Peeling is the exfoliation of the upper layer of the epidermis. Conducted to refresh the skin and eliminate many problems. The most popular type of procedure is a chemical peel with fruit acids. It can be done in a cosmetic salon or at home.
Action of fruit acids

Fruit acids break down the bonds between cells, exfoliating the top layer of skin. It is the gentlest type of peeling. Although the acids cause burns to the skin, they are controlled. Due to the trauma of the epidermis, the processes of cell regeneration are triggered. It activates the synthesis of elastin, collagen and improves the water-fat balance.
The popularity of this type of peeling is due to the fact that fruit acids have a mild effect, the recovery process after it is uncomplicated. But the result is visible immediately:
The skin becomes smooth, supple;
it eliminates shine, pigment spots;
Pores are cleared of black spots and narrowed;
Acne and comedones are reduced, pimples stop appearing;
Wrinkles become less visible.
Acid Types
Fruit or AHA (alphahydroxy acids) are safe for the skin and have a gentle effect only on the upper layers of the skin. Are called fruit acids because they are obtained mainly from fruits and berries, sometimes from other plants. Each has its own characteristics, and for the best effect, products containing several acids are used.
Popular fruit acids:
Acid Type | Where it contains | What is the effect of |
citric | citrus fruits, pineapples, blueberries | Whitens, destroys bacteria, exfoliates, tightens pores |
apple | apples, tomatoes, apricots, cherries, rhubarb | Heals, reduces inflammation, has an antioxidant effect |
tartaric acid | grapes, oranges, avocados, gooseberries, limes | brightens, exfoliates, moisturizes |
glycolic | sugar cane, grapes, beet | Rejuvenates, tones, removes acne |
lactic | blueberries, grapes, tomatoes | Whitens, exfoliates, reduces inflammation, increases defenses, moisturizes |
almond | almond | purifies, moisturizes |
Indications

This procedure is recommended for women of any age. It is most in demand from 25 to 35 years, sometimes can be applied to teenagers. Fruit peeling is suitable for all skin types. Only if it is very thin and sensitive, it is necessary to consult a beautician beforehand. Properly performed procedure can solve such problems:
The appearance of the first wrinkles;
Increased dryness of the skin, peeling;
pigmentation;
black spots;
scars, acne marks
oily shine;
Dullness of the skin, pallor;
loss of elasticity;
Hyperkeratosis.
The Vichy medical expert recommends that women over the age of 35 undergo this treatment regularly. Fruit acid peeling can slow down aging and increase the effectiveness of anti-aging cosmetic treatments.
Contraindications and precautions
Despite the fact that this is the most gentle type of peeling, it can not be performed on everyone. Contraindications include such conditions:
Allergy to acids and other components of the means;
Inflammatory processes;
skin injuries, wounds;
viral diseases, herpes;
pustular acne;
dilated vessels;
Blood abnormalities;
Diabetes mellitus;
pregnancy.
In most cases, a low concentration of acids is used, so the procedure is well tolerated. A slight burning sensation during application. Sometimes after the procedure, the skin becomes red, irritated, swollen and itchy.
Stages of peeling in the salon

The results are noticeable after the first procedure. But a complete regeneration of the skin, a brightening of age spots or a slowing down of age-related changes can be achieved after a complete course of. The number of procedures is determined by the cosmetologist individually. Usually from 7 to 15. The interval between them is 1-2 weeks.
Salon peeling begins with a consultation with a doctor. Depending on the type of skin, the age of the patient and the severity of problems, he selects the type of acids, their concentration, the number and frequency of procedures.
Preparation
The preparatory stage takes 3-4 weeks. The usual skin care must be adjusted to the peculiarities of the procedure. The use of creams with fruit acids is recommended. You should not visit the solarium or the beach, you must refuse depilation, use of scrubs. On the day of the peeling, do not use alcohol-based cosmetics.
Elena Lykova, SkinCeuticals Medical Director, recommends using products with antioxidants in preparation for peeling, and using sunscreen before going outside.
Carrying out the procedure
The salon peeling procedure takes about half an hour. It consists of several stages.
The beautician cleanses the patient’s face of makeup and impurities.
Using a brush, the product is applied thinly to the face and left for 5-10 minutes.
The neutralizer is applied, which destroys the acids.
After 3 minutes, it is rinsed off.
UV filter cream is applied.
Post-peeling care
This is a very important stage of the procedure. In case of improper face care, formation of scars and pigment spots is possible. The duration of the recovery stage depends on the type of procedure. After a superficial peel a few days is enough. The median and deep peels require a longer recovery time – up to several months.
Skin care during the rehabilitation period should include:
Gentle cleansing;
Moisturizing means with extracts of herbs, vitamins, preferably oil-free;
Protection from sunlight with an SPF of at least 50;
The inclusion of antioxidants and means to accelerate the regeneration process, it can be Bepanten, Panthenol, Solcoseryl.
Do not use alcohol-based toners, retinoids until the skin has fully recovered. Do not remove crusts, scratch your face, go to the solarium, the beach or the sauna. It is not recommended to use decorative cosmetics.
Peculiarities of home care

