CHEMICAL PEELS

How Salicylic Acid Works in Chemical Peels

Whether you suffer from breakouts or simply wish to improve your complexion, chemical peels are an excellent means of attaining clean, beautiful skin. But what exactly makes chemical peels so effective? The answer is salicylic acid.

At the Troy, MI-area’s AMAE Med Spa, board certified chemical peel expert Dr. Ali provides patient with cleaner, clearer skin through the best chemical peel treatments available on the market.

In this article, we will discuss how salicylic acid makes chemical peels such an effective line of defence in the battle for clean skin, and why it’s such a popular choice for use in Chemical Peels.

Why Is Salicylic Acid Used in Chemical Peels

The two classes of acids present in most skin-care products such as chemical peels are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). In alpha hydroxy acids, the “hydroxy” component of the molecule and the acid component of the molecule are separated by a single carbon atom.

In beta hydroxy acids, on the other hand, the “hydroxy” component of the molecule is separated from the acid component by two atoms of carbon. Salicylic acid, an ingredient in many chemical peels, falls into the latter category. Salicylic acid belongs to a class of ingredients called salicylates, and is derived from the bark of willow trees.

Difference Between Salicylic Acid & Other Acids in Chemical Peels

While both AHAs and BHAs have exfoliating properties, AHAs are water-soluble, whereas BHAs are oil soluble. As such, BHAs are commonly used in chemical peels, as their oil-solubility makes for easier penetration of the skin’s pores. In addition to salicylic acid ther BHAs frequently found in chemical peels are glycolic and lactic acids.

It is easier for oil-soluble ingredients to penetrate the lipid layers between skin cells than it is for something water-soluble. While AHAs are effective in treating dead skin on the surface, the deep-penetrating, pore-unclogging properties of BHAs like salicylic acid are perfect for use in chemical peels.

Salicylic Acids Exfoliates in Chemical Peels

Thanks to its ability to deeply penetrate the layers of the skin, salicylic acid makes for an ideal chemical peel ingredient. When implemented in a chemical peel, salicylic acid causes pore-clogging skin debris to dissolve. Additionally, salicylic acid helps minimize the redness of pimples due to its ability to act as an anti-inflammatory. For these reasons, salicylic acid is a crucial ingredient in many chemical peels.

When included in a chemical peel, salicylic acid is able to penetrate the skin deeply enough to break down the connections between cells of the skin. This property gives chemical peels containing the ingredient their ability to exfoliate. Salicylic acid is what is known as a keratolytic medication, a class of medications that cause the top layer of skin cells to soften. As such, keratolytic medications are often found in chemical peels.

The exfoliation properties found in chemical peels are emphasized by salicylic acid’s ability to perform desmolytic action. The attachments between cells in the skin’s outer layer are called desmosomes. Salicylic acid has the ability to cause desmosomes to loosen and break apart. During this stage of the chemical peel, pores are unclogged, and exfoliation is promoted.

Troy, MI’s Best Chemical Peels

As the premier medical spa in the Troy, MI area, AMAE Med Spa implements the latest in chemical peel technology to provide patients with top-of-the-line care. Board-certified plastic surgeon and chemical peel expert Dr. Ali and licensed medical aesthetician Our Aestheticians will help you decide which type of chemical peel can best reach your specific skincare goals.

At our Troy, Mi area Med Spa we offer the absolute best technologies in anti-aging facials and peels. Schedule a consultation to see which type of facial or peel is best for your skin type and beauty goals. Then relax in our Birmingham MedSpa, while Our Aestheticians makes you look and feel younger and even more beautiful!

Schedule a Chemical Peel at our Troy, MI area: 248.335.7200