The Peeling Guide
How to properly use the stars of skin care
They are the stars of skin care and yet still underestimated: Peelings. Their basic task is to remove dead skin cells and dirt. This is the only way to reveal new, glowing skin. In addition, the skin is ideally prepared for the subsequent care, i.e. it is more receptive. Long gone are the days when you had to visit a beautician for this - at-home peels are gentler, less time-consuming and just as strong a glow guarantor for your skin - we promise!
The beauty market today offers many different forms of peels, which can quickly overwhelm one or the other. We'll give you an overview as well as product recommendations that you'll thank us for later.
Enzyme peelings
They are particularly popular because they are very gentle on the skin. Classic enzyme peelings rely on purely natural fruit enzymes from kiwi, papays or pineapple, for example. The molecules break down the proteins that hold the cells of the horny layers together. Since the formulations only act on the surface of the skin, they can be used confidently several times a week. Dry, blemished and sensitive skin in particular benefit from enzyme peels.
DR. BARBARA STURM – ENZYME CLEANSER
The Enzyme Cleanser is a true all-rounder and serves both as a cleansing foam and as an enzyme peeling. The gossamer powder texture transforms into a delicate foam on contact with water, gently and thoroughly cleansing the skin. An active ingredient combination of vitamin C and the enzymes subtilisin and lipase gently exfoliates dry, rough skin cells and makeup, while helping to reduce the production of excess sebum and leaving skin radiant.
SUSANNE KAUFMANN – ENZYME EXFOLIATOR
This gently cleansing facial scrub smoothes the skin and leaves it feeling soft. Mild fruit acids and Ectoin brighten the complexion, while natural enzymes from kiwi, papaya and apple extracts clarify and cleanse deep into the pores. Intensive care for dry skin is provided by fenugreek extract and a ferment from algae and white lupine. A valuable care complex that soothes and strengthens sensitive skin.
MARIO BADESCU – ENZYME CLEANSING GEL
The best-selling cleanser for every day! This non-foaming cleansing gel thoroughly removes make-up, dirt and oil without drying the skin. Papaya and grapefruit extracts contain alpha hydroxy acids that help remove dead skin cells that make skin look dull and promote the appearance of blackheads and blemishes.
GROWN ALCHEMIST – ENZYME FACIAL EXFOLIANT
A gentle and completely granule-free exfoliant that improves skin tone and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. The complex blend of fruit extracts moisturizes the skin while gently removing dead skin cells. The peel can also be applied around the eyes and is suitable even for sensitive skin.
Chemical Peelings
Chemical peels work with various acids and are true wonder weapons. They come in liquid form and are based on the leave-on principle, so they remain on the skin before the subsequent care is applied. Skin reactions such as tingling or slight redness are no reason to panic, only if they persist for a longer period of time, you should discontinue the application. During the day, a high level of sun protection is recommended, as acids make the skin sensitive to light. The most important (and best!) acids at a glance:
- AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) is a fruit acid and is found, for example, in glycolic, almond or lactic acid. The acids are particularly gentle on blemished skin, scars, wrinkles, clogged pores and hyperpymentation. Tip: Approach the application slowly by starting with a dosage of 2% and then increasing up to 10%. Dry and sensitive skin in particular should reach for AHA.
PESTLE & MORTAR – EXFOLIATE ACID TONER
A gentle but effective toner with glycolic acid. This evens out skin tone, refines the appearance of pores and promotes cell renewal. With an acid content of 6.8% and a pH of 3.8, the formula is suitable for all skin types and offers visible benefits. Dull, tired skin is revitalized and looks noticeably brighter and younger.
- BHA (beta hydroxy acid) refers to the very well-known salicylic acid and is ideal for oily, blemished skin. Due to the fact that the acid has a fat-binding effect, the pores are deeply cleaned out. In addition, salicylic acid has a particularly soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and can even be used for acne. Because of the molecular size of the acid, which penetrates less deeply into the skin, peels with BHA are considered weaker than the alternative AHA peels.
PAULA'S CHOICE – SKIN PERFECTING BHA LIQUID EXFOLIANT
Undisputed best seller of the complete Paulas Choice range! Effective BHA leave-on peel is ideal for combination and oily skin prone to blemishes and blackheads. The liquid active ingredient formula is quickly absorbed, removes dead skin cells and clarifies the appearance of pores.
- PHA (poly hydroxy acid) is one of the newcomers to the beauty market and is also great for sensitives and candidates who have reactions with AHA and BHA. PHA's include the likes of lactobionic acid and gluconolactone, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, smoothing fine lines and boosting skin elasticity.
LIXIR SKIN – NIGHT SWITCH PHA / AHA
A clarifying, clean serum with various acids - including PHA. Gradually reduces fine lines, pore size and imperfections, and age spots.
Mechanical Peelings
Mechanical peels work with fine, now mostly biodegradable particles of sugar, rice or sea salt, for example. We massage these over our skin with gentle pressure, which stimulates circulation , erases impurities and turns on the glow. This form of peel can be used all over the body without any problems - especially for the back (keyword: back acne) a real skinchanger! Our recommendation: suitable for normal, oily and dry skin, those struggling with inflammation or rosacea should skip these areas when exfoliating.
MALIN + GOETZ – JOJOBA FACE SCRUB
This gentle facial scrub thoroughly removes dull, dry skin and excess oil. The spherical, biodegradable jojoba microbeads are blended with natural rice powder and microcrystalline cellulose to physically exfoliate the skin's surface and leave skin looking healthier.
GOOP – GOOPGLOW MICRODERM EXFOLIANT
The airy, marshmallow-like formula is enriched with four powerful micro-exfoliating minerals (quartz, garnet, alumina and silica) and glycolic acid to remove dry, dead skin cells and refine pore texture for softer, smoother and more radiant skin.
The combination of mineral-rich French clay, mild cleansing agents and fine particles of blackcurrant seeds is guaranteed to be effective and efficient. Mild and nourishing for daily use.
Peeling Patches
New peelings in the form of patches are particularly practical and easy to use. The patches, soaked in various acid formulations, are glided over cleansed skin until they are completely dry. Ideally as an overnight treatment, because the active ingredients have time to work. Of course, you can still use your usual skin care routine such as serum or moisturizer after the application.
ZELENS – PHA RESURFACING FACIAL PADS
Exfoliating pads with PHA (polyhydroxy acids), AHA, BHA and fruit enzymes to gently remove dead skin cells without stripping the skin of moisture. This one-step exfoliating treatment helps refine skin texture, even skin tone and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and blemishes.
DR. DENNIS GROSS – ALPHA BETA PEEL
Patented two-phase exfoliation by famed New York dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross that is wildly popular and makes any skin look like new. Step 1 gently exfoliates the skin with 5 and 6 alpha and beta hydroxy acids, respectively. Step 2 supplies the skin with power active ingredients, such as green tea, retinol or vitamins A, C and E. For sensitive skin, we recommend using the peeling once a week or every two weeks.
These highly effective exfoliating pads with 20% glycolic acid gradually give the skin a more radiant and healthy-looking appearance. Refines pores, prevents blemishes and fine lines, and corrects skin tone. Contains vitamin E and aloe vera to nourish and soothe the skin.
