Almond facial peeling: what is it and how to do it at home?

What it is?

The essence of almond peeling is the superficial cleansing of the epidermis from keratinized particles. The active component of the composition is phenoxyglycolic acid, which is better known as mandelic acid. It is extracted from almond extract through hydrolysis. During contact with the skin, the substance promotes exfoliation due to the gentle exfoliation of dead particles.

Almond peeling is often used when exfoliation at deeper levels is contraindicated.

The main feature of mandelic acid is its gentle effect on the epidermis without penetrating into the deeper layers. This is an advantage of the procedure over other types of chemical peeling. The acid molecules are quite large in size, so they slowly penetrate the skin, affecting only the stratum corneum. This makes the procedure safe and suitable even for problem skin.

Almond peeling is divided into two categories:

1. Superficial . Involves the use of a composition based on low concentration mandelic acid.
2. Middle . For this procedure, phenoxyglycolic acid is supplemented with other, more aggressive ones, such as malic, salicylic or glycolic.

Superficial peeling does not require any rehabilitation. Median penetrates deeper and can cause side effects such as redness. It takes several days to recover.

Effect

The phenoxyglycolic enzyme contained in mandelic acid is a good keratolytic and helps cleanse the skin of pigmentation, freckles and post-acne. The component also stimulates the synthesis of elastin and collagen, accelerates cell recovery and alleviates acne. Antimicrobial properties are noted.

Peeling allows you to achieve the following results:

• cleansing pores and preventing them from clogging;
• increasing skin tone and reducing its sensitivity;
• normalization of the sebaceous glands;
• prevention of acne and pustules;
• eliminating stagnant spots;
• smoothing facial wrinkles;
• moisturizing and evening out skin tone.

Mandelic acid is suitable for those with thin and sensitive skin. It can be used for any type of epidermis, as well as for rosacea, hyperkeratosis and a tendency to allergic reactions.

Indications for the procedure

Almond chemical peeling is used for:

• acne;
• active work of the sebaceous glands;
• uneven surface of the skin;
• comedones;
• keratosis;
• hyperpigmentation;
• red spots and scars;
• small expression wrinkles.

The use of such acid helps to activate the production of elastin and hyaluronic acid, so skin tone improves and the lifting effect becomes noticeable.

Sometimes cosmetologists perform almond peeling to prepare the skin for more serious procedures. For example, before laser resurfacing or medium peeling.

This procedure can be performed not only on the face, but also on the décolleté and hands.

Procedure with almond acid (mandelic acid)

If you decide to do peeling at home, choose products with a low concentration of active substances. Products that do not require neutralization are especially convenient. They can simply be applied to the skin and washed off with cold water after 10–15 minutes.

Before doing peeling at home, it is recommended to consult a cosmetologist.

Cream with acid

It is recommended to use a cream with mandelic acid along with the peeling product. It is quite soft, so such products are suitable for regular use, especially if the skin is dry and sensitive. In addition, it has an exfoliating and bactericidal effect, which allows for gentle care.

You can pay attention to products from Skin Clinic Professional (Bielenda). The manufacturer offers day and night creams with 10% mandelic acid in the composition.

Another cream is SEBO-ALMOND PEEL. It may contain 5 or 10% mandelic acid for the first or second level of exfoliation.

Stages of the method

1. Collecting anamnesis by a specialist and assessing the condition of the skin to identify contraindications.
2. Allergy test - test application of mandelic acid on the wrist for 5 minutes. If there is no redness, the test is considered negative.
3. Pre-peel preparation - prescribing products containing 15% phenylglycolic acid at night 10-14 days before the procedure to smooth and receptive the surface layer of the skin. Additionally, preparations with fruit acids are used 2-3 times a week to enhance the effect.
4. Makeup remover - cleansing the skin using a soft gel or foam.
5. Toning - using 10% mandelic acid to restore pH levels.
6. Pre-application of a 5% mixture of mandelic, lactic and glycolic acids for better penetration of the base substance.
7. Carrying out a true peeling procedure using phenylglycolic acid in a concentration of 30% to 60% depending on skin type. The procedure is performed with quick movements with a fan brush or cotton swabs in the direction from the periphery to the center: forehead, temporal region, chin, cheeks, nose, eyelids. Exfoliation time ranges from 3 to 5 minutes during the first procedure, followed by an increase in exposure to 10-25 minutes. The number of layers depends on the individual reactions of the skin.
8. Neutralization - washing off the composition with water from the center to the periphery, since mandelic acid does not react with water, or using a special component if the treated areas are hypersensitive. For example, a neutralizing lotion is soothing.
9. Application of a regenerating mask for 10-20 minutes, moisturizing and sunscreen preparations with SPF 30-50. For example, Cream block for tanning and age spots, SPF 45.

Procedure at home

An easy option for cleaning your face can be done at home using folk recipes.

