1. Glycolic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acid – AHA)
Glycolic acid, originally derived from sugarcane, is one of the most widely used alpha-hydroxy acids in cosmetic dermatology. Its relatively small molecular size allows effective superficial exfoliation.
Benefits:
- Improves dull and tired-looking skin.
- Helps improve superficial pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
- Promotes smoother skin texture.
- Supports skin rejuvenation.
2. Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid – BHA)
Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliating agent particularly useful for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps clear accumulated dead cells and debris within oil-rich pores.
Benefits:
- Helps manage blackheads and whiteheads.
- Useful in selected cases of acne-prone skin.
- Helps reduce excessive oiliness.
- Improves superficial skin congestion.
3. Lactic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acid – AHA)
Lactic acid is a relatively gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that promotes superficial exfoliation while also having humectant properties.
Benefits:
- Improves skin hydration and texture.
- Helps reduce dullness.
- Promotes a smoother and brighter appearance.
- May help improve mild uneven pigmentation.
4. Mandelic Acid (Alpha Hydroxy Acid – AHA)
Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid and penetrates the skin relatively slowly. It is used in selected formulations for acne-prone skin and superficial pigmentation concerns.
Benefits:
- Helps improve comedonal acne.
- Useful in selected oily and acne-prone skin types.
- Helps improve uneven skin tone.
- Supports superficial skin rejuvenation.
5. Retinoic Acid (Yellow Peel)
Retinoic acid is a vitamin A derivative used in certain yellow peel formulations. It influences epidermal cell turnover and is considered for selected pigmentation concerns, photoageing and uneven skin texture.
Benefits:
- Helps improve superficial pigmentation.
- Supports epidermal renewal.
- May improve uneven skin texture.
- Can be useful in selected skin rejuvenation protocols.
Yellow peel formulations vary in composition and strength. Retinoid-based peels require appropriate patient selection and are generally avoided during pregnancy.
6. Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a pigmentation-modulating ingredient that inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. It is frequently incorporated into combination formulations for selected pigmentation concerns.
Benefits:
- Helps address uneven skin tone.
- May improve superficial pigmentation.
- Can complement other pigmentation treatments.
7. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
Trichloroacetic acid is used in selected superficial and medium-depth chemical peel formulations, depending on concentration and application technique. It produces controlled protein coagulation and exfoliation.
It may be considered for selected pigmentation and textural concerns but requires particular expertise because inappropriate application can cause significant irritation, scarring and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Mesopeel
What Is Mesopeel?
Mesopeel is a range of professional chemical peel formulations, including products marketed by Mesoestetic. Different formulations are designed to address different skin concerns.
Depending on the specific product, ingredients may include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, azelaic acid and retinoid derivatives.
Mesopeel formulations may be selected for:
- Acne-prone and oily skin.
- Uneven skin tone and superficial pigmentation.
- Dullness and irregular skin texture.
- Selected signs of photoageing.
- Severe and resistant scalp seborrhea (Dandruff)
The appropriate formulation should be selected according to the manufacturer's product specifications and individual skin assessment.
Which Chemical Peel Is Suitable for Which Skin Concern?
Different peeling agents have different indications. Some commonly considered options include:
- Dullness and uneven texture: Glycolic acid and lactic acid.
- Oily and acne-prone skin: Salicylic acid and mandelic acid.
- Blackheads and whiteheads: Salicylic acid.
- Selected pigmentation concerns: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, kojic acid and retinoid formulations.
- Photoageing: Glycolic acid and selected retinoid formulations.
The choice of peel is not determined by the ingredient alone. Concentration, pH, contact time, skin preparation and individual susceptibility all influence the outcome.
Are Chemical Peels Safe for Indian Skin?
Indian skin includes a wide spectrum of skin tones, and some individuals have a greater tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following irritation or inflammation.
Therefore, chemical peel selection requires particular care. The correct formulation, strength and treatment interval should be determined after assessing skin type, pigmentation history, sensitivity and existing skin conditions.
Appropriate moisturisation, sun protection and post-treatment care are essential for achieving the best possible outcome while minimising complications.
At Paartha, a dental, medical and cosmetology centre, Vijay Nagar, Delhi, our skin care and aesthetics division aims to provide a personalised approach to superficial chemical peel treatments based on individual skin concerns.
Disclaimer: Chemical peels are medical aesthetic procedures and may not be suitable for everyone. Observing post peel care is of utmost importance to protect from chances of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Unskilled use can cause burns and deep skin damage. Treatment selection and application should be undertaken by appropriately trained professionals. Individual results vary.
At Paartha Hair care and Aesthetics Division, we recommend restricted use of chemical peeling with only superficial peels for specific conditions, after examination by medical professional and party peels for instant glow.
Contact us or book appointment 01141022755
Alternative numbers for aesthetic division: 7678462331, 01136884992