Home Page › treatments › The Benefits of Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids
Skin Peels have been in popularity for many years and one of the most talked about ingredients to induce peeling are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids, also known as AHA’s and BHA’s, but
what are they and what do they do for our skin?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a class of acids derived from fruits, milk and nuts (Lactic, Glycolic, Mandelic and Citric Acids).
It works by penetrating the skin and loosening the ‘glue’ that binds dead cells together, effectively detaching dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This results in a deep exfoliation which leads to softer, smoother skin and a brighter complexion. Alongside the improvement in skin texture, peeling renews and rejuvenates the skin by bringing fresh, young cells to the surface and improves cellular turnover, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while diminishing the appearance of pigmentation and skin discolouration. AHA’s because of it’s renewing properties is also suitable for the improvement of acne and refining the skin surface from acne scarring.
Beta Hydroxy Acid, including Salicylic Acid the plant based acid derived from salicin of the willow tree, adds keratolytic activity which promotes the peeling and shedding of cells in the stratum corneum layer. It also decongests the skin by softening the sebum which blocks the pores. For this reason, it is effective for improving desquamation and especially effective for acne and oily skin types as well.
So who needs AHA’s and BHA’s in their skin care?
Many skin types and conditions can benefit from the use of AHA’s and BHA’s in skincare. As the aging process slows cellular metabolism, dead skin cells are not shed as rapidly and effectively by the body. Peeling therefore is able to aid the skin in improving this process, allowing healthy cells to the surface for younger looking skin. This benefits conditions including lines, wrinkles, dryness, flaking, hyperpigmentation and even rosacea.
Acne skin conditions can also benefit from AHA’s and BHA’s as the microexfoliation effect keeps skin clear, prevents the post-inflammatory pigmentation and scarring caused by acne. BHA’s having a decongestive effect on blocked pores means fewer and less hardened blackheads and whiteheads.
Which Products should I be using?
While there are many variations of AHA and BHA based products on the market, it is important to select products that are not only concentrated with high quality ingredients to be effective in improving the condition of the skin, but also formulated in a way that would safely induce skin renewal without causing irritation.
Exel Renewal Creams
Exel Skincare has two variations of active peeling creams. For normal to dry skin, including rosacea conditions, Exel Skin Renewal Active Cream treats the skin while retaining skin moisture with antioxidant vitamin E. For oily skin, Exel Renewing Gel Cream has a lightweight formula specially formulated for oil skin types.
Exel Renewal Creams contains alpha and beta hydroxy acid microsponges, which gradually release a controlled concentration of the active peeling ingredients. This prevents irritation and keeps the skin at a balanced pH level. AHA’s glycolic, lactic, mandelic and citric acids are proven to have a lightening effect on pigmentation and promotes an even skin tone, while BHA Salicylic Acid adds keratolytic activity, which promotes the peeling and shedding of cells in the stratum corneum layer.
Powerful antioxidant Vitamin E helps to prevent visible signs of ageing with its anti free radical properties. It protects and repairs, while improving moisture levels, leaving the skin smooth and luminous. Lipoic Acid is a strong antioxidant naturally occurring in every cell in the body, which has the ability to regenerate other antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E. Due to being water and fat soluble, it has the ability to protect not only the cell membranes, but the inside of the cells as well. It has powerful anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects which actively work to reduce puffiness, swelling, redness and blotchiness. It helps to minimise skin roughness and also decreases the appearance of photoaging. This results in a healthy radiant glowing complexion, with an even skin tone and minimised pore size.
Directions: Apply onto thoroughly cleansed skin with a pressing motion until completely absorbed. For best results apply in the evening.
Professional peeling treatments can boost your results
If you haven’t had a treatment in over three months or when you are updating your skincare routine, a professional facial treatments can boost your results. The Microdermabrasion with Lactic Peel treatment induces peeling by the slow release of active AHA’s and BHA’s in combination with the deeply exfoliating microdermabrasion. This greatly improves skin texture and improves the skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients by clearing blocked pores and removing dead skin cell build up.
Visit www.exclusivelybeauty.com.au for further information on the Microdermabrasion with Lactic Peel
Whether you are or experiencing hyperpigmentation, acne or premature aging, AHA’s and BHA’s are the power ingredients for maintaining, renewing and resurfacing the skin.
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Unique products due to its natural actives and delivery systems that guarantee more effectiveness.
Formulated with minimum quantities of surfactants and preservatives.
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