The ancient Egyptians used animal oils, salts and alabaster to beautify their skin, in other parts of Africa, plants like papayas and pineapples were used, while the Spartans applied sea sand and the Germanic peoples used almond bran as a peeling to perk up their skin.
All techniques involve removing dead cells to improve the appearance of the skin. In fact, the shedding of dead cells is a natural process of our constantly renewing skin. This shedding process is supported and accelerated with a peeling treatment. It also has a positive effect of stimulating cell renewal in the epidermis.
Additionally, a peeling removes excess oil from the skin's surface, softens hardened blackheads, cleanses follicles and smoothes the skin's relief, making the skin more resistant and supple. Another benefit: The skin is more receptive to the following skin care regimen; active agents are "processed" more easily in the skin; the skin looks radiant and smooth after a peeling.
But the latest generation of peels has much more to offer. They can help to significantly stimulate the production of collagen, damage caused by exposure to sunlight or aging may be visibly reduced, even scarred skin replaced with healthy tissue.
There are many peels on the market, but skin care products for home use usually do not provide the same professional results of peels offered in beauty salons or physician practices. The cosmetician is spoiled due to the wide variety of different peeling methods available today. Depending on what skin layer is involved, you can distinguish between superficial peels, soft peels, intermediate peels and deep peels. In addition, you can differentiate between mechanical, biological and chemical peels. Mechanical peels contain abrasives such as aluminum or synthetic particles; an example being microdermabrasion. Biological peels contain enzymes which are retrieved from plants like pineapples or papayas and from microorganisms. In chemical peels the skin is exfoliated by loosening the glue-like substance between the cells; fruit acids are usually applied. Other examples include vitamin A acid, salicylic or trichloroacetic acid and the currently less popular phenol peels.
Usually, deeper the peeling substance penetrates the skin; the better usually the results are of the treatment. However, at the same time possible adverse effects may become more severe. Such undesired reactions may include, for example, reddening and hypersensitivity that last for months as well as skin infections or permanent shifts in pigmentation. Salicylic acid may damage the kidneys, trichloroacetic acid may irritate the airways and make the eyes burn. Phenol peels, which were performed under anesthesia and ECG monitoring, are nowadays applied less often due to possible massive adverse effects such as liver, kidney and heart damage. Deep peels are usually performed by physicians due to the risks involved.
Superficial skin peels are very popular in cosmetics with a peeling solution to match just about any indication. From fine lines to regeneration of the skin to solutions to improve impurities, shifted pigmentations or scars, professional peels achieve excellent results. Cosmetics can no longer do without them for this reason.
Due to the almost endless choice of different methods the success of the treatment will largely depend on incorporating and taking decisive factors into account, such as the customer's wishes and preferences in regards to chemical or natural peels made on the basis of pure herbs, the condition of the skin and especially the communication between patient/physician or customer/aesthetician. It must also be noted that not every peel is suitable for every skin type, which is why it is imperative for the aesthetician to make a qualified diagnosis of the skin. When determining the skin type and the basic complexion of the skin, she can decide which peel is the most suitable.

Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts
Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts, Blue Enzyme Peel is a natural blend of blue agave, bilberry and seaweed extract that contains 25 percent lactic acid to promote exfoliation, hydration and antioxidant protection for normal to dry skin. 800-689-0499, www.arcskincare.com, or CRR# 229

Alex Cosmetic Herbal A-Peel
The Herbal Peel Mask consists of 100 percent dried, crushed herbs, such as Horsetail and Spirulina, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Completely free of chemicals or synthetic additives and contains only pure natural plant ingredients for a healing, soothing and regenerating effect. The depth of the peel can be customized according to various skin types and conditions. 877-313-ALEX, www.alexcosmeticusa.com, or CRR# 103

DOCTOR BABOR
DERMA CELLULAR Skin Renewal AHA Peeling is a fruit acid exfoliant with 10% glycolic acid that works to intensively renew the skin. This refreshing peel will effectively remove dead skin cells and deep-seated impurities while increasing the skin's ability to bind moisture. Also minimizes fine lines and wrinkles while optimizing the skin's structure. The result: skin that is renewed, youthful and radiant. 800-333-4055 or www.babor.com

Chella Skin Care
The Chella Resurfacing Mask Enzyme and Lactic Treatment mini peel provides just enough resurfacing power to visibly even out skin tone and smooth texture without causing skin to turn red. Lactic acid and protease enzymes encourage cell turnover while pro-vitamin B-5 restores moisture and elasticity. 877-424-3552 or www.chella.com

Control Corrective Skincare Systems
Help smooth fine lines and wrinkles and bring moisture and elasticity to parched, dull, hyper-pigmented skin with Control Corrective's Revitalizing Cream Peel – a refreshing facial cocktail packed with peptides, AHAs and collagen that diminishes dryness, thoroughly cleanses and increases moisture retention. 866-290-4290 or www.controlcorrective.com

