7 best acid peels

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Acid peels are specialized preparations for anti-aging and restorative cosmetic procedures. They are used in beauty salons and at home. Therefore, Healthy Food Near Me experts decided to rank for you the best products that you can buy in a regular or online store. But first you need to learn more about what acid peels are, what are their features, what types of drugs are, indications and contraindications for their use.

Acid peeling – what is it and what is it for?

Acid peeling is used for deep cleansing of the skin. Since the lifespan of dermal cells is 28 days, after this time they die off, but remain on the surface of the face, clogging pores, causing the development of inflammatory processes, stimulating the aging process of the epidermis. Clogged and polluted pores do not allow the skin to breathe freely and receive enough nutrients from external sources. And here acid peeling comes to the rescue, which will help to quickly and effectively remove the dead layer of cells, to cleanse not only at the superficial, but also at a deeper level. The use of such products allows you to prolong the health, youth and beauty of the skin of the face.

The principle of action of acid peeling:

1. Exfoliation of the upper layer of the skin, followed by renewal of the epidermis.

2. Penetration into the deep layers of the dermis with the intentional application of light burns that act on the epidermis as a stress factor. Such traumatization of the skin causes accelerated renewal of the skin, starting the processes of self-healing and regeneration. The body, in order to restore damaged tissues, begins to more actively produce elastic proteins that are responsible for maintaining the tone and turgor of the dermis – collagen and elastin.

As a result of using acid peeling, you can get the following effect:

1. Effective cleansing of the skin, narrowing the pores, making them less noticeable.

2. Normalization of the microrelief of the surface of the face, as well as the shade of the epidermis. Dullness, fading, hyperpigmentation, gray, yellow or greenish tone disappear.

3. Restoration of skin elasticity, disappearance of fine wrinkles, reduction of the severity of large folds.

4. Normalization of metabolic processes and hydro-lipid balance.

If acid peeling is planned for a girl under the age of 20, who does not yet have visible age-related changes, it is recommended to use a product based on fruit acids. Such a cosmetic product has a gentle effect on the epidermis, at the same time effectively preventing the early occurrence of manifestations of the aging process.

If an acid peel is going to be done by a woman aged 30-35 years and older, who needs to get a pronounced rejuvenation effect, it is recommended to use a drug based on chemicals. The type of acids, the desired concentration, the number of procedures – all this should be determined by a specialist, based on the specifics of the aesthetic problem, indications, age and initial condition of the woman’s skin. That is why even if you plan to carry out cleansing procedures with acid peels on your own, it is recommended that you first consult with a beautician.

Acid peels are made on the basis of different acids that have certain characteristics and have different effects on the skin. Therefore, before buying a cosmetic product, read its composition.

Which acids are suitable for restoring different types of epidermis:

Depending on which acid is the main active ingredient of a cosmetic product, peels can be divided into three groups:

1. Surface, based on fruit, vegetable acids, salicylic, glycolic acid. Such drugs act at the upper level, within the stratum corneum. They contribute to the exfoliation of the surface structures of the skin, stimulate the production of collagen-elastin protein compounds. After using such products, there is no recovery period, the likelihood of adverse reactions is very low. It is these tools that are recommended for use at home.

2. Median, based on trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Such peels affect the upper layer of the skin – the entire depth of the epidermis, as well as the initial levels of the dermis. After the use of such drugs, the rehabilitation period will be 10-14 days. During this period, redness may occur.

3. Deep, based on carbolic acid. The use of such a drug contributes to the complete renewal of the skin of the face, since it acts both on the epidermis and on the dermis. The use of the drug will require a long rehabilitation, which can last from 2 to 3 months.

4. Acid peels may contain several active substances. For example, Jessner’s Hollywood peel formula uses a combination of lactic acid and salicylic acid.

Contraindications for the use of acid peels, possible side effects

Before embarking on a cosmetic procedure to renew the skin, read the contraindications:

1. Exacerbation of herpetic infections.

2. The presence in the treatment area of ​​volumetric neoplasms, for example, papillomas or moles, protruding above the surface of the skin.

