DermExcel™

Illuminize Peel

Name: Illuminize Peel
Brand: DermExcel™
SKU: DX-IP
Price: 559.00 ZAR
Availability: InStock

4.9 / 5.0 from 464 reviews

renew skin cells

Unclog Pores

Exfoliating

Brightening

Even Skin Tone

Superficial peel with keratolytic, comedolytic and brightening actions.

The Illuminize Peel, with a pH of 1.5, provides vibrant, radiant-looking skin with minimal downtime.

This treatment effectively diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and addresses uneven skin tone often caused by acne scarring or other pigmentation changes. It’s ideal for mild to moderate skin imperfections, leaving skin visibly brighter and more refined.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is highly acclaimed for its remarkable exfoliating and rejuvenating properties. Its small molecular size enables deep skin penetration, fostering efficient exfoliation at the cellular level.

Glycolic acid’s water solubility allows it to penetrate the upper layers of the skin easily. Its primary mechanism of action involves weakening the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their shedding, and revealing the newer, healthier skin beneath. This process of accelerated cell turnover is instrumental in addressing a range of skin concerns, from aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles to texture irregularities and hyperpigmentation.

Glycolic acid's efficacy extends beyond mere exfoliation. It's also recognized for stimulating collagen production, a crucial protein in maintaining skin's elasticity and firmness. This aspect contributes to its anti-aging benefits. Furthermore, its hydrating properties add to its appeal, as they help increase the skin's capacity to retain moisture, leading to a more supple and vibrant complexion.

Clinical studies have consistently supported glycolic acid's role in improving skin appearance. Research indicates significant improvements in skin texture and pigmentation and the visible reduction of wrinkles and fine lines with glycolic acid.

Physiological Effects

Exfoliation: Glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliant. It dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, facilitating their removal and revealing newer, healthier skin underneath.
Increased Collagen Production: It stimulates collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and firmness. This action helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhanced Skin Hydration: Glycolic acid improves the skin's ability to retain moisture, enhancing hydration and a more plump, vibrant skin appearance.
Skin Brightening: Removing dead skin cells can brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Improved Skin Texture: Regular use of glycolic acid can lead to smoother, more even textured skin, making it beneficial for conditions like keratosis pilaris.
Acne Treatment: Its exfoliating properties help in unclogging pores, thereby reducing the occurrence of acne breakouts.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Aging Skin: Glycolic acid is widely used in anti-aging products to reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Acne-Prone Skin: It helps manage acne by exfoliating the skin and removing blockage from pores.
Hyperpigmentation: It effectively treats hyperpigmentation by accelerating the removal of hyperpigmented skin cells.
Textural Irregularities: Glycolic acid can improve skin texture and is beneficial for treating keratosis pilaris and other conditions of rough skin.
Sun-Damaged Skin: It helps rejuvenate sun-damaged skin by accelerating cell turnover and collagen synthesis.

References

Bernstein, E. F. (2001). Glycolic acid treatment increases type I collagen mRNA and hyaluronic acid content of human skin. Dermatologic Surgery.
Kornhauser, A., Coelho, S. G., & Hearing, V. J. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Sharad, J. (2013). Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Smith, W. P. (1996). Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 35(3), 388-391.

Lactic acid

Lactic acid, a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family, is a well-regarded ingredient in the field of dermatology and skincare for its exfoliating and moisturizing properties. Naturally occurring in sour milk and other fermented products, lactic acid is also produced in the human body and plays a role in various metabolic processes.

In skincare, lactic acid is primarily known for its ability to exfoliate the skin gently. By breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together on the skin's surface, lactic acid helps to promote the shedding of these cells, revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath. This exfoliation process improves skin texture and tone and stimulates cell renewal.

One key advantage of lactic acid over other AHAs is its moisturizing capability. Lactic acid helps increase the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF), essential for keeping the skin hydrated. Its unique ability to draw moisture into the skin is particularly beneficial for treating dry and dehydrated skin conditions.

Physiological Effects

Exfoliation: A gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells from the skin's surface, promoting smooth skin.
Moisture Retention: It is a humectant that helps the skin retain moisture, improving hydration and reducing dryness.
Collagen Stimulation: Lactic acid can stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, aiding in skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Brightening: It helps lighten dark spots and even out skin tone, effectively treating hyperpigmentation.
pH Balancing: Lactic acid can help balance the skin's natural pH levels, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Aging Skin: Lactic acid's collagen-stimulating and exfoliating properties make it effective in anti-aging treatments, reducing signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots.
Acne-Prone Skin: By unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells, lactic acid can help reduce acne breakouts.
Dry Skin (Xerosis): Its humectant properties are beneficial in hydrating and relieving dry skin.
Hyperpigmentation: Lactic acid treats hyperpigmentation issues, including melasma and sun damage.
Keratosis Pilaris: It can help manage keratosis pilaris by exfoliating the excess keratin that blocks hair follicles.

References

Smith, W. P. (1996). Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Kornhauser, A., Coelho, S. G., & Hearing, V. J. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Stiller, M. J., et al. (1996). Topical 8% glycolic acid and 8% L-lactic acid creams for the treatment of photodamaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled clinical trial. Archives of Dermatology.
Rawlings, A. V., Davies, A., Carlomusto, M., Pillai, S., Zhang, K., Kosturko, R., ... & Watson, D. (1996). Effect of lactic acid isomers on keratinocyte ceramide synthesis, stratum corneum lipid levels and stratum corneum barrier function. Archives of Dermatological Research, 288(7), 383-390.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid, a renowned beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is a cornerstone in dermatology and skincare due to its exceptional keratolytic and comedolytic properties. It uniquely penetrates oil-laden hair follicle pores, making it particularly effective in treating acne-prone and oily skin types.

