Once you consider facial peels, what involves thoughts? If we needed to guess, we would say you are seemingly conjuring up a picture of beet-red, peeling reptilian pores and skin that may’t see the sunshine of day. However on the earth of Korean magnificence, peels aren’t as scary as they sound. Actually, one peel known as the water peel, also called the aqua peel facial, is likely one of the most sought-after pores and skin remedies in Korea. These residing stateside have caught on to the remedy, which might be carried out by each licensed dermatologists and skilled estheticians. Promising exfoliated, deeply nourished, and smoother-looking pores and skin, discover out the whole lot it’s essential to know in regards to the common aqua peel facial, in keeping with consultants.
Meet the Knowledgeable
- Teo Wan Lin is a board-certified dermatologist and chief scientific officer of Dr. TWL Dermaceuticals, a dermocosmetic skincare model.
- Jenny Liu is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor on the College of Minnesota.
- Kay Hong is an esthetician at Magnificence Day Korea, a magnificence studio based mostly in Seoul, Korea.
What Is an Aqua Peel Facial?
Aqua peel facials are a non-invasive skincare remedy that makes use of a specialised machine to chemically and mechanically exfoliate the pores and skin in addition to infuse it with nourishing options. In line with Dr. Teo, it has been essentially the most distinguished hydrodermabrasion expertise utilized in Korean dermatology places of work during the last decade. “The aqua peel was primarily marketed as an exfoliating device that was gentler and extra fitted to delicate pores and skin in comparison with conventional exfoliating techniques like chemical peels,” she says. It is also generally supplied as an add-on remedy for pre- and post-laser sufferers, as it may provide soothing reduction.
The Advantages
Aqua peel facials include a number of advantages, together with:
- The remedy deep cleans pores via gentle exfoliation.
- It’s appropriate for all pores and skin varieties (delicate included).
- Plumps and smooths pores and skin for 1-2 days post-treatment.
- Has a brightening impact on darkish spots.
- Zero downtime.
The Price
In line with Hong, the suitable worth for an aqua peel facial in Korea is as much as $75. “Some Korean skincare clinics provide very low-cost aqua peel facials priced between 9,000 received and 30,000 received ($6-$20) however I don’t suggest these locations as a result of in lots of instances, the options used are one-size-fits-all and are not custom-made to every shopper.” In the event you’re stateside, an aqua peel facial will seemingly run you $100-$200. The excellent news is that you do not want a number of remedies to see a distinction—the complexion-boosting, pore-cleansing results are obvious instantly and after only one remedy, says Hong.
The right way to Put together for the Therapy
Although aqua peel facials are gentler than conventional chemical peels, Hong nonetheless recommends avoiding face scrubs and skincare merchandise with lively elements—together with retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C—for one week pre-treatment. When doubtful, seek the advice of with a certified practitioner who can talk about correct precautions with you.
What to Anticipate Throughout a Therapy
Aqua peel facials final about 45 minutes and include three important steps: extraction, exfoliation, and infusion. Relying on the supplier, aqua peel facials will also be mixed with different remedies like LED remedy, microcurrent, and sheet masks. What makes it such a beautiful remedy is that it includes zero downtime and is comparatively painless.
- Extraction: After cleaning the pores and skin of make-up and sunscreen, most suppliers will begin the remedy off utilizing a spatula-style ultrasonic cleanser to prep the pores and skin. The system is positioned at a 45-degree angle and makes use of ultrasonic vibrations to assist unclog pores and extract blackheads and whiteheads. Typical areas that get essentially the most love are the t-zone space (brow, nostril, and chin), as these are extra vulnerable to congestion. Other than extracting particles and extra sebum, that is additionally step one in guaranteeing a clearer canvas for the pores and skin to soak up the hydrating elements within the steps to return.
- Exfoliation: The principle bulk of an aqua peel facial is exfoliation. In contrast to different common remedies that use related “vacuum” expertise, aqua peel facials are extra appropriate for delicate pores and skin as a result of they depend on hydrodermabrasion. That is achieved by way of a uniquely designed handpiece with a vortex-like tip. Throughout an aqua peel facial, each bodily and chemical modes of exfoliation are used. For one, your supplier will use chemical exfoliants like salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acid to dissolve lifeless pores and skin cells and take away extra sebum within the pores and skin. This, together with the gliding hand actions of the suction handpiece, permits for deeper—but mild—resurfacing.
- Infusion of Serums: After exfoliating your pores and skin, your supplier will change the machine to the infusion setting. This homes a glycerin and vitamin B complicated to replenish moisture and infuse the pores and skin with antioxidants, says esthetician Kay Hong of Magnificence Day Korea, a magnificence clinic based mostly in Seoul. As Dr. Liu provides, infusing the pores and skin with vitamins is a part of what makes the aqua peel facial so efficient at delivering contemporary, glowing pores and skin.
- Customizations: After extracting, exfoliating, and infusing the pores and skin with serums, the aqua peel facial is full. Relying on the place you get your remedy carried out, nonetheless, your practitioner will seemingly comply with up with some customizations like a sheet masks to appease any post-treatment redness, Gua Sha to enhance circulation, LED remedy to stimulate collagen manufacturing, or a soothing therapeutic massage.
The Outcomes
As a result of the remedy includes two types of exfoliation—bodily and chemical—it successfully sloughs away all traces of lifeless pores and skin cells. This instantly reveals brighter, extra radiant pores and skin that lasts as much as 2-3 days. You will additionally discover much less seen pores, a extra even pores and skin tone, and total improved pores and skin texture. As Dr. Liu provides, infusing the pores and skin with moisturizing elements helps to revive the pores and skin’s moisture barrier, making it really feel softer and extra supple. “The remedy additionally enhances the pores and skin’s means to soak up any hydrating serums you select to use afterward.” The identical goes for make-up—for many individuals, make-up glides on a lot smoother post-treatment, making it a very good choice to preserve in your again pocket earlier than large occasions.
Potential Aspect Results
“As a result of the aqua peel system is used to suck out lifeless pores and skin cells and sebum, your pores and skin could quickly turn into purple after the remedy, however this can enhance over time,” says Hong, who provides that not often, non permanent gentle zits may seem after the process on account of stimulation of the sebaceous glands.
In any case, Dr. Teo stresses the significance of discovering a certified practitioner to carry out your remedy. This professional needs to be skilled to be careful for indicators of irritation, know the optimum angle of holding the system, perceive learn how to navigate the facial contours, and guarantee consolation all through the method, she provides.
Aftercare
For one week following the remedy, Hong recommends avoiding skincare merchandise with lively elements, saunas, strenuous train, and solar publicity. She additionally recommends making use of a moisturizing cream together with sunscreen every day.
The Ultimate Takeaway
In the event you’re searching for a zero downtime, non-invasive manner to enhance your pores and skin’s texture, tone, and radiance, an aqua peel facial could also be price contemplating. General, the remedy is for these involved with frequent breakouts, blackheads, and tough pores and skin texture. And if you happen to simply desire a extremely tolerable pore-cleansing remedy that will not irritate your pores and skin, an aqua peel is ideal for you too.