Dermaware
Start your day with a multi-dose of GlycoMandelic Complex and VITal STEM CELL™ technology for age, acne and pigment, and oil control with the A+ Smart Peel®. 888-292-DERM or www.dermaware.com

Éminence Organic Skin Care
The Radish Seed Refining Peel – active AHA/BHA skin peel for all skin types except extremely sensitive skins – Hypoallergenic peel from the exclusive Beyond Organic Collection of Biodynamic® products created with antiseptic and detoxifying herbal extracts to help prevent break-outs. Nettle, whole grain oat and willow bark stimulate skin renewal and smooth lines. 888-747-6342, www.eminenceorganics.com, or CRR# 165

EcoGenics
EcoGenics new Fruit Acid Exfoliating Peel with AHA 8% is a natural skin renewal treatment that safely re-texturizes and re-surfaces skin. Peel away dullness and visible age damage so healthier skin cells can surface. Formulated with soothing botanicals and hyluronic acid to help nourish and calm the skin. Leaves skin smooth and firm with a youthful glow. 877-372-6972 or www.ecogenics.com

Germaine de Capuccini
Facial Deeping Gel is based on valerian extract and papaya enzymes that will soften the corneal layer, doing two actions: One will exfoliate the skin in depth and the second will allow comedone extraction in a fast, less painful way, without the use of a steamer. This is an ideal peel for sensitive skin as it does not need massage or rubbing. 888-477-1477 (S & W); 800-842-9922 (NE & MW); www.germaine-de-capuccini.us; or CRR# 222

GUINOT PARIS
The Beauté Neuve Double Peeling treatment restores the skin's radiance using fruit acids to gently detach dead cells and vitamin C to curb melanin production for an anti-pigmentation effect. The treatment begins with the application of an exfoliating gel designed to unclog pores, soften lines, and provide a clearer complexion. A regeneration serum is then applied to nourish the skin. Then, a vitamin C mask is used on the face and neck to create a more even complexion. 212-532-1030 or www.guinotusa.com

Janssen
Skin Refining Enzyme Peel contains the biotechnologically derived enzyme subtilisin. The enzyme is stabilized using a patented special process (crystallization and coating) and remains inactive in the moisturizing gel base. The enzymes only develop their effect on the epidermis: they dissolve the bonding material between the dead skin cells in the same way as the skin's native enzymes. 770-209-4204 or www.janssen-cosmetics.us

HydroPeptide®
Reveal firm and glowing skin with the Anti-Wrinkle Polish and Plump Peel by HydroPeptide®, a microdermabrasion and lactic peel created especially for at-home use. This two-step [peptide-packed] treatment reduces fine lines and wrinkles, while lactic acid and vitamin C whisk away dullness. 800-932-9873, www.hydropeptide.com, or CRR# 280

Repêchage®
The Repêchage Biolight Glyco-Sea™ Glycolic Peel is a deep, intensive skin treatment that focuses on resurfacing and renewing skin with less irritation than standard glycolic peels. This formula of 35 percent glycolic acid (pH 3.5) combined with our unique Laminaria Complex encourages increased cell turnover while helping to smooth fine lines and help diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation revealing a brighter, more youthful complexion with added antioxidant and calming properties. 800-248-7546 or www.repechage.com

Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals
The Rhonda Allison Nude Therapies Peel Cream is a five-acid accelerator infused with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that work to firm, tone, rejuvenate and reverse tissue damage. The peel cream blends L-lactic, glycolic, L-malic, L-tartaric and citric acids to regenerate the skin by gradually exfoliating dead surface cells and encouraging cell turnover. The hydrating cream base works with the acid blend to reverse the signs of aging, promote moisture restoration, strengthen collagen, and create supple, soft skin.
866-313-SKIN, www.rhondaallison.com, or CRR# 222

Skin Care Consultants - Lam Skin
Lam Vegetable Peel by Skin Care Consultants can be used on all parts of the body and face, to further prepare the skin to accept full penetration of ampoules, creams, vials, et cetera. Applied thinly on the skin and left to dry, and then peel with special massage movements. It is safe to use on all skin types. 877-760-2722 or www.lamskin.com

Sormé® Professional Cosmetics
Smooth, brighten and tone the skin in one treatment. Refineé Micro-Derma Peel restores radiance and reduces pores and combats fine lines and wrinkles caused by dryness. This physician-strength peeling cream contains vitamin C and micro-crystals to loosen and lift dead skin. Safe for all skin types; excellent for dry, flaky skin after acid treatments. 800-927-6763 or www.refineeskincare.com