and white) increases antioxidant capacity of tissues, particularly the blood, and that it improves some aspects of the lipid profile, such as the level and stickiness of LDL (bad cholesterol).

The full heath benefits of tea consumption in humans, if any, may take decades to investigate beyond reasonable doubt. However, considering tea's high safety and a large amount of indirect evidence suggestive of many potential health benefits, switching to tea (especially green or white) from other beverages makes good sense. Due to lack of direct long-tern studies, opinions vary as to how much tea should be consumed for optimal health. Most experts suggest drinking from three to ten cups per day. Those who wish to avoid caffeine or do not wish to bother with tea brewing, can take a supplement of green tea extract. A typical dosage is 100 to 150 mg three times a day of a green tea extract standardized to contain 80% total polyphenols and 50% epigallocatechin gallate. Whether the extract offers the same benefits as freshly brewed tea remains unknown.


Skin benefits of green tea

There have been a number of encouraging studies of skin benefits of green tea. Animal studies showed protection from skin cancer. Both animal and human studies have credibly demonstrated that topical green tea formulations reduce sun damage. Green tea appears to exert sun damage protection by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea may synergistically enhance sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen.

A small study showed benefits of 2% polyphenone (via a particular type of green tea extract) in papulopustular rosacea. In particular, a significant reduction in inflammatory lesion was reported compared to placebo.

What about wrinkles, skin sag and other signs of aging? Can green tea help? Considering their well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, topical green tea polyphenols are likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging. Whether green tea can actually diminish wrinkles and skin sag is far more uncertain.

In a 2005 study, forty women with moderate photoaging were randomized to either a combination regimen of 10% green tea cream and 300 mg twice-daily green tea oral supplementation or a placebo regimen for 8 weeks. No significant differences in clinical grading were found between the green tea-treated and placebo groups. On the other hand, histologic grading of skin biopsies did show significant improvement in the elastic tissue content of treated specimens. More human studies are needed to not only determine the scope of anti-aging skin benefits of green tea but also to work out the optimal usage.

There is preliminary evidence that green tea may inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), the enzymes whose excessive activity contributes to age-related degradation of the skin matrix (see our article about MMP). In a 2009 in vitro (test tube) study, green tea extract was shown to inhibit two key subtypes of MMP, collagenase and elastase. Notably, in the same study, white tea was even more effective than green tea as an MMP inhibitor. (For details, see our article on theskin benefits of white tea.)


How to use green tea in your skin care

Some uncertainty regarding the extent of green tea benefits and its optimal usage is likely to remain for years to come. Yet, if you wish to include green tea in your skin care today, there are sensible ways to go about it.

In particular, since sun protection benefits of green tea are particularly well documented, it could make sense to apply a green tea formula under your sunscreen when venturing into the sun. It is best to combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreens because zinc oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).

It may also be useful to incorporate green tea into your skin maintenance routine to possibly slow down skin aging. However, simply buying a green tea cream may not necessarily be the best way to go. Like most other antioxidants, green tea polyphenols are oxidized and lose their activity when exposed to air. Whether commercial green tea creams retain the activity is unclear and may vary widely from product to product.



If you are willing to put in a bit of extra effort, here is some alternatives. Freeze freshly brewed green tea as ice cubes and use them as a toner. (Just don't apply ice cubes to your skin right out of the freezer, let them start thawing first or you may get a freeze burn.) Or you can make your own fresh green tea cream using standardized extract as an active ingredient (see our article Do-It-Yourself Anti-Aging Skin Care). You can also drink lots of green tea or take green tea extract in capsules as discussed above - the polyphenols might reach your skin via the bloodstream in sufficient amounts to make a difference.

The 10 Best Products On Skin-Peel.com That Can Really Help Your Sensitive Skin

In order to take care of and respect your skin, first and foremost make sure to choose products specially designed for your skin type. Dry skin does not have the same needs as oily skin.

Taking care of sensitive skin begins with make-up removal.  In order not to stress your skin choose a specially formulated to cleanse your epidermis gently. We recommend Glycolic 3% Cleanser that is very gentle and will not strip your skin. Use a suitable exfoliation treatment once or twice a week. Glycolic 10% Daily Exfoliator or Salicylic 2% Daily Exfoliator is effective yet gentle and respectful.

Treatment products that address wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tones, firmness and brightening can be tricky to find. We recommend the 3 Day Facelift, Fusion Vitamin C serum, and or Retinol Collagen Duo. All these daily treatments are gentle enough for a sensitive skin yet very effective.

Moisturizing is essential.