Salicylic acid works by dissolving skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne, namely sebum and dead skin cells. It's a mild anti-bacterial- and a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which helps to reduce the redness and swelling associated with breakouts.

What sets salicylic acid apart in dermatological treatments is its ability to exfoliate the skin not just on the surface but within the pores themselves. This is due to its oil-soluble nature, which allows it to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve the keratin plugs that lead to blackheads and whiteheads.

Furthermore, Salicylic acid also can adjust the pH of the skin, creating an environment less favorable for the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid's efficacy in treating various skin conditions, particularly acne, has been extensively documented in the scientific literature. Studies have consistently shown its ability to reduce acne lesions in terms of count and severity. Additionally, Salicylic acid is highly recommended for its effectiveness in treating other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dandruff, due to its ability to soften and remove scales and flakes from the skin.

Physiological Effects

Keratolytic Action: Salicylic acid is known for exfoliating the skin by dissolving the intercellular 'glue' that holds skin cells together. This helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Comedolytic Effect: It is particularly effective in reducing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) by unclogging pores and preventing the formation of new comedones.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Salicylic acid reduces inflammation, which is beneficial in treating acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Sebum Regulation: It helps to regulate oil production, making it a valuable ingredient for managing oily and acne-prone skin.
Penetration Enhancement: Due to its lipophilic nature, it can penetrate sebum-filled follicles, effectively treating acne located deep within the pores.

Role in Managing Dermatological Conditions

Acne Vulgaris: Salicylic acid is a cornerstone in acne treatment, effectively preventing and treating existing acne lesions.
Warts: Salicylic acid is commonly used to treat warts because it can exfoliate and remove the thickened skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: It helps manage seborrheic dermatitis by reducing scaling and redness.
Keratosis Pilaris: Salicylic acid can aid in smoothing the rough bumps associated with Keratosis Pilaris.

References

Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., & Thiboutot, D. M. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945-973.e33.
Kornhauser, A., Coelho, S. G., & Hearing, V. J. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 3, 135.
Zander, E., & Weisman, S. (1992). Treatment of acne vulgaris with salicylic acid pads. Clinical Therapeutics.
Gupta, A. K., & Nicol, K. (2004). The use of sulfur in dermatology. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

SHIPPING

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RETURNS

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Hyperpigmentation: Fades dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation for a more even skin tone.
Aging Related Conditions: Stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Actinic Keratosis: Promotes the shedding of the outer skin layers, smoothing the texture and reducing visible roughness associated with AK.
Sun Damage: Repairs UV-induced skin damage by improving tone, texture, and reducing sunspots.
Photodamage: Reduces signs of sun damage, such as pigmentation and roughness.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Calm redness, swelling, and irritation while reducing the inflammatory response.
Dull and Lifeless Complexion: Promotes cell turnover for a brighter, more radiant complexion.
Acne and Congested Pores: Helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, especially in non-inflammatory acne.

Active ingredients

Glycolic acid

Lactic acid

Salicylic acid

Kojic acid

Full ingredient list

25% Glycolic acid 25% Lactic acid 20% Salicylic acid 10% Kojic acid

1. Cleanse

Cleanse the skin with any DermExcel™ Cleanser.

2. Prep

Use the Pre-Peel Solution to remove excess oil from the skin.

3. Treat

Apply 1-2ml peel solution with cotton buds or brush. Leave the solution on the skin.
Leave the solution on the skin for 3-7 min depending on disease and patient tolerability.
Neutralize with Post-peel Neutralizer.

4. Boost (optional)

For increased melanogenesis inhibition, collagen stimulation and hydration apply 1-2 pumps Collagen Serum - or Retinol Serum after neutralizing and gently spread over the treatment area.

5. Protect

Apply any DermExcel™ or Dermaplan™ Moisturizer followed by Dermdefense SPF50.

POST PEEL INSTRUCTIONS

Sun protection is critical. Avoid sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
Do not pick or pull the skin. Allow skin to peel at its own pace. Premature peeling of the skin will result in dry, cracked, raw skin that may develop into post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Avoid using chemical exfoliators, physical exfoliators, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and waxing for 7 days after the peel procedure.
Do not re-apply make-up on the day of the peel procedure. Make-up can be applied from the following day.
Wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser and liberally apply DermNourish after cleansing and throughout the day as needed to prevent dryness and formation of crust.

* Resume all active ingredients after post-peel irritation subsided.

Pigmentation Treatment

GLYCOLIC ACID

Glycolic acid works at the epidermal level to exfoliate pigmented keratinocytes, increasing cell turnover and reducing the presence of dark spots on the surface of the skin.
As a small-molecule alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid deeply penetrates the epidermis, dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. This exfoliative action sloughs off pigmented cells at the surface, helping to reduce dark spots and even out areas of hyperpigmentation.
The peel’s 25% glycolic acid concentration accelerates this process, facilitating a brighter, more uniform complexion.

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LACTIC ACID

Lactic acid is known for its gentler exfoliation compared to glycