products: pro treatments : acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) vs. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

Both AHAs and BHAs are wonderful exfoliants. The main difference between AHAs and BHAs is that AHAs are water soluble while BHAs are lipid (oil) soluble. Being oil soluble allows beta hydroxy acid to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. Therefore, BHAs work better on oily and acne skin. AHAs work better on skin where breakouts are not a problem.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Peels - 30% Glycolic Acid and 30% Lactic Acid

Traditional AHAs leave skin exfoliated and irritated. We have added soothing and calming plant extracts to reduce the irritating effects commonly associated with AHAs. Formulas include aloe vera, green tea, sodium hyaluronae, comfrey, and sodium PCA. We also use a gelling agent to make application with a brush or a cotton Q-tip easier and to help buffer the irritation of the AHAs. Skin benefits include cellular regeneration, smoothing out of fine lines, and overall clarification of the complexion. Generally, glycolics work best on oily, acne skin while lactics work best on dryer, mature, and more sensitive skin types. Our bottles say 4 oz but are filled with 5 oz.

Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Peel - 20% Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid, the most popular beta hydroxy acid, is derived from acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties, and salicylic acid retains many of these anti-inflammatory properties so it does not leave the skin as irritated AHAs. It will have more of a burning sensation and must be used with caution.

Instructions For Performing a Peel:

• Client must use Alpha Beta X at home for at least 2 weeks prior to a professional peel treatment.
• Client must use sunscreen daily.
• Clinet must complete consent form.
• Continually check in with client as to level of tingling or burning. Ask client, “On a scale of 1 to 10 how strong is the feeling?”