A chemical peel (English: Chemical Peeling) is originally a purely cosmetic treatment in which a solution of various acids is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells. This can lead to smooth, radiant skin and can help in the treatment of acne, hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and fine lines.

Fruit acids include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural acids originally come from fruits, milk, or sugar cane. In skincare, acids such as AHAs are used to exfoliate the skin. Known AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. A fruit acid peel for the face exfoliates the top layer of skin, can promote cell renewal, and improve skin texture. In addition to AHAs, there are other hydroxy acids used in chemical facial peels:

• Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs): A well-known example is salicylic acid. This fruit acid penetrates deep into the pores, dissolves excess sebum, and is particularly suitable for skin prone to impurities and acne.
  
  
• Poly-Hydroxy-Acids (PHAs): Gluconolactone for example is a gentle acid known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. PHAs are ideal for sensitive skin, as they are less irritating.

These different acids each offer different BENEFITS for the skin and can be specifically combined to treat various skin conditions.

The combination of AHA, PHA, and BHA exfoliates the skin on three levels. PHA gently exfoliates the surface, AHA promotes cell renewal in deeper skin layers, and BHA combats impurities. The result is smooth and radiant skin.

With a total of 25% hydroxyl acids, our chemical peel provides intense skin renewal. 13% AHA, 10% PHA, and 2% BHA deliver quick and visible results for a fresh complexion. This high-dose formulation is effective without being aggressive. The formulation can also reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates the pores and fights impurities. It can be used as a supportive treatment for acne and helps to refine the complexion. AHAs additionally support the reduction of acne marks and can make the skin tone appear more even.

10% pre- and postbiotics strengthen the skin barrier, soothe and hydrate the skin, and support the skin microbiome. Arginine can additionally contribute to hydration and relieve irritation. This care is especially important after the application of a fruit acid peel on the face, to soothe and protect the skin.

The ACTIVE ACIDS Exfoliating Solution contains a powerful combination of 13% AHA (lactic acid and glycolic acid), 10% PHA (gluconolactone), and 2% BHA (salicylic acid). These hydroxy acids work on different levels of the skin:

• AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids): These act on the outermost layer of the skin, dissolving dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal in deeper layers. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are known for improving skin texture and evening out skin tone.
  
• PHAs (Poly-Hydroxy-Acids): Gluconolactone is a gentle acid that hydrates the skin while also exfoliating it superficially. PHAs are ideal for sensitive skin as they are less irritating.
  
• BHAs (Beta-Hydroxy-Acids): Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, dissolves excess sebum, and prevents impurities. It is particularly effective for impure skin.

Mechanical or physical peels use abrasive particles to physically exfoliate the skin, while chemical peels use acids to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. Chemical peels are often gentler and more even in application. Mechanical peels can irritate the skin and cause micro-tears if used improperly, whereas chemical peels work more evenly and in a controlled manner, leading to fewer skin irritations.

Highly concentrated fruit acid peels from cosmetic brands, which contain up to 30% AHAs alone, are particularly effective but can cause significant irritation to the skin. Therefore, we rely on a balanced 25% hydroxy acid combination of 13% AHAs, 10% PHAs, and 2% BHAs in the Active Acids Exfoliating Solution. These application concentrations provide effective exfoliation without unnecessarily stressing the skin.

The formulation of the Active Acids Exfoliating Solution contains approximately 10% AHAs, consisting of glycolic acid and lactic acid. These acids help to exfoliate the top layer of skin and improve skin texture. While other chemical peels contain up to 30% AHAs, we at DR. EMI ARPA SKIN prefer a moderate yet effective concentration to avoid strong irritation.

Also included are 10% of Gluconolactone (PHA), which provide gentle exfoliation and intense hydration. PHAs are less irritating than other hydroxy acids and yet effective.

Active Acids Exfoliating Solution also contains 2% BHA in the form of salicylic acid. This concentration is the legally prescribed maximum concentration for cosmetic facial care products and is particularly effective in treating impurities.

1. Preparation: First, thoroughly cleanse the skin to remove dirt and oil, for example with the The Ten Out Of Ten Gel Cleanser. Then dry the face well.
   
   
2. Peeling: Apply the Active Acids Exfoliating Solution thinly to clean and dry skin.   For precise and clean application, the Precision Pro Treatment Brush should be used. Avoid the lip and eye area. The exposure time is 1–3 minutes for the first application. For advanced users, the exposure time can be gradually increased to a maximum of 10 minutes.
   
   
3. Cleaning: After the exposure time, rinse the peeling thoroughly with lukewarm water.
   
   
4. Moisturizing Care: Finally, apply a moisturizer like the Barrier Boost CPA Barrier Cream to strengthen the skin barrier.
   
   
5. Sunscreen: The next morning and on the following days, a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 50) should always be used, and direct sunlight should be avoided, as hydroxy acids can make the skin more sensitive to light.

NOTE: Protection from the sun after a fruit acid peel

During the application of Active Acids Exfoliating Solution, some individuals may experience a slight tingling sensation – a sign that the acids are working. After washing, the skin may appear slightly red. Don't worry, this redness usually subsides quickly and by the next morning it is completely gone, so your skin looks fresh, radiant, and rejuvenated.

After using a fruit acid peel, it is especially important to protect the skin from the sun. Fruit acid peels, like AHA peels, contain acids that exfoliate the top layer of skin and can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. This is especially true for the face, as these areas are most often exposed to the sun.

After a chemical peel, a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 50) should definitely be used. This protects the freshly exfoliated skin from UV rays and prevents damage such as sunburn and hyperpigmentation. It is advisable to avoid the sun as much as possible in the following days.

Chemical Peels offer numerous benefits for the skin, including fruit acid peels. They exfoliate the top layer of skin, promote cell renewal, and improve skin texture. Active Acids Exfoliating Solution combines the positive properties of AHAs, PHAs, and BHAs to renew and revitalize the skin. With the right application and subsequent care, a smooth complexion with an immediate glow can be achieved.