The power of AHA & BHA: Exfoliation Elevated

 

Let’s talk about chemical acid exfoliators. While the term "acid" may sound intimidating, we promise you that chemical exfoliants are not as scary as they seem. On the contrary, when used correctly, they provide a gentle way to exfoliate your skin and can deliver impressive results, including visibly smoother skin texture, reduced pigmentation, minimized pores and lines, and assistance in combating acne.

The cell renewal process

Cell renewal is the natural biological process of eliminating dead skin cells and replacing them with younger, healthier cells. However, as we age, this natural exfoliation process slows down, until it ceases altogether, leaving the skin dull and dry with clogged and dilated pores and marked by the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.

As chemical exfoliants, AHAs and BHAs work by gently removing the bonds that hold dead cells together, thereby promoting their progressive exfoliation. No physical manipulation is necessary with chemical exfoliation, you only need to apply the exfoliant on the skin and let it act without rubbing.

The different types of AHAs and BHAs

 

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are water-soluble and can be found in sugar, milk, citrus fruits or synthetic formulations. They effectively exfoliate the top layer of skin, lifting dead cells from the surface and promoting cell renewal to improve skin texture, hydration, and signs of aging. The most common AHAs are glycolic, lactic, phytic, citric, and mandelic acids.

On the other hand, BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) are lipid or oil soluble. They are of lower molecular weight and penetrate deeper into the pores to dissolve impurities accumulated on the skin. They are particularly effective in treating acne, clogged pores, uneven texture, and fine lines and wrinkles. One of the most common BHAs is salicylic acid.

One is not superior to the other, rather they are used to treat different concerns.

Can I use AHA and BHA simultaneously?

Yes, since they treat different concerns, many formulations contain a pre-dosed combination of AHAs and BHAs to increase their effectiveness for various skin types and conditions. You can also alternate between AHA and BHA products.
Change of seasons is an excellent time to undertake a series of AHA/BHA treatments. However, no matter when you are using them, an SPF must be applied daily to protect the skin from increased sun damage.

Introducing your NEW intensive at-home night treatment: POLY-ACID PEEL SERUM
Formulated with 10% AHAs & 0.5% BHA

 

This advanced retexturizing serum revitalizes dull and tired skin. It deeply exfoliates while visibly reducing the signs of aging, for a new skin effect.

Benefits:

  • Provides multi-level exfoliation, improving the appearance of imperfections and refining skin texture
  • Promotes skin renewal for soft and hydrated skin
  • Reveals a radiant, flawless complexion
  • Visibly reduces wrinkles and fine lines

A potent synergy of acids combined with effective ingredients:

 

  • 10% ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHA) &0.5% BETA HYDROXY ACIDS (BHA) : A combination of salicylic, phytic, lactic, and glycolic acids.
  • PRICKLY PEAR FLOWER EXTRACT: Promotes exfoliation
  • CRANBERRY FRUIT EXTRACT: Improves complexion radiance
  • GALACTOARABINAN: Promotes AHA exfoliation without irritation and minimizes water loss
  • ALLANTOIN, ALOE VERA & SODIUM HYALURONATE: Soothe and hydrate the skin
  • PLANKTON EXTRACT & MATRIXYL® 3000: Reduce signs of aging

Clinically proven dreamy results

  • Decrease in total wrinkle length*: up to 99%
  • 100% noticed: improvement in skin texture**
  • 95% noticed: improvement in skin hydration**

*Clinical study on 40 women (avg. age 62 years old), all skin types. Evening application of serum after cleansing. The efficacy and tolerance were tested on day 0, 14 and 28. Individual results may vary. **Subjective study. Performed by Lab. Dermo-Cosmetik (G.M. COLLIN) on site.


How to integrate Poly-Acid Peel Serum into your skincare routine

There are many ways to integrate Poly-Acid Peel Serum into your skincare routine. How you do it and how often will depend on your skincare goals, as well as your skin type and condition(s). The serum can be applied daily, for a month, as an intensive treatment. You can repeat this treatment twice per year, preferably in the spring and fall. It's important not to use retinol, other AHAs, or exfoliants while undergoing this treatment.

 

Alternatively, you can integrate Poly-Acid Peel Serum as part of a skin-cycling approach. The treatment cycle begins with exfoliation on the first night. Poly-Acid Peel Serum can be applied on the second night. The last step of the skin cycling routine takes place on the third and fourth nights, which are dedicated to the rest and recovery of the skin by using products from our Repair line. Once complete, the cycle can be repeated.

Skin cycling routines can also be customized, according to the skin type or any concerns about the skin being addressed, by alternating nights and product applications.

 

As you should when trying any new skincare product, follow your esthetician’s recommendations and don’t dive in all at once. Start progressively; for example, try applying the serum every other night, or on a limited area of the skin at first, just to see how your skin reacts.

Looking for on-the-spot results?

Try one our professional chemical peels formulated with 30% AHA and/or BHA, formulated with the most effective ingredients to provide exceptional results that meet your skin’s specific needs. They are essential for preserving and restoring the skin’s health and appearance.

  • LACTIC ACID PEEL 30: Indicated for dry, flaky skin, showing first signs of aging
  • DERM RENEWAL PEEL 30: Recommended for fine lines, wrinkles and congested skin
  • SALICYLIC ACID PEEL 30: Ideal for oily, acne-prone and photoaging skin
  • GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL 30: Indicated for fine lines and wrinkles, photoaging, dull skin

Ask your aesthetician on how to optimize and maintain skincare results by integrating our new Poly-Acid Peel Serum*.

  • LACTIC ACID PEEL 30: Indicated for dry, flaky skin, showing first signs of aging
  • DERM RENEWAL PEEL 30: Recommended for fine lines, wrinkles and congested skin
  • SALICYLIC ACID PEEL 30: Ideal for oily, acne-prone and photoaging skin
  • GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL 30: Indicated for fine lines and wrinkles, photoaging, dull skin
Written by G.M. COLLIN