With sour cream

This option is suitable for those with dry and sensitive skin. To prepare, you need to take a tablespoon of almonds and oatmeal. Grind them in a coffee grinder and add 30 ml of high-fat sour cream. It is better to take homemade fermented milk product. After preparing the mass, apply it to your face with massage movements and leave for 15 minutes. Then remove any remaining drug using a cotton pad.

If you have oily skin, you can replace sour cream with low-fat milk.

With oatmeal and almonds

To prepare the mixture, you need to take 30 grams of chopped almonds and a similar amount of oatmeal. Add a teaspoon of honey and grape seed oil to the dry preparation, as well as 10 ml of aloe juice. Leave the mixture to sit for 20 minutes, then apply to your face using gentle circular movements. This peeling can be used for normal and combination skin.

There are a number of rules that need to be taken into account:

1. Pre-remove oil, dirt and makeup residues from the skin.
2. When performing massaging movements, do not press too hard on the skin due to the risk of damaging it.
3. Rub the prepared composition into the skin for 3–5 minutes. Then it remains for another 10 minutes.
4. First, the remaining product is removed with a cotton pad, then washed off with cool water.
5. The procedure should be repeated no more than once a week.

What to do after?

After the procedure, no special care is required, but you should follow a number of procedures to consolidate and maintain the result:

1. Use mild cosmetics.
2. For seven days after the procedure, use skin soothing medications.
3. For a while, avoid visiting saunas, steam baths and active physical activity.
4. In the warm season, you need to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation.
5. Use restorative and moisturizing masks.

You cannot tear off the formed scales yourself.

Post-peeling care

In the first days after the procedure, you should avoid saunas, baths or steaming. You should also refrain from swimming and washing with running water.

It is also recommended to avoid heavy physical activity, as it causes increased sweating. Sweat can lead to irritation and injury to the skin.

After cleaning the epidermis, you should definitely use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Photos before and after

Being a safe and gentle procedure, peeling with mandelic acid helps to significantly improve the condition of the skin without side effects. In the photo you can see that after the procedure the tone of the face is evened out, it looks fresh and rested, acne, age spots and small wrinkles go away.

Properties of mandelic acid

• antiseptic effect - mandelic acid was used to treat urological diseases caused by infections even before the era of antibiotics;
• keratolytic effect - with the help of mandelic acid, the stratum corneum of the skin is well removed;
• keratoplasty effect - the properties of mandelic acid help restore epidermal cells, which makes the skin noticeably younger and firmer;
• preventing the appearance of acne, smoothing the skin texture;
• has a prolonged effect due to the fact that the acid molecules are slightly larger than others and penetrate the skin pores more slowly;
• participates in the synthesis of collagen - a necessary substance for skin elasticity and smoothing out wrinkles;
• has a whitening effect;
• reduces skin sensitivity to sunlight, promotes an even tan;
• comedolytic effect - thanks to mandelic acid, skin pores are cleared of blockages (blackheads disappear).

How often can it be used?

The frequency of the procedure is determined by the type and condition of the skin. The classic course consists of 6–10 sessions, performed every 7–10 days. The specialist may prescribe a different frequency and number of procedures. At home, it is also better to adhere to an interval of 7–10 days.

During the year, they usually conduct one, rarely two courses. Support sessions may be included. After consultation with the patient, the cosmetologist must prescribe an individual scheme for him.

Indications

The procedure is indicated for problem skin:

• acne;
• acne;
• excessive activity of the sebaceous glands.

Almond peeling is also used to combat skin aging as a preparation before using more intensive products.

There are also other indications:

• cleansing the skin before the laser resurfacing procedure;
• freckles, photoaging;
• the presence of purulent formations;
• loose and dehydrated skin;
• melasma, lentigo.

Contraindications

The procedure should not be performed in the following cases:

• exacerbation of herpes;
• skin damage;
• increased body temperature;
• inflammatory processes at the acute stage;
• pregnancy;
• skin burns and excessive tanning;
• allergy to substances in the peeling composition.

Result after peeling

After almond peeling, your face is completely transformed. The dermis is cleansed of dead cells and renewed. The skin is smoothed. The inflammatory process and sebum secretion are significantly reduced. Almond peeling gives a slight lifting effect and smoothes out fine wrinkles.

The procedure has a positive effect on the structure of the skin, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, increases its elasticity, smoothes the complexion, makes it more uniform, and brightens. Successfully corrects age-related changes in the epidermis.

Reviews from cosmetologists

Let's consider the opinions of specialists in the field of cosmetology about almond peeling.

• Kalashnikova A.Yu., cosmetologist with 10 years of experience:
  “Almond peeling is one of the best among superficial ones. It is very soft and gentle, and at the same time gives good results. There is also no recovery period required. The procedure acts superficially, so it is completely non-traumatic. It can be used even for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.”
• Ivanova O. I, cosmetologist with 6 years of experience:
  “Almond peeling can be used at any time without fear of injuring the skin. The procedure not only cleanses the face, but also prevents signs of early aging. The acid copes well with pigmentation, dermatitis, acne, and hyperkeratosis. Cleaning helps to even out the color and texture. To achieve maximum results, it is recommended to complete a full course of at least 6 procedures.”

