The use of a chemical exfoliant gives the most impressive results in the category of at-home treatments. Alongside your SPF, this is the product with the greatest impact on your skin. However, can you overdo exfoliation?, and what happens if you exfoliate too much? This can be prevented. For example, if you haven't researched enough to find the exfoliant that suits your skin. It's important to explore which strength AHA exfoliant is suitable for you.
If you use a mild but effective exfoliant as directed on the product, you will see impressive results from exfoliation without irritating your skin. Here's everything you need to know about safely exfoliating your skin.
The importance of a mild exfoliant:
Being gentle on your skin means: products without irritating ingredients, such as large amounts of aggressive scrubs or menthol that tingles your skin.
Being gentle on your skin also means that a formula should contain skin-soothing ingredients to keep your skin calm and healthy while your exfoliant does its work. Examples of skin-soothing ingredients include Glycolic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Lactic Acid. These acids are incorporated in our peeling. An exfoliant doesn't need to be extremely strong to be effective. On the contrary, if they are well formulated, exfoliating acids should be soothing for your skin.
What if you have sensitive skin? Is it still wise to use an exfoliant? Yes, definitely. In case of a sensitive skin, The AHA Peel is a suitable choice as AHA naturally has skin-soothing properties. But before we discuss this further, we need to make another point:
Avoid an irritated skin and discard aggressive scrubs:
If you're using a scrub that feels rough, stop using it immediately. Harsh scrubs, scrub and damage your skin barrier, making your skin ultimately weaker.
Research shows that scrubs are not as effective as exfoliants; they moisturize your skin less (yes, you read that right: exfoliants can give your skin a hydration boost) and are less effective in reducing pimples, wrinkles, and skin discolorations.
Elevate your results to new heights:
By incorporating our AHA Peel alongside our Toner and Day Formula, you can elevate your results to new heights. These products work in harmony to give your skin the ultimate boost it needs. Starting with The Toner to prepare the skin for all further steps in the skincare routine, The AHA Peel gently exfoliates, clearing away dead skin cells and priming your skin for enhanced absorption. Follow it up again with our Toner to balance pH levels and tighten pores, creating the perfect environment for your skin to soak up the benefits of the Day Formula. Formulated with three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, the molecules are able to reach each layer of the skin, where it creates a skin full of hydration. A skin with a shortage of hyaluronic acid results in sagging contours, a dull skin tone, and enlarged pores. And you can also use The Day Formula over your eyes! So you won't need an extra eye cream.
Together, these products ensure that essential ingredients penetrate deeper into your skin, maximizing their effectiveness.
Is the pH value important for chemical peels?:
In addition to selecting a mild formula with skin-soothing ingredients, the pH value of your chemical exfoliant is crucial. It can make or break the formula and has a significant impact on your skin's reaction. For AHA exfoliants, the optimal pH value for safe and effective use is between 3 and 4. Using a very acidic (lower pH values) or highly alkaline (a pH value of 8 or higher) product can cause significant disruption to your skin barrier. This is how some chemical exfoliants on the market can be problematic for your skin.
How do I use it?:
To use the AHA Peel, begin by applying it once a week and gradually increase frequency to 3 / 5 times per week as tolerated. Apply The AHA Peel to clean, dry skin. It is important for the skin to be clean. Apply two pumps of the peeling solution and apply evenly over the skin and around the eyes. Leave The AHA Peel on for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. Apply in the morning or in the evening. You may experience a tingling sensation and a bit of redness in the beginning, so build up the use of the product gradually.
But why choose The AHA Peel?:
Crafted with a clear vision in mind, our AHA Peel has a perfectly balanced formulation, crafted to overcome the typical shortcomings found in numerous exfoliating products. Understanding the necessity for a peel that combines efficacy with gentleness, our founder Lindsay van der Looij created The AHA Peel. She did not only do years of research to find the perfect balance between ingredients and the best results, but she has also treated for many years in her skin clinics, which is why she knew exactly what was needed to create the most perfect exfoliant. The secret formula with different acids makes The AHA Peel so unique and perfect!
Does a chemical exfoliant damage your skin barrier?:
Studies show that well-formulated AHAs do not damage the skin barrier. Instead, exfoliation prevents dead skin cells from sticking to the skin surface, allowing them to naturally shed from your skin. Research has also demonstrated that the application of AHAs can strengthen the health of your skin barrier.
That being said, if the product is not well-formulated as mentioned above, that is a red flag. A sensitive skin reaction is possible.