Independently you can use home made or ready-made peeling products. The concentration of acids in them is 5-15%. Therefore, such procedures do not have the same effect as salon procedures, which use a 30-70% concentration. They are mainly used for preventive purposes.
For oily skin, home procedures can be performed 1-2 times a week. If the skin is dry, it is not recommended to peel more than 1 or 2 times a month. Before using such a remedy it is necessary to check it for an allergic reaction. And it is recommended to apply it on the face for the first time for 2-3 minutes.
The product is applied on a cleansed dry skin. It is better to peel in the evening, an hour before going to sleep. It is recommended to follow the step-by-step scheme.
Remove makeup with micellar water.
Wash with warm water with a mild cleanser.
Rub the skin with an alcohol-free tonic, wait until it dries completely.
Apply the peeling composition to the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin.
Keep the peeling for the indicated time.
Apply a neutralizer.
Wash.
Lubricate your face with a hypoallergenic moisturizer.
Beginning the next day, before going outdoors, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
After application, you may feel a tingling or burning sensation. But if it intensifies, you need to rinse the composition before the specified time.
Home Recipes
Home peeling is carried out with the help of natural masks. For their preparation one must not use metal dishes, because they can oxidize. The composition should be prepared for only one time, and must not be stored. Choose the components with possible allergic reactions and skin type in mind.
In our opinion, you can use some of the safest and most effective recipes.
The simplest version of peeling is from green grapes. 5-7 berries should be mashed and applied to the face.
Aspirin peeling with citric acid whitens, destroys bacteria, cleanses pores. Made from 3 crushed Aspirin tablets and the same volume of lemon juice. Not suitable for dry skin. Keep no more than 10 minutes. Wash off with baking soda solution: 1 hr. l. per glass of water.
A milder effect has a lemon peel with olive or almond oil. The components are taken in equal quantities.
Strawberries, blackcurrants and blueberries are good for berry peeling. Mashed potato berries, add gelatin and honey. Heat to dissolve the gelatin. After cooling, apply to the face for 15 minutes. Rinse off with mineral water.
Almond is prepared from 2 tbsp. l. Oatmeal, 2 Tbsp. l. almonds, 1 tsp. l. Green tea and 1 tsp. l. cream. For oily skin, add a couple of drops of lemon juice. For dry skin, replace the juice with rose oil. Rinse off the composition after 15 minutes with mineral water.
Pineapple masks: grate 200 grams of pulp and mix with 2 spoonfuls of honey. For thickness, you can add oatmeal flakes.
Coffee mask improves complexion, smoothes wrinkles. Requires 1 spoonful of natural ground coffee, a spoonful of honey and the pulp of half an orange.
Best Prepared Nutrients
There are many ready-made cosmetic products for peeling with fruit acids on the market. We have analyzed and chosen the most effective and safe.
- ftactiv Specia
- st Glyco-C, Vichy. It is a serum, available in ampoules. It contains citric and glycolic acids. Apply overnight.
Glyco
- c 10 Renew Overnight, SkinCeuticals– Night cream based on glycolic and phytic acids. Moisturizes and renews the skin.
Skin
- te– A mask with a delicate action, suitable for sensitive skin. Thanks to the presence of amino acids, vitamins, vegetable oils it moisturizes, stimulates tissue regeneration.
Bark– Peeling mask with a complex composition.Contains glycolic, tartaric and lactic acids, grape seed oil and panthenol. Has a gentle effect, tightens pores and eliminates shine.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift LaserX3 Serum.Contains 10% glycolic acid.
REVEAL PEEL by HOLY LAND in the form of a gel.Effectively lightens skin, eliminates comedones and smoothes fine lines.
REMIUM peeling with AHA 8%. Exfoliates, evens skin texture.
Eva Esthetic – cleansing mask.Contains papaya extract. Suitable for all skin types.
Fruit peeling is an effective procedure for eliminating skin problems, slowing down aging. It can be done at home or in the salon. But it is always advisable to consult a professional first.