AHA and BHA products:

Chemical exfoliation products usually contain natural acids which are derived from fruits or milk and help to dissolve the “glue” between skin surface and dead cells layer.

Chemical skin peels usually contain following acids:

• AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acids – such acids as Lactic acid (derived from sour milk), Malic acid (derived from apples), Glycolic acid (from sugar cane) and Tartaric acid (from grapes).
To be the most effective an exfoliatior should contain about 5-20% of AHA and it’s pH should be 3-4, after pH level of 4.5 the effectiveness of AHAs declines.

• BHA - Beta Hydroxy Acids – usually it is salicylic acid (derived from sweet birch). BHA in contrast to AHA is oil soluble.
Exfoliation product should contain 1-2% of BHA and have a Ph about 3.

Glycolic and lactic AHA products are the most common used chemical peels because they quite easily move away dead cells and also can stimulate collagen production in the skin and remove such imperfections as pigmental spots and fine lines when are used in higher concentrations.

It’s better to use AHA chemical peels treating normal to dry skin type, thick skin and sun damaged skin. Since BHA is oil soluble, it’s best suited to oily type skin, acne type skin and skin with blackheads and blemishes. Using your AHA and BHA chemical peels make sure they don’t irritate your skin too much and try not to use them more often than 2-3 times a week.

Enzyme products and Chemical peels:

Also there is one more Chemical Exfoliation method known as Enzyme exfoliation. Enzyme exfoliation is the most suitable for sensitive skin and dark skin.

Chemical peels contain high concentration of lactic and glycolic acids and give you quicker and better results, but they must be done by done by a qualified person because they have some risks for most of the people.

All these methods of skin exfoliation should be used after your skin has been cleaned and dried and should always be followed by sunscreen.