Do acid peels need to be washed off?

Indeed, acid peels are a big deal in the beauty world. Today, there isn’t a skincare product that doesn’t contain one of the popular members of the AHA and BHA families. However, acids should not be used lightly or carelessly. Choosing the wrong product for your skin type can lead to various skin irritations. Therefore, we always recommend that you consult your GP or dermatologist if you are considering adding acids to your routine. Once you find the right formula, you will notice that your skin becomes smoother, clearer, and more radiant.

Admittedly, acid peels can be confusing, especially when they are included in various skincare products. That’s why today we’re here to provide some clarification and help you understand better so that you can confidently add acid peels to your daily skin care routine right away.

What are acid peels?

Acid peels are powerful chemical skin ingredients that work on the skin by loosening dead skin cells and removing the bonds between skin cells. They remove deposits to reveal brighter, healthier skin. There are two main types of acid peels: alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA). Both work on the skin in similar ways, producing effects that combat signs of aging, congestion, blemishes, dullness, and uneven skin tone. The wide variety of acids in this family means there’s one for nearly every skin type, from lactic acid for dry skin to salicylic acid for acne-prone skin.

As they’ve grown in popularity in recent years, you can see these active ingredients incorporated into a ton of skincare products, such as face washes, toners, and serums. Acid peels are known to promote optimal penetration of nourishing serums, facial oils, and other treatments if you want the best results from your overall skincare routine.

If you’d like to learn more about the most commonly used acid peels, you can check out our dedicated guide on the skincare benefits of AHAs and BHAs on our blog. Of course, we didn’t forget about you with sensitive skin, either. Polyhydroxy acids can help you combat skin concerns without the known side effects of their stronger cousins. You can also learn more about their skincare benefits in one of our latest blog posts.

How do acid peels work on the skin?

Acid peels remove the buildup of dead skin cells that can cause skin problems like spots, flaking skin, and dull complexion. Here are some examples of the main benefits of acid peels:

Acid peels fight the buildup of dead skin cells that can make skin look dull.

Acid peels remove cells so that other skincare products can better penetrate the skin and work more effectively.

Acid peels contain antioxidants that provide additional protection to the skin barrier from free radical damage caused by daily environmental aggressors.

Acid peels support skin cell turnover for a brighter, younger look.

Acid peels target clogged pores and remove all traces of bacteria and buildup that can cause uneven texture and blemishes like blackheads.

Acid peels can support the production of collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the skin, reducing signs of aging.

Some acid peels are humectants, meaning they lock in moisture from the surrounding air, keeping the skin hydrated.

Here’s an overview of the benefits you can expect from using acids. Exfoliants, we understand how daunting it can be to use skincare products that contain acidic ingredients. That’s why we’re now going to give you some advice on how to use these products correctly.

Do you wash off chemical peels?

Yes and no, it really depends on the type of product you use that contains acidic exfoliants. That being said, if you want faster results on your skin, opt for serums, face oils, and nighttime treatments so that the ingredients stay on the skin longer and have a greater effect on the skin. Other products, such as face washes and cleansers, are the least effective, as they only stay on the skin for a short time. Acid toners are another product that can affect your skin. The potency of the acids in toner formulas is usually quite high and has the biggest impact on the effectiveness of the rest of your daily skincare routine.

Face wash = rinse

Acid toner = let it work

Face serum = leave it on

Face oil = let it work

Overnight treatment = rinse off the next morning

Mask = rinse off as directed

Remember the previous points in this article, when adding acids to your routine, it’s important to make sure you’re using the right acid for your skin type. You can find out what skin type you have in our blog on the 4 most common skin types. Here are some examples of the best acid peels for different skin types:

Sensitive skin types:

PHAs

Always consult your GP, dermatologist or medical professional for advice on incorporating acids into your daily routine. Always do a 24-hour patch test before using any product on your skin

Dry skin types:

PHAs

AHAs such as B, Lactic Acid

Please note that the above advice also applies to dry skin types.

Combination skin types:

AHAs such as Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C

BHAs such as B, Salicylic Acid

Remember to patch test daily and wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to protect against sun damage caused by UV rays

Oily skin types:

BHAs such as B, Salicylic Acid

AHAs such as B. Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C

Use SPF sunscreen daily and be careful not to overuse acid peels as this can strip oils from the skin and increase sebum production

Did you wash off your exfoliating serum?

There is no need to wash off an exfoliating serum or similar skincare products. Generally, serums work best on the skin when they are left on for as long as possible. Therefore, washing off an exfoliating serum will cause it to be ineffective on the skin and fail to address the issues you are trying to address. Since acid peels can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage, we also recommend using exfoliating serums at night to allow the ingredients to penetrate deeper without having to worry about UV exposure. You may also find that serums are more effective if you use them at night, as other free radicals are not produced during the day, such as from: B. Pollution, central heating, and environmental sources of contamination.

What to do after an acid peel?

After using an acid peel, the skin’s natural barrier needs to be kept balanced and calm to avoid irritation. That’s why you’ll get the best results with a skincare routine that includes a cocktail of replenishing ingredients. Using a gel-like serum enriched with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide will lock in moisture, keeping your newly exfoliated skin soft and hydrated. As we’ve already stressed, daily SPF is a must to keep your skin healthy and happy. Occasional skin care treatments, such as a night mask or professional facial, are ideal for additional skin regeneration and nourishment.

If you have any questions about acid peels, please contact us via our Instagram. Don’t miss more skincare tips and expert advice on our YouTube channel! Click the “Subscribe” button to visit our green couch. You won’t regret it!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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