Have you been looking for a peel best for all skin types, especially sensitive? A peel that requires no down time and no pre or post procedure skincare adjustments? We are happy to share we have this dream peel for your spa!
We will take a closer look at the NEW Ultraceuticals PHA Refining Solution, which is a new and exciting peel offering in the arsenal of performance treatment options. Chemical exfoliation is essential to dissolve dead skin cells that may be leading to clogged pores, dull complexion and dehydrated looking skin. Some of the most common types of chemical exfoliation include AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids), BHA’s (beta-hydroxy acids) and PHA’s (poly-hydroxy acids), which are a newly discovered form of chemical exfoliation. PHA’s can be more universally tolerated and has many benefits such as minimal to no irritation or downtime.
PHA (Poly-hydroxy acid) is a member of the AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) family and is a gentle chemical exfoliant. PHA’s help hydrate the skin, boost cell regeneration and repair sun damage. It is safe for all skin types, especially oil rich, acne prone and sensitive skin. PHA’s have a much larger molecular size, therefore will not penetrate the skin as deeply as AHA’s such as glycolic or lactic acid. PHA’s work on the outer layers of the skin. The benefits of PHA’s include, non-irritating, hydrating because of their humectant properties, anti-inflammatory because of their antioxidant properties, and will fight glycation. The most common forms are gluconolactone, galactose, and lactobionic acid.
PHA’s are similar to AHA’s but are more superficial and less irritating. In addition to exfoliating benefits, PHA’s also help to strengthen the barrier function of the skin, because of humectant and antioxidant properties. They are a lighter peeling agent that is more user friendly and therefore great for a more dry and sensitive skin type. Also, this is a great peel for a first time peeler, or someone who wants a peel but is regularly using retinols or other acids in their daily skin care routine.
AHA’s such as lactic, citric and glycolic acids work to refine surface texture, think pacman; they work to slowly eat away the top layers of the skin to reveal skin underneath. AHA’s have a smaller molecular structure, and therefore can be more intense and go deeper into skin.
BHA’s, such as salicylic acid, work to clean out pores, therefore great for an oily, or acne prone skin type. They have a slightly larger molecular structure than AHA’s, so will not go as deep into the skin
There are minimal to no negative side effects of PHA’s, because they stay on the superficial layer of the skin as they gently exfoliate. we say minimal only because for a very sensitive skin or a skin with rosacea or eczema is going to be more reactive to any type of acids on the skin.
PHA’s are best used in formulas that sit on the skin for a longer period of time, because they penetrate more slowly and to allow them to work their magic to exfoliate and hydrate the skin. Another advantage of PHA’s is their versatility, they can be combined with other ingredients because of how gentle they are. For this reason, they can address more than one skin condition.
Ultraceuticals has a new peel called the PHA Refining Solution. In this formulation, the PHA used is gluconolactone, which is the gentle exfoliator that has both hydrating and antioxidant properties as well. There is also panthenol, which is a form of vitamin B5, which acts as a moisturizer, improving stratum corneum hydration and helps the skin retain moisture. It also helps support barrier function, while soothing and calming the skin. There is also Sodium Hyaluronate, which is the sodium salt version of hyaluronic acid, one of the major components of the skin. This will retain moisture, acting as a “molecular sponge” to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water. This form is a high molecular weight, so it will hold the moisture at the epidermal, top layer, for the NMF (natural moisturizing factor) in the skin. This type of hyaluronic acid will also soothe and calm the skin. This lovely combination of gluconolactone, panthenol and HMW hyaluronic acid provides a gentle peel that is ideal for all skin types, but especially sensitive skin.
The panel testing results on the new Ultraceuticals PHA peel showed glowing reviews. 100% of panelists reported that the peel effectively cleaned and exfoliated their skin, left the skin feeling supple, instantly smoothed skin’s texture, left the skin feeling rejuvenated and brighter. 90% of the panelists thought that their skin was more luminous and glowing, and 80% of the panelists thought that the peel instantly reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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