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What is a Fruit Acid Peel?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Many people do not realize how acidic fruits such as oranges and apples are. The chemicals contained in these fruits are called glycolic acid. A fruit acid peel is a procedure that uses these natural acids to remove layers of skin. There are several noted benefits associated with such a procedure, including tone and texture improvement.

A fruit acid peel can do more than remove layers of dead and damaged skin. These glycolic acids can also penetrate the remaining skin, providing a thorough cleansing action. This can help prevent and fight acne.

A fruit acid peel might be used to prevent and treat acne.
A fruit acid peel might be used to prevent and treat acne.

Although the procedure is fairly simple, it is generally recommended that a person have it executed by a professional. A person can go to a dermatologist to have a fruit acid peel done. Some spas also offer the service. Wherever a person has it done, she can expect the procedure to be fairly quick.

Generally, the glycolic acid is applied to the skin. The acidity levels can vary from one product to another. In many instances, a person begins getting procedures with a solution that has low acidity levels, and gradually, as she returns to have the procedure repeated, solutions with higher acidity levels are used.

Fruit acid peels improve the tone and texture of skin.
Fruit acid peels improve the tone and texture of skin.

After the acid is applied, it is usually left on the skin for five minutes or less. After this time, a neutralizing agent may be applied to the areas where the acid was. The neutralizing agent basically stops the acid from working. Once this is done, the area is usually cleaned and other products such as serum, moisturizers, and sun block may be applied.

Patients should consult a dermatologist about having a fruit acid peel done.
Patients should consult a dermatologist about having a fruit acid peel done.

The effects of a fruit acid peel are often not immediate. A person may have to have the procedure performed several times before she notices any drastic results. Even after each peel, the results may not be seen for several days or a week. This is because the top layers of skin are not usually immediately removed. Instead, they peel off during the days following the procedure.

A fruit acid peel may be used to minimize deep wrinkles.
A fruit acid peel may be used to minimize deep wrinkles.

These glycolic acid procedures often cause the skin to be very sensitive. The professional who performs the procedure is likely to advise her client to avoid direct sunlight for about a week. If a person must go out in the sun, it is likely that she will be strongly advised to wear sun block. In addition to the peeling skin, a person may experience redness, dryness, or swelling following the procedure. These side effects should not last longer than a few days.

Discussion Comments

GardenTurtle

@waterhopper: I have always made my own fruit acid homemade peels. Here is what I do:

Be sure to tie back your hair. Cleanse your face well with glycerin soap. Leave the skin slightly moist. Pat some jojoba oil around your eyes, nose and mouth to protect those areas.

Mash together ½ cup of fresh pineapple or papaya. Frozen fruit is not a good substitute. Add the juice of two lemons. Mix very well.

Apply the acid peel to your skin evenly. Lie back for at least 20 minutes. You can use cooled chamomile tea bags over your eyes to reduce puffiness.

Rinse the acid peel off completely. You can do a face scrub afterwards. Then mix 2 Tbsp. baking soda mixed ¼ cup water to the skin and scrub. Moisturize afterwards.

WaterHopper

Is there a way to make a homemade fruit acid peel at home? I don't know how much it would cost to have it done by a dermatologist but I'm sure it would be cheaper to do it at home.

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    • A fruit acid peel might be used to prevent and treat acne.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      A fruit acid peel might be used to prevent and treat acne.
    • Fruit acid peels improve the tone and texture of skin.
      By: belahoche
      Fruit acid peels improve the tone and texture of skin.
    • Patients should consult a dermatologist about having a fruit acid peel done.
      By: michaeljung
      Patients should consult a dermatologist about having a fruit acid peel done.
    • A fruit acid peel may be used to minimize deep wrinkles.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      A fruit acid peel may be used to minimize deep wrinkles.
    • Fruits like apples and oranges are surprisingly acidic.
      By: bergamont
      Fruits like apples and oranges are surprisingly acidic.
    • A fruit acid peel may remove layers of dead skin and help reveal an even, youthful complexion.
      By: micromonkey
      A fruit acid peel may remove layers of dead skin and help reveal an even, youthful complexion.
    • A person may need to have a fruit acid peel procedure done several ties before a change is noticed in skin.
      By: Laurent Hamels
      A person may need to have a fruit acid peel procedure done several ties before a change is noticed in skin.