3. The presence of a vascular network on the face.

4. Extensive purulent eruptions on the face.

5. Diseases of the epidermis – dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, etc.

6. The presence of burns or mechanical damage, for example, wounds, scratches or abrasions.

7. Oncological diseases (any).

8. Renal, heart failure.

9. Tendency to form keloid scars, scars.

10. Increased sensitivity of the skin.

11. Very dark, dark skin.

12. The presence of an allergy to one or more components of the composition of the drug.

13. Acid peeling should not be carried out within 2-3 weeks after any cosmetic salon procedures.

14. With caution, you need to use the drug if there is a tattoo on the face, since acids can act on pigments and lighten them. During pregnancy and lactation, as well as during critical days, acid peeling is not carried out or is carried out only after a mandatory consultation with the attending physician.

15. Also, before the procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with what reactions may occur, which of them are predictable and are the norm, and which are considered complications.

16. Expected skin reaction:

17. Moderate redness.

18. The development of a mild inflammatory process.

19. Increased dryness of the skin.

20. Peeling, which is accompanied by the “peeling off” of a thin layer of skin.

21. A complication can be considered:

22. Tissue infection.

23. The occurrence of extensive inflammation.

24. Strong redness.

When using superficial acid peels, complications are extremely rare, and the expected reaction is mild. Therefore, these drugs should be used at home. Medium and deep peels are recommended to be used independently only under the supervision of a cosmetologist or in a beauty salon, cosmetology clinic.

Acid peel for self-use – how to choose the right drug

To choose the right tool for a cosmetic procedure, pay attention to such factors:

1. acid concentration. Usually this figure is 1-70%. The higher the concentration, the more aggressively the composition will act on the skin.

2. pH level – can be from 1 to 4. The higher the concentration of acid and the lower the pH level, the deeper layers of the skin are affected by the drug.

3. Type of active substance.

4. Release form, consistency. Liquid peels are not as convenient to use as cream or gel peels.

5. Also, most women, when choosing, are repelled by the cost of the drug. Even expensive products can cost 20-30% cheaper if the store has a promotion or discounts, as an option – holidays.

What factors influence the ranking

When compiling a rating and distributing the places that certain acid peels occupy in it, our experts take into account the following aspects:

1. Peeling type. We have tried to find for you drugs that are as safe as possible to use at home.

2. Release form, comfort of drug use.

3. The ratio of the cost of peeling and its effectiveness.

4. Opinions of women who have already used a particular cosmetic product.

5. The point of view of dermatologists, qualified cosmetologists.

The rating of acid peels, compiled by our experts, will help you save time when choosing a product and buy a product that will meet your expectations.

Rating of the best acid peels

Whitening peeling Natura Siberica with acids AHA/BHA Wild berries

Rating: 4.9

This acid peeling takes the first place in our rating, as it has an impressive composition. The formula of the drug contains lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids, which have a complex effect on the skin. Among the components of the product there are also panthenol, a variety of vegetable oils and extracts that contribute to the most rapid recovery of the skin.

In the reviews of women who used peeling, it is said that it has a dense, slightly viscous, creamy consistency that is completely imperceptible on the skin with barely noticeable particles. The drug does not dry out on the face, does not cause a feeling of tightness or burning, it is easily washed off without residue.

It is recommended to use acid peeling from the Natura Siberica brand 2 times a week for 5-7 minutes. The result is a feeling of renewed, incredibly smooth and delicate skin. As well as a natural uniform complexion, improving the condition of the dermis, which has traces of inflammation.

Azelique Age Refining Activated Charcoal & Clay Mask, with Azelaic Acid 

Rating: 4.8

The next position in our rating is a relatively expensive, but undoubtedly high-quality peeling in the form of a mask. The drug has a versatile effect and is able to improve the condition of both problematic and aging skin of any type. The product contains acids – glycolic and azelaic. As well as a set of other components useful for the epidermis. These are activated carbon and dirt-absorbing clay. And algae, hyaluronic acid, which increase the level of moisture. There are extracts from plants – green tea, cucumber, aloe.

According to user reviews, using an acid peeling mask is easy and comfortable. After drying, the drug causes a slight feeling of tightness and tingling, it is washed off without problems. Scrubbing particles additionally gently cleanse the surface of the face when washing, have an exfoliating effect. As a result, the skin after the mask becomes matte, velvety, smooth and toned, and black dots and pores are almost invisible on the face.