The dermis is made up of 70% water and the epidermis, 15%. In order to keep the skin well moisturized, it is important to choose daily moisturizing skin care products that balance the level of water within the skin. Hyaluronic serum or moisturizer has brilliant hydrating and healing properties that a sensitive skin loves. Natural Squalane oil is another great moisturizer for extra dry skin.

Whatever the season, choose SPF 30+ in your daily routine. They reduce the harmful effects of the sun, which accelerates skin ageing. Age Defy SPF 30+ is light, non greasy and suitable for sensitive skin.

For any of you that wish to perform a chemical peel yet worried to aggravate and scared to make the first step due to the sensitive factors of your skin-we advise to try the Glycolic 30% peel. Ideal for sensitive skin. Repeat once every 7-12 days. Keep the skin hydrated and protected at all times. You will be able to progressively achieve great result that you've always wanted.

1. 3 Day Facelift

2. Glycolic 10% Daily Exfoliator

3. Salicylic 2% Daily Exfoliator

4. Hyaluronic Replenish Serum/ Moisturizer

5. Fusion Vitamin C serum

6. Natural Squalane oil

7. Glycolic 3% Cleanser (Pre Peel cleanser)

8. Age Defy SPF 30+

9. Retinol Collagen Serum and Cream

10. Glycolic 30% peel

Top 5 Reasons Why Using Serums & Moisturizers, will make your skin glow!

1. Serum is much more concentrated than cream or lotion, so you tend to only need a small amount daily to see results. It will boost your skin with antioxidants, the skin's major defense against free radicals and stress,  which are a must have when it comes to boosting collagen, the support structure that gives skin a firm, youthful appearance. For best results, apply to freshly washed skin, follow with sunscreen or moisturizers to lock in hydration.

2. Daily application of cream and lotions with ingredients that create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture, but because skin cools itself by evaporating water, you only have a few minutes before that hydration is gone forever. Slather on a moisturizer while your face is still damp. This will plump and improve the appearance of fine lines as skin drinks up the moisture that will also leave your skin with a radiant glow.

3. By tailoring a serum and a moisturizer into your daily ritual with most common benefits include hydration, increased nourishment, brightening of the skin, and acne prevention. They also help in strengthening skin cells. While other face creams contain only 5 to 10 per cent of active ingredients, a face serum can contain up to 70 per cent! No wonder these potent products are able to deliver a much greater concentration of nutrients, deeper into the skin.

4.Frankly, most people’s skin is dehydrated, whether genetics, environment or weather is at fault. If your skin is dry, it lacks sufficient lipids (natural oils, fatty acids) and it lacks water. If you have dull-looking skin, it lacks water. If you have oily skin, you have lots of lipids, but you lack water to balance it (in fact, your skin’s producing more oil to make up for the lack of water). And if you’re using exfoliating ingredients you’re dehydrating your skin so it needs water. And drinking water can help, but only so much. Serum and moisturizer with hydrating ingredient will will hydrate and leave the skin with a beautiful glow. By “hydrating” ingredients I mean ingredients that hoard water. Our body makes one called Hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar molecule with a big claim: one Hyaluronic acid molecule holds 1000 times its weight in water. It attracts and binds moisture to the skin. One of the most beneficial ingredients in our skin care.

5. Why you should be obsessed with a serum in your daily regimen? Serum are most concentrated form of skincare in a bottle, serums are simply “active” ingredients in a small-molecule format the skin can easily absorb. They’re made without the extras, such as large-molecule ingredients that make up a cream and which form a barrier on the skin.

Apply serum on damp skin (this is how to make it damp) for maximum absorption skin absorbs water most easily; dampness acts as a carrier that pulls small-molecule ingredients into the top layer of skin as it is absorbed. Follow with face cream or lotion to create a barrier to keep your serum in. Your skin will be left with instant glow.

The Truth About Facial Serums

By Shelley Levitt

Reviewed by Mohiba Tareen, MD

WebMD Magazine - Feature

Faster and lighter are the qualities many of us look for in a car, a laptop, and our bodies when we're running a marathon. They're also the prized attributes of skin care serums -- light, fast-absorbing liquids used as an alternative or in addition to creams or lotions.

The biggest difference between a serum and a cream or lotion is what the formulation doesn't include. Serums leave out occlusive, or airtight, moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating. They also contain fewer lubricating and thickening agents, like nut or seed oils. Most serums are water-based, eliminating oils altogether.

Serums are a top pick of many skin care pros, including Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist and vice president of research and innovation at Englewood Lab. Wilson chooses a serum instead of a cream for her own at-home regimen: "It works better for my oily skin, and it has every ingredient I need."