How is it carried out using professional means?

The most effective way is to use professional almond peeling products. They are used both in the salon and at home.

Video about the features of the almond peeling procedure using professional means in a beauty salon:

Cost and stages in the salon

The price of almond peeling is determined by the complexity of the procedure, the level of the specialist and the salon where the session will be performed. The average cost in Moscow is 2,800 rubles. The salon procedure includes five stages.

Preparation

14–15 days before the procedure, it is recommended to start using a cream with 15% mandelic acid in its composition.

It is recommended to wash your face in the morning with a gel containing fruit acids. It allows you to enhance the effectiveness of the cream and improve the preparation of the skin for chemical cleansing. The day before going to the salon, you should stop using aids.

Cleansing

Using a special lotion, cosmetics, fat and dirt are removed from the skin. A product containing 10% mandelic acid is used.

Toning

The skin is wiped with tonic to regulate the acid balance. The product also contains 10% mandelic acid. This stage helps prevent conflict between active ingredients and skin redness.

Pre-peeling

To improve the result, the specialist applies a product to the skin that includes phenoxyglycolic, glycolic or lactic acid with a concentration of no more than 5%. This stage makes it possible to understand the skin's reaction to the active components.

Exfoliation

To carry out the procedure, the cosmetologist determines the desired concentration of the composition (10% or higher). Next, the following manipulations are performed:

1. Neutralization of the environment . A composition is applied to the skin to soften the stratum corneum and activate the exfoliation of dead particles. The composition is aged and washed off with cool water.
2. Moisturizing and soothing the skin. The specialist applies a mask and washes it off after a few minutes. Cream can also be used for this.
3. Recovery. At the end, the skin is treated with foam or milk.

The whole procedure takes 15–20 minutes. Although the procedure does not cause side effects, for sensitive skin there may be slight redness and flaking for several days. To make them go away faster, it is worth providing the epidermis with proper care.

A specialist can prescribe medications for post-peeling care from the manufacturer of the peeling product itself. Conventional pharmaceutical products, such as Bepanten or Traumeel, can also be used.

How to do it at home: means and price

Professional products can also be purchased for home use. The average price of such drugs is about 1,500 rubles. Let's consider effective peelings.

Belita Bielita Professional Face Care 30% pH 2

Peeling is designed to cleanse the skin. In addition to mandelic acid, it also contains glycerin, propylene glycol and a number of additional components. After using the product, the skin is restored, dead cells are exfoliated, the epidermis is whitened, and fine wrinkles disappear.

The composition is evenly applied to the skin of the face and remains for 6–12 minutes. You can remove the residue with a cotton pad, soaking it in a neutralizing tonic. If you don't have one, you can simply rinse your face with cool water. Price – about 1,800 rubles.

Video about the peeling procedure with Bielita Professional Face Care 30% pH 2:

"Kosmoteros"

This product smoothes wrinkles and activates cell renewal, promotes collagen synthesis, fights freckles and pigmentation and evens out tone. It is used to prepare for laser skin resurfacing and fight acne. The formula normalizes the functioning of sebaceous secretion and suppresses pathogenic microorganisms.

It is more convenient to apply the composition with a brush. Leave it for 3-5 minutes, then rinse your face with cold water. The price starts from 2,000 rubles.

"Mediderma"

offers a whole series of almond peels, differing in concentration. The products are not very suitable for very problematic skin. They should be used from the age of 25 for dull skin, acne or seborrhea. The drug with a concentration of 40% is suitable for professional use. The price starts from 7 thousand rubles.

Mesopharm Professional Almond Light Peel

Mesopharm Professional contains 40% mandelic acid and 5% kojic acid. It belongs to the category of light peelings and is suitable for any skin type. There is also a variation for aging skin with an improved composition. The price starts from 2,800 rubles.

Almond peeling is a safe and effective procedure for improving skin condition. For maximum results, it is better to undergo a course of procedures in the salon, but if this is not possible, you can use home alternatives.

Almond peeling

This procedure is carried out in sessions. The course of treatment can consist of 6-8 sessions with an interval of 7-10 days. If you adhere to this schedule, your skin will not suffer from chemical exposure.

Stages of the procedure

Peeling is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. The first step is to treat the area of ​​skin on which the peeling composition will be applied. For treatment, tonics or milk are used, which contain 10% mandelic acid.
2. To find out the skin's reaction to the procedure, peeling is first performed using a 5% solution.
3. If the skin reacts normally to mandelic acid, then a 30% solution is applied.
4. Next, a soothing mask is applied and left on for 20 minutes.
5. The last step is applying moisturizer.

One session lasts no more than one hour. However, special attention should be paid to post-peeling care .

Some experts recommend two weeks of pre-peeling preparation, which consists of applying a cream with 15% mandelic acid. So during this time the skin can get used to the substance and during peeling it perceives it better.