What Is an AHA, BHA, Jessner's or TCA Peel?

AHA, BHA, Jessner's or TCA Peel

AHA Peel

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are mild acids that come in different percentages and pH levels and help dissolve the desmosomes between cells to keep the skin exfoliated. AHAs penetrate the corneum via the intercellular matrix and loosen the bonds between the cells. AHAs also stimulate the production of intercellular lipids. Glycolic acid, a commonly used AHA, can penetrate the epidermis more effectively because it has the smallest molecular size of the AHAs. Most AHA peels you will not be at a level that will yield any peels or flaking.

BHA Peel

BHAs work under the same premise as AHAs but are better suited to dissolve oil and are primarily used for oily skin and acne. You may encounter some slight flaking or mild peeling, depending on the strength of the BHA peel. BHAs include salicylic acid, which is derived from sweet birch, willow bark, and wintergreen and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Jessner's Peel or a TCA Peel

A Jessner's peel is a stronger superficial peel and utilizes a Jessner's solution, which is a mixture of salicylic acid, resorcinol, lactic acid, and ethanol. Trichloroacetic acid peels are also known as TCA peels. These peels are achieved at a superficial level by applying low percentages and fewer layers than are found with the medium-level peelings performed by physicians, which remove the entire epidermis and part of the papillary dermis. Both Jessner's and TCA peels work on the premise of protein coagulation; therefore, there will be flaking and peeling.

Consult your esthetician today!