Exfoliating active ingredients

Active ingredients such as salicylic or glycolic acid have an exfoliating effect – which means they gently remove the top layer of skin in order to restore the skin’s moisture balance and promote its regeneration. When choosing a peeling product, you should make sure that the active exfoliating ingredient suits your skin type.

Exfoliants – the basics

In general, there are three types of peels. There are mechanical scrubs, enzyme peels and fruit acid peels. Mechanical scrubs contain abrasive grains that remove dead skin cells. Enzyme peels contain plant enzymes such as bromelain or papain, which are extracted from pineapple or papaya. Fruit acid peels, on the other hand, are based on alpha (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA).

Lactic acid

Lactic acid has a temporary skin-lightening effect and is therefore often used to balance uneven skin tone. You should use a lactic acid peel every one to two weeks to remove dead skin cells and tighten the pores. Lactic acid also stimulates cell renewal and ensures that skin care products can penetrate deeper into the skin.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and has anti-inflammatory properties. Peelings with salicylic acid are therefore a good choice for skin that’s prone to acne or blemishes. The active ingredient cleanses the skin thoroughly and also minimises the signs of pigmentation spots. Oily, blemished skin benefits most from exfoliation with salicylic acid.

Azelaic acid

The highly potent azelaic acid is used to combat acne and rosacea. In nature, the acid is found in grasses and cereals. In cosmetics it is found in creams and serums. Products containing azelaic acid are also recommended for hyperpigmentation or redness. Azelaic acid supports cell renewal as an exfoliant.

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Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It gently removes dead skin cells to reveal glowing skin underneath. Exfoliating with glycolic acid removes excess sebum from the pores, which is particularly beneficial for skin that’s prone to blemishes.