Esthetician Veronica Barton-Schwartz, owner of Veronica Skin and Body Care Center in Malibu, Calif., who counts celebrities Olivia Newton-John, Suzanne Somers, and Cher among her clients, is also a fan. "I think everyone is doing their skin a disservice if they don't have a great serum."

"The beauty of a serum is that most of the fluid is eliminated," Wilson says, "so what you're left with is a high concentration of active ingredients." Serums contain the most potent dose of anti-aging ingredients --antioxidants, peptides, and skin brighteners such as kojic acid -- you can find in nonprescription products. "They're the true workhorses of any product line," Wilson says.

Serum Costs, Serum Benefits

Because active ingredients are more expensive than thickeners, serums are also the costliest product in many skin care lines. But when applied properly, a 1-ounce container of serum should last months. Many brands come in pump bottles or have medicine-dropper applicators to dispense just the tiny amount you need.

Those few concentrated drops are super-efficient. Serums are made of very small molecules, so the skin absorbs them quickly and deeply. "The thicker, heavier ingredients in creams form a barrier on your skin," Wilson says. "That's great for locking moisture in. But it can also lock active ingredients out. Without these hindrances, the active ingredients in a serum penetrate your skin faster and more effectively."

Jessica Wu, MD, a Santa Monica, Calif., dermatologist, and author of Feed Your Face: Younger, Smoother Skin and a Beautiful Body in 28 Delicious Days, recommends serums to many of her patients. "They're great for people with oily skin," she says, "or those who prefer a weightless feel to their skin care products. Serums have a non-greasy finish and they don't leave behind a sticky residue."

Still, serums aren't for everyone. Wu says the liquid or gel-like texture of a serum can be a poor match for people with chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, which weaken the skin barrier. For these people, serums may penetrate too quickly, causing irritation. 

Others need the hydration that a rich day or night cream provides. "If you have mature or dry skin, you can't get away with using just a serum," says Wilson. Instead, she recommends a serum as an add-on to your skin care regimen, layered under your moisturizer. "There's a lot of benefit to serums, from smoothing fine lines to reducing age spots, that you can't reproduce in any other formulation," she says.

Q&A About Fusion Peels

Peels for acne scars

Q. I need help choosing a peel that helps lighten red acne scars on the face.

A. A fusion peel would work best for someone with acne scars, much better then Glycolic Peels (these type of peels aren t great for those with oil on their skin). A fusion peel helps to remove discolorations on the skin and control oil by penetrating deep into the pores to kill bacteria that causes acne in the first place. For those with minor acne, a Salicylic Peel may work if one has minimum acne scars and redness. Ultimately, it depends on the severity of one s acne to know which to choose; fusion peel for severe acne, Glycolic for less serious breakouts. Always repeat a peel (every 10-14 days) two or three times before evaluating your results and do a skin test before applying the peel to the entire face.

Fusion Peel & reddish brown skin

Q. I have oily skin and also have hyper pigmentation that I want to get rid of, and I have reddish brown skin tone. Which peel would work the best?

A. Fusion Peel is very effective at removing hyper pigmentation as well as dissolving excess facial oil. It is appropriate for all skin tones and skin types and when applied according to directions can give amazing results. As a tip you may also want to see our Skin Care Duo Packs that will help effectively target concerns such as oily skin and hyperpigmentation.

Fusion peel & melanin

Q. Does the Fusion peel hurt your Melanin? I was wondering because I've read that some of these peels suppress melanin production.

A. It doesn't really suppress melanin production, but it does exfoliate the skin to remove discoloration. This peel is great for removing hyperpigmentation and providing overall anti-aging benefits. It can be used on all skin types. You shouldn't experience very much redness or irritation. You can apply extra moisturizer and makeup. This peel only comes in one strength and you can adjust the depth of the peel by how many layers you apply during application. You can achieve a deeper peel by applying an additional layer. For best results, the peel should be used in a series of 4-6 treatments, one every 2-3 weeks.

Fusion peel for age spots

Q. Is this the only Fusion peel on the market? I have some age spots and some sagging. I have done many chemical peels and my skin can take it.

A. We are the manufacturers of the Fusion Peel. It is the only one on the market. The Fusion peel should work for you. It only comes in one strength and you can adjust the depth of the Fusion peel by how many layers you apply. You should start with one layer. It is very effective at removing discoloration and it provides overall anti-aging benefits as well. You should get about 10-15 peels from the 2 ounce bottle. The peel can be repeated about once every 2 weeks.

Fusion peel & sensitive skin

Q. I'm thinking about trying the Fusion peel. I have never done a peel before. I do have sensitive skin. Is this an appropriate product for me?

