Contents
Almond peeling is a chemical superficial peeling procedure. The active ingredient in the preparation is phenoxyglycolic acid or, in other words, mandelic acid, which is obtained by hydrolysis from bitter almond extract.
What is almond peeling
A feature of this type is the most gentle effect on the skin compared to other known peels, so the duration of the recovery period is virtually absent.
Mandelic acid belongs to the group of fruit acids (AHA) and stands out due to its molecular size – it is eight times larger than glycolic acid molecules. In this connection, the penetration of mandelic acid into the skin is a slow process and is fixed at the depth of the stratum corneum. Relative to other fruit acids, mandelic acid is much milder and absolutely harmless even for the most capricious and thin skin.
Almond peeling is conditionally divided into two types. Surface contains only mandelic acid, which, in turn, has a low concentration. After such a procedure, a rehabilitation period is not required.
Median almond peeling differs in composition. In addition to the main active ingredient in the form of mandelic acid, its peeling may also include other aggressive acids, such as: glycolic, salicylic or malic. The formula of the drug in this peeling already has a higher content of the main active ingredient. After the procedure, a short recovery period is required.
Benefits of almond peeling
- Exfoliation of dead cells and smoothing of the skin microrelief;
- reduction of oily sheen and narrowing of pores;
- dissolution of comedones (black dots);
- treatment of acne and more severe cystic acne;
- stimulation of the production of collagen and elastin, due to which there is a lifting effect;
- reduced visibility of pigmentation;
- suitable for all skin types: including even the thinnest and most sensitive;
- exfoliation can also be carried out on the body;
- the procedure is possible regardless of the season;
- suitable as a preparation for more aggressive procedures, such as laser resurfacing of the face.
Cons of almond peeling
- Burning, itching and peeling of the skin in the area of application.
These symptoms occur in a mild form and are considered normal after the almond peel procedure. You can relieve discomfort yourself by using a moisturizer or serum.
- Specific chemical smell.
The procedure for applying the drug is accompanied by a specific smell, which will need to be tolerated for 15 minutes.
- Short-lived result.
Almond peeling for the face does not have a long-lasting effect, so it takes time to go through the procedure in courses, which will be individually prescribed by a specialist.
There are a number of contraindications to performing almond peeling:
- skin microdamage (wounds, cracks);
- active inflammation;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- temperature;
- pregnancy;
- individual allergy to the components of the drug;
- skin burn;
- after sunburn.
How is the almond peel procedure performed?
The procedure consists of five main steps.
Pre-peeling
Like any other skin cleansing procedure, almond peeling begins with a preparatory stage. This stage must be carried out according to the recommendations of a cosmetologist.
For 2 weeks, a cream containing 15% phenoxyglycolic acid is applied immediately before bedtime. Additionally, you can use for washing in the morning (but not more than 3 times a week) – peeling gel with fruit acids, which will also help in the preparation and enhance the subsequent work of the cream.
The day before the almond peeling procedure, all helpers are canceled, and in between beauty sessions, apply a cream with 15% mandelic acid.
Cleansing and make-up removal
Cleansing of the skin from make-up occurs with the help of a special lotion with the inclusion of mandelic acid at a concentration of 10%.
Toning
The next step is to tone the skin to restore acid balance and degrease. This step is very important to avoid the conflict of active substances and to prevent redness. The composition of the tonic contains the same concentration.
Pre-peeling
In order to get the maximum effect from the procedure, a drug based on phenoxyglycolic, glycolic or lactic acids is first applied in a low concentration (up to 5%). It will also help the specialist determine the sensitivity of the skin to the components.
Peeling
A preparation is applied with a concentration of pure mandelic acid of 10% or more. The concentration is determined by the cosmetologist in accordance with the type and imperfections of the skin. The duration of the procedure is about 15-20 minutes.
Neutralization
For the process of neutralizing the work of mandelic acid, it is necessary to apply a special agent that can soften and exfoliate the stratum corneum of the skin. After application, it is washed off with cool water. Depending on the manufacturer of the drug and the concentration of the active substance, it is possible to exclude the neutralizer: it will be enough to wash with cool water, but this issue is decided at the discretion of the cosmetologist.
Moisturizing and soothing the skin
After such cleaning, it is necessary to soothe the skin. At the same time, a mask is applied for several minutes, followed by rinsing. A soothing cream with a healing effect can also serve as an alternative.
The conclusion after a session of almond peeling will be a delicate restoration of the skin with the help of some recommendations:
- skin cleansing should be carried out with the help of soft means: milk or foam;
- on an ongoing basis for a week, apply products aimed at soothing the skin – creams or serums;
- do not scrape off the scales that have appeared on your own;
- do not visit the bathhouse and abandon the gym for at least three weeks;
- do not stay in the sun without sunscreen.
Service price
The cost of one almond peeling procedure may vary depending on the preparation and the salon you have chosen.
On average, the cost is from 1500 to 6000 rubles.
It is also worth considering that it may be necessary to purchase additional moisturizers that will be needed after the procedure.
Where is held
Almond peeling is a gentle procedure, but it is a controlled chemical burn, so it must be done in the salon.
Only a competent cosmetologist is able to individually determine the course and correctly calculate the required amount of the drug for application to your skin type.
Can it be done at home
Despite the fact that the preparation for almond peeling is freely sold, you should not carry out this procedure yourself. Mandatory supervision of a specialist is required.
Before and after photos
Expert Reviews
Kristina Arnaudova, dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, researcher:
– Almond peeling is referred to as superficial gentle and, accordingly, all-weather peelings. This is due to the fact that, compared to other acids, mandelic acid molecules are quite large in size and they do not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and almost do not injure it, so renewal and cleansing of dead cells occurs delicately. This type of peeling is suitable even for sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions. But one of its biggest pluses is that it can be done even in summer.
Also, the advantages of almond peeling include the minimal risk of pigmentation after the procedure, even during the period of solar activity. In my work, I use almond peeling to prevent signs of premature aging, as well as in the presence of pigmentation, hyperkeratosis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne and to increase skin elasticity. In addition, he is able to properly prepare the skin for more traumatic procedures.
After the session, the skin looks healthy and radiant, and the complexion evens out. The rehabilitation period is minimal and passes without complications, after the procedure the skin does not require special care, but a feeling of dryness and further peeling may appear. When using moisturizers, these manifestations will not cause any discomfort. All the advantages of this procedure by no means cancel a number of contraindications, such as: pregnancy and lactation, the presence of inflammatory elements on the skin of the face and exacerbation of herpes infection, allergies to almonds. In general, the number of procedures is determined individually by a cosmetologist, as a rule, these are 4-6 procedures.