Deciding between a peel vs. physical exfoliator and what may be best for you? As we have more and more options in the world of acids we wanted to outline the treatment benefits of the at-home peel ingredients to look out for. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which is right for you.

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So why peel you ask? Peels can be a nice addition to your regimen because they are not physical exfoliants, which can, if over used cause redness, dryness and irritated skin. A peel is a gentler way to exfoliate during the winter. Peels work by dissolving the top layer/layers of skin, depending on the type of acid, to get the ‘repair’ started. Certain acids such as Lactic, are safe for sensitive skin as they pull moisture to the surface.

Peels are more effective during your 20’s and 30’s, whereas retinoids are better after 40. Acids are different than retinoids. Retinoids cause inflammation to get the skin to regenerate, whereas acids dissolve dead skin cells on the top layers of skin.

A few things to now about peels are :

  • Peels are good for sensitive skin instead of physical scrubs because there is no abrasion.
  • Lower strength acids are less aggravating.
  • Most store bought peels only go up to 10-20% acid, while aggressive in-office peels can be up to 70%.
  • A good peel should tingle but not burn-not. It should not cause redness or dusting(unless in-office)
  • Skin will glow after a peel.

The Acids

Glycolic Acid

  • regenerates collagen
  • smallest molecule-penetrates the deepest
  • thickens epidermis
  • evens out skin tone
  • can be very aggressive
  • derived from sugar

Our favorite Glycolic Acid peel: Sunday Riley’s Good Genes

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Lactic Acid

  • derived from sour milk
  • 2nd smallest molecular
  • more gentle than glycolic
  • removes dead skin cells
  • hydrating (pulls moisture up to top layer of skin)

Our favorite Lactic Acid peel: Goldfaden MD’s Fresh A Peel 

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The Fruit Acids

  • can be citric acid- derived from lemon or grapefruit
  • can be malic acid- derived from apples
  • peels upper surface layer of skin
  • usually combined with glycolic or lactic to be more intense/effective

Salicylic 

  • beta hydroxy
  • treats acne
  • unclogs pores

 TCA (Trichoroacetic acid)

  • can be very intense
  • can days to recover
  • actual peeling skin
  • SPF needed for months after
  • usually performed in office
  • recommended for darker skin individuals
  • helps with pigmentation issues

There are so many wonderful options for peels today! Think about what your skin concerns are and then try a few different types of peels. For a few weeks try pads and then switch to a liquid, one step peel. Sometimes discovering what is best for your skin can be trial and error, so go easy if it is strong acid, as you do not want to overdo.

Happy peeling!

 

 

 

Dr.GLL

Cutting-edge science and research is unlocking the secrets (and amazing benefits) of topical anti-aging technologies, but what does that mean for us? With so many questions arising about when to start using anti-aging skincare, what products to select and what ingredients to look for, we had a chance to sit down with Dr. Goldfaden, Dermatologist and ingredient expert, and get his thoughts and recomendations on some of the most common questions related to skincare today.

When should we begin to use anti-aging skincare products?

Protecting your skin from UVA/UVB damage through the daily use of a sunscreen and starting a proper and preventative skincare regimen that consists of: exfoliation, cleansing, an anti-oxidant rich serum, moisturizer and an eye treatment in your early-20’s is vital to keeping your skin line-free, pigmentation and the loss of elasticity at bay. We all want that fresh, luminescent and radiant skin forever and starting on a regular anti-aging regimen in your 20’s makes such a huge impact on the overall health of the skin. Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

What are your top tips for keeping skin young?

Exfoliation is key – You would be surprised how much smoother and brighter just one exfoliating treatment can do for your skin. Regular exfoliation also allows topical products, particularly super potent treatment serums, applied onto the skin afterwards to penetrate deeper, increasing the overall treatment. Never leave home without applying a sun screen – it is essential to keeping ourselves protected from free radical damage and skin cancer. Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

What are some effective ingredients to look for?

Some of the ingredients that I often lean on to incorporate into our formulas, due to their potent benefits on the skin, include skin plumping hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory vitamin K and Arnica, skin brightening alpha arbutin and gooseberry berry extract, skin exfoliating ruby crystals, collagen boosting retinoids, antioxidant rich tea, plant and fruit extracts. Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

What about supplements and our diet in general? How can those help?

Clear and glowing skin starts from the inside. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, the most beneficial is Salmon (this is a great feature on all of the health benefits that Salmon offers from Live Strong), can greatly reduce inflammation, reduce dryness and increase circulation – a key attribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Daily consumption of vitamins specifically my favorite vitamin – Vitamin D and an overall multi-vitamin greatly impacts your overall health. Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

Can you share some of your favorite anti-aging products?

based – penetrate deep into the dermis levels of the skin for the ultimate topical nourishing skin treatments. Serums offer a potent jolt to the skin that typically target specific problems to offer the highest levels of treatment in a topical product. Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

Screenshot 2014-01-14 22.21.41The uphill battle towards a clear and even complexion (hyper-pigmentation FREE) is now achievable with GOLDFADEN MD’s new product launches hitting their lineup this month. We had a chance to sit down with Dr. Goldfaden to get his thoughts, inspirations and inside motivations behind the development of these two new products.

Just in time for the Spring, these two NEW supercharged anti-aging products from GOLDFADEN MD aimed at brightening the complexion deliver glowing results.

Fresh A Peel. The non-irritating multi-acid resurfacing peel is designed to rejuvenate the skin by reducing the appearance of imperfections, including hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores, revealing a fresh and radiant milky complexion.

Promoting a tighter, smoother, younger-looking complexion, the all-natural Fresh A Peel features GOLDFADEN MD’s signature antioxidant-rich Multi-Fruit Enzyme Complex, a blend of Lemon, Orange and Bilberry Extracts that naturally and effectively brighten the skin while reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Multi-faceted Lactic Acid improves the skin’s overall texture by moisturizing and sloughing off dead surface skin cells to prevent acne, impurities and future breakouts, while promoting collagen growth to prevent the signs of aging. Rounding out the powerful ingredient combinations Sugar Cane Extract, a natural exfoliator that helps to eliminate blemishes and restore balance to oily skin.

Fresh A Peel offers all the benefits of an in-office peel without any of the harsh side effects and no down time. Everyone should be able to have a peel to reveal glowing skin—even the most sensitive of skin types,” says Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden.

Formulated for even the most sensitive skin, simply dispense a small amount of gel to your fingertips and smooth over entire face, neck and décolleté. Leave on for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on tolerance, and rinse off with cool water once skin starts to tingle. Fresh A Peel can be used 2-3 times per week, resulting in skin that becomes softer, smoother, firmer and more even toned. Make sure to use a daily sunscreen, like GOLDFADEN MD’s Sun Visor, as skin is more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays.

Say goodbye to those hyper pigmentation spots for good. This triple-threat wonder benefits even the most sensitive skin, Dr. Goldfaden’s potent Light Treatment is formulated with natural skin-lightener, Alpha Arbutin, to effectively fade discoloration from hyperpigmented spots caused by sun damage, blemishes and scarring. Organic Red Tea Extract and Oil of Grapefruit synergistically work to resurface, protect and brighten providing an even overall skin tone, while Hyaluronic Acid hydrates from within for a softer, plumper appearance.

Light Treatment has been formulated to safely use every day to help correct dark spots and uneven skin tone due to hyperpigmentation. Apply a liberal amount on cleansed skin to targeted problem areas under your daily moisturizer. Visible results can be seen in 2-3 weeks.

Flawless skin IS attainable!