A. Yes, the Fusion peel is appropriate for first time users and can be used on sensitive skin. The instructions recommend leaving it on for about 5 minutes the first time, but if your skin is sensitive then you may want to plan on leaving it on for about 1-2 minutes instead.

Acne scars, hyperpigmentation & acne

Q. I have acne scars, hyperpigmentation and some acne. Can you tell me which product will be suitable? My skin is combination.

A. Fusion Peel would be a good choice. It will help with the acne, and the discoloration and the scars. It can be repeated about every 2-3 weeks and you can control the strength of it by how many layers you apply and how long you leave it on.

How To Get Great Peel Results

A Chemical peel or skin peel involves the application of a specific solution to the surface of the skin to peel away the outermost layers, revealing the fresh skin beneath.

This skin peeling method is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne, rosacea, fine wrinkling, blotchy pigmentation, ingrown hairs, yellow complexion and dry skin. Chemical peels are most often performed on the face but may also be beneficial on the neck, chest, back, hands, arms and legs.

Chemical peels are chemical treatments to produce an improved appearance of the face.

Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photoaging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, pre-cancerous lesions, and discoloration (dyschromia) or uneven skin tone. Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin to promote the growth of new skin with an improved appearance.

Many different chemicals are used including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, “Jessners“ solution, and phenol. The different chemicals produce different degrees of injury to the skin.

There are two layers of the skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis and the inner layer, the dermis.

Superficial peels (e.g. glycolic acid) produce very superficial injury, confined to the epidermis. Superficial peels can help improve conditions, such as acne and dyschromia. Deeper peels, (e.g. phenol peels) produce injury within the dermis and can reverse moderate-to-severe photoaging and wrinkles. In general, the deeper peels offer the most dramatic results but require longer recovery periods and carry a higher risk of complications. 

The depth of chemical peeling depends on the type of chemical used.

It's best not to assume that a low % of acid is less abrasive than a higher percentage. For example: Salicylic Acid 20% is almost as strong as Glycolic 50%. TCA 30% is a completely different peeling agent and can penetrate into the upper layers of the dermis, causing burns if not used properly.

Avocado and Honey Mask

Avocado and honey mask is great to restore the moisture in the skin, which is lost in the dry heat of summers. Victoria Beckham and Jessica Biel swear by this mask for summers. Coconut oil replenishes the moisture, while honey repairs the chaffed and scaly skin. Avocado provides nutrition to your skin with a delicious smell and freshness.

Ingredients:

• ½ ripe avocados
• ½ tsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp honey

How to make it?

Mash avocados to a fine creamy texture and add honey and coconut oil to it. Apply it all over your face and keep for 15 minutes until dry. Wash off with warm water and dab dry with a towel.

What is Kojic Acid?

Did you know Kojic Acid, a natural skin lightening agent, was first discovered in Japan?  Women who worked manufacturing sake were renowned for their beautifully flawless hands. The Kojic Acid produced during the fermentation process was responsible and the world now had a powerful tool for fighting uneven skin tone.

Skin-peel.com uses this color correcting super hero in our gentle, effective AHA Kojic Acid peel.  By mixing the Kojic Acid with Glycolic and Lactic, two amazing anti-aging ingredients in their own right, our clients can get the skin they long for - smooth, bright, glowing, and evenly colored.

Worried about doing a chemical peel? AHA Kojic is one of the more mellow peels because of the way alpha hydroxy acids work. The discomfort is minimal compared to other peels.  The rewards impressive. Learn more about


Kojic Peel Uses / Recommendations

Chemical peeling is a process that occurs over several months. Melasma, freckles and hyperpigmentation can be very stubborn to treat. Thus it is very important to understand the procedure and to be patient with your results. Of course, post care plays a vital role. Depending on the strength you opt for but generally Kojic 50% peel is perfect for beginners unless one has very sensitive skin in that case 30% would be recommended. Kojic 70% peel is for experienced users or body use.

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We recommend the Kojic 50% peel to be repeated once every 2 weeks for a series of 8-10 treatments to see good results. In addition, we suggest the Arbutin Brightening Duo which is a serum and moisturizer that you can use daily for additional lightening and brightening benefits. Daily application of sunscreen SPF 30+ is extremely important as during the chemical peeling your skin is sensitive to sunlight and it can cause additional discolorations in the skin  if the skin is not protected. Best to stay away from direct sunlight and always apply a minimum of SPF 30+. Once you achieve the desired result we recommend we perform maintenance treatments.

Purchase Kojic Peels & Kits at 50% Off, only at Skin-peel.com