THE ORDINARY AHA 30% & BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION

Every time I see that my skin has become dull and rough, I think of one thing: Ιt's time for a chemical facial peel. The Ordinary AHA 30% & BHA 2% Peeling Solution is an advanced-level exfoliating peel for home use.

What is a chemical peel facial?

Chemical peeling is the process of removing the surface layer of damaged skin using a chemical solution. Exfoliation essentially helps to remove dead cells from the surface of our skin, thus contributing to a fresher, healthier and brighter complexion. Although it is a fact that our body naturally removes dead cells by itself, a little nudge, in order to encourage the whole process, would certainly not hurt. You see our cell renewal rate varies from person to person, but it does slow down gradually and steadily as we age. 

So while this process takes about 14-21 days for a person aged 20-25, it takes about 28 days for middle-aged people and around 60-90 days for people aged 50+ and 60+. The result, as we get older, is a dull and tired skin and for this the exfoliation process must be done more and more often and at regular basis.

And this is where AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) come into play, which contribute to the exfoliation process, helping it to become even more effective and reach an even greater depth.

What is AHA in skin care?

AHA stands for alpha-hydroxy acid. AHAs are derived from sugar cane or other plant sources, which is why they are often referred to as fruit acids. AHAs have many benefits and target all areas of the skin, both the outer layer (epidermis) and the deep layer (dermis). On the skin, AHAs have an exfoliating effect, increasing the shedding of dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface. They do this by gently dissolving the bonds between dead cells. AHAs also help stimulate collagen production, making them ideal for those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

In The Ordinary Peeling Solution the AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid.

What is BHA in skin care?

BHA stands for beta-hydroxy acid. BHAs are organic carboxylic acids that work on the surface of the skin and deep within the pore. They are fat-soluble, thus ideal for normal to oily skin that is prone to acne breakouts, blemishes and visible pores. Although they are acids, they have the uncanny ability to soothe the skin. This makes BHAs ideal for sensitive skin types, including those prone to redness or rosacea. This also applies to the most well-known type of BHA, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid has an improved ability to penetrate the pores. It's also known to fight bacteria and can be used to treat calluses and other areas of dry skin, in a similar way to what AHAs do, by loosening dead skin cells from each other, but salicylic acid penetrates deeper.

In The Ordinary Peeling Solution the BHA is salicylic acid.

BRAND'S DESCRIPTION

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution exfoliates multiple layers of the skin for a brighter, more even appearance. With the help of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), and a studied Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, which reduces irritation that can be associated with acid use, this at-home peel helps even skin texture, clear pore congestion, and improve uneven pigmentation. The formula is further supported with a crosspolymer form of hyaluronic acid for comfort, pro-vitamin B5 for hydration, and black carrot for added protection.

Note: This formula contains an extremely high concentration of free acids. We recommend use only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation and your skin is not sensitive.

The pH of this formula is approximately 3.6. Glycolic Acid, the primary AHA used in the formula, has a pKa of 3.6 and pKa is the most important aspect to consider in formulating with acids. pKa implies acid availability. When pKa is close to pH, there is an ideal balance between salt and acidity, maximizing the effectiveness of the acid and reducing skin discomfort.

BENEFITS OF CHEMICAL PEEL

• Promotes skin renewal.
• Stimulates collagen production.
• Youthfull skin, reduced fine wrinkles and pigment spots.
• Improves the texture of the skin and makes it smoother.
• Shrinks enlarged pores.
• Chemical peel also have excellent results in reducing acne.

PACKAGING

Glass bottle with dropper. Comes in a cardboard box. 30ml.

TEXTURE

The Ordinary AHA 30% & BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a water-based serum. It has a red berry color and is odorless.

INGREDIENTS

GLYCOLIC ACID. AQUA (WATER). ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF WATER. SODIUM HYDROXIDE. DAUCUS CAROTA SATIVA EXTRACT. PROPANEDIOL. COCAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE. SALICYLIC ACID. LACTIC ACID. TARTARIC ACID. CITRIC ACID. PANTHENOL. SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER. TASMANNIA LANCEOLATA FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT. GLYCERIN. PENTYLENE GLYCOL. XANTHAN GUM. POLYSORBATE 20. TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE. POTASSIUM SORBATE. SODIUM BENZOATE. ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN. 1.2-HEXANEDIOL. CAPRYLYL GLYCOL.

HOW TO USE THE ORDINARY PEELING SOLUTION

Use the peeling solution after cleansing and before serums, oils, suspensions or creams. Apply the solution on the face as a face masque. Αfter 10 minutes at most, rinse off. The ordinary recommends to use it in the evenings. The brand also suggests to do a patch test before use.

Do not use the peeling solution with:

• Copper peptides.
• Direct acids.
• Direct Vitamin C.
• EUK.
• Niacinamide powder.
• Peptides.
• Retinoids.

MY OPINION

I personally use The Ordinary AHA 30% & BHA 2% Peeling Solution about once a week to keep my skin clear, decongested and glowing. I don't think it can be used 2 times a week, it is quite strong and with this usage it may have the opposite effect of what I want. So, I leave my skin to heal after using the peeling solution. I may use a face scrub and/or a clay mask during the same week, and that's it all I do.

I left The Ordinary AHA 30% & BHA 2% Peeling Solution on my face for 10 minutes and then rinsed it off. As soon as I put it on I felt a mild itch for the first 3 minutes, but it was tolerable. When I washed it off I didn't see a difference but after a few hours my skin was glowing, which I didn't expect from the first use. And in the patch test I had done on my hand, I noticed that after I washed it off, this spot shone and stood out from the rest of the skin. The sensation it leaves you with is a soft skin and spotlessly clean, more radiant!

The Ordinary AHA 30% & BHA 2% Peeling Solution is an incredible product at a very good price. It makes the skin brighter, with fewer blemishes without causing irritation. The results were seen after some time. I have noticed that as time goes on the skin improves, just like with retinol.