As aging, acne scars, pigmentation issues, and lifestyle-related skin damage cause havoc on your skin, even the best skincare routine may not show great results. To treat these skin problems, you have to do more than care for your skin well. That is where peels come into play.
In the skin care industry, enzyme peels and chemical peels are two of the most popular exfoliating treatments. Both can be effective for a wide range of skin types and issues, with noticeable results after only one treatment. If you're not sure which of these peel kinds is best for your skin, here's everything you need to know.
Why is exfoliation important?
Almost every skincare expert has stressed the importance of exfoliating. However, are you aware of what might happen if you stop exfoliating for a long time? Keep reading and learn.
1. Clogged pores
The accumulation of dead skin cells in the skin causes clogging of pores. It is vital to keep the skin pores open to maintain proper body functions. Exfoliation helps in removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
2. Dull and lackluster skin
Sun damage, hormone fluctuations, and ageing can slow down the process of generating new skin cells. This is how your skin starts to look rough, dull and uneven. When done correctly, exfoliation removes dead skin cells and makes your skin appear brighter.
3. Wrinkles and fine lines
Wrinkles and fine lines are natural signs of ageing but are also the most difficult ones to treat once you develop them. With exfoliation, you're removing the top layer or two of skin, revealing fresher, younger skin beneath. Your skin will also appear more radiant with more luster, and you will feel more youthful.
Hence, avoiding exfoliation may result in an increased number of fine lines and wrinkles for you!
4. Build up of dead skin cells reduces the penetration of skin actives
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, containing trillions of cells. The body replaces old skin cells with new ones at a pace of 30,000–40,000 cells every minute since the skin is exposed to the outer environment. A million cells are shed every day as a result of this.
These dead skin cells can build up on the skin's surface. When you don't exfoliate your skin at least twice a week, the active elements in your skincare products have a hard time penetrating and reaching the skin. No skincare product will show any result if it cannot penetrate enough to reach your skin.
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to your skin, causing the skin layers to exfoliate. They are used to improve the texture and appearance of skin and are applied to the hands, face, and neck. Over time, the skin layers peel away to reveal more youthful skin. Typically, the new skin is smoother and more even in color, with fewer lines and wrinkles.
Most common types of chemical peels
1. Glycolic Acid (AHA)
This sugar-cane-derived alpha hydroxy acid is widely used in skincare products. It works by speeding up cell turnover and treats acne, acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and signs of ageing.
2. Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is an organic compound that helps treat acne and reduces pores. As an oil-soluble ingredient, it deeply cleanses the pores. Thus it is best suitable for oily and acne prone skin types (as compared to other chemical peels).
3. Lactic Acid
Lactic acid chemical peeling is most effective for sensitive skin - or rosacea skin conditions. It helps with skin irritation, hyperpigmentation, age spots, uneven complexion, and so on.
Pros
- Avoids the occurrence of acne.
- Minimizes the pores and balances the texture of the skin.
- Provides clarity to the skin.
- Reduces skin discolouration.
- Halts scarring and smoothen the skin.
Cons
- Chemical peels which use a high concentration of acids like AHA may damage skin barrier. The signs of damage may include dryness, sensitivity, dullness, redness and breakouts.
- Chemical peeling can be expensive.
- Not suitable for daily use.
- The stinging sensation immediately after the procedure.
What is an enzyme peel (micro peeling)?
An enzyme peel is made from fruit enzymes (papaya, pumpkin, aloe vera, pineapple, green apple, and others) that gently slough off dead skin layers - and promotes healthy skin.
Enzyme peel offers the same results as that of chemical peeling, except the downtime. Since there is no downtime, it can be added to your daily skincare routine. Enzyme peeling rejuvenates the new skin tissue, reducing the appearance of large pores and wrinkles. However, enzymes in skin care are mostly used for skin conditioning - and viscosity for the skin layers.
These are some of the ingredients you should look for with enzymes in skincare:
- Actizyme®: Extracted from fungi Mucor miehei, Actizyme is an avant-garde medical protease. It helps unblock clogged pores and detoxify the uppermost layers of the skin. The most important part is that it does not damage barriers while boosting cell renewal.
- Paeonia the Suffruticosa: Extracted from Paeonia suffruticosa, Paeonia the Suffruticosa has numerous antioxidative effects. Any product with suffruticosa, like Re’equil’s enzymatic exfoliating serum, helps with skin ageing, promoting healthier skin.
- Chondrus crispus extract: Chondrus crispus is an excellent chemical ingredient extracted from carrageenan. It helps the skin produce collagen fibre, which enhances skin elasticity - and makes it healthy and smooth.
Pros
- Gentler on the skin (sensitive skin or skin that is easily irritated), and does not disrupt barrier functions.
- You can make it a part of your daily skin care routine.
- Cleanses the clogged and shrinking pores.
- Prevents dryness of the skin.
- Reduces the occurrence of wrinkles and scars.
- Removes all signs of ageing.
- Fades sun damage and dry skin problems.
Cons
- Takes a long time to show results.
Wrapping Up.
Enzyme peels and chemical peels can both be beneficial tools and excellent additions to any skincare routine. However, a good quality enzyme peel is best suited for anyone with sensitive skin or who prefers quick results with gentle exfoliation. It is an enzyme product that is highly recommended by skincare experts.
Listen to your skin, and choose the right product!
Write a comment