Natural peeling gel for face Planeta Organica

Rating: 4.7

The next position in our ranking is occupied by a gel peel, suitable for all skin types, even dry and sensitive. The tool is convenient to use, as it comes in the form of a spray can. Acid peeling is considered a budget tool, but it contains expensive AHA acids. As well as extract and enzyme from papaya, apple fiber, citric acid, lactic acid, enzyme from pineapple, extracts of bhringaraj, echinacea, sugar cane, licorice, lemon, rosemary. And oils – carrot seeds, macadamia, avocado, grape seed, guaiac tree, lime, olive, neem tree. And vitamins F, A.

If you read user reviews, you can find out that the product is applied for 10-15 minutes, does not dry out, and is easily washed off with water the first time. During the use of acid peeling, a burning sensation may occur, but it quickly passes. After washing off the product, redness does not occur, the skin becomes soft and smooth.

Ecco Bella Leave-On Invisible Exfoliant & Blemish Remedy

Rating: 4.7

On the next rung of our rating is a leave-in transparent cleanser for cleansing the skin and eliminating spots. The drug differs in that it contains a rare combination of AHA and BHA acids. Also, among the peeling components there is clay, extracts of oats, calendula, licorice, vitamins E, C. And essential oils of lavender, rosemary, pelargonium.

According to the reviews of women, the result of peeling is noticeable after the first use. The face looks fresh, the color is even, the relief improves, the pores are narrowed. If inflammation occurs on the skin, then they pass very quickly, in almost a few hours. The product can be applied to the skin every day (before going to bed), it is not necessary to wash it off.

Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum

Rating: 4.7

This Korean-made drug takes a place in our rating because, despite the rather high price, it contains as much as 8% glycolic acid. This is considered an excellent indicator for drugs that are intended for independent, home use. As part of the peeling, there are also preparations that contribute to the rapid restoration of the skin after the procedure – oils and fruit extracts.

According to user reviews, it is convenient to use the drug, which is facilitated by a bottle with a pipette and a button dispenser. The consistency of an acid peel is similar to water. It is distributed over the surface of the face easily and evenly. The result after the first use – the skin becomes smooth, the relief is evened out, wrinkles disappear, as well as peeling, oily sheen. The tone of the face is evened out, it becomes more natural, the spots are lightened.

Pixi Beauty Glow Peel Pads

Rating: 4.6

This place in our rating is occupied by an unusual acid peeling, which is available in the form of disks impregnated with a cosmetic preparation. The discs are in a plastic jar with a tight-fitting lid, so they don’t dry out between uses.

The peel contains a large amount of glycolic acid – 20%, lactic and salicylic acids. As well as additional components – retinyl palmitate, extracts of various plants.

According to user reviews, it is convenient to wipe the skin with impregnated cotton pads, nothing flows, there is no burning sensation, as well as feelings of tightness or irritation of the skin. One disc is enough to treat not only the face, but also the décolleté area. The drug is easily washed off with water 3-5 minutes after application.

The result of peeling is smooth, radiant, soft skin with a smoothed relief, narrowed pores. As well as a more even complexion, lightening pigmentation and post-acne, reducing the number of blackheads, pimples, comedones.

A’pieu AHA & BHA Aqua Peeling Cotton Swab

Rating: 4.5

The next position in our rating is occupied by an unusual product – cotton buds soaked in acid peeling. Our experts gave this drug last place solely because it is expensive. The effectiveness of the product is high and reviews about it are 95% positive.

In total, there are three types of impregnated cotton buds – MILD (5% AHA + 10% Lime); INTENSIVE (8% AHA + 10% Aloe); Two Step Black Head Swab. The first is suitable for delicate and sensitive skin, the second is for those who want to get a pronounced result, the third is a combination of acid peeling and blackhead patch.

According to user reviews, it is very easy to use the acid peel, which is impregnated with the tips of the wands. It is enough to remove the individual packaging, apply cotton wool over the face, wait 10 seconds until the preparation dries up, and the procedure is completed. The quality of impregnation allows you to apply not one, but two or even four layers of the product at a time, increasing the effectiveness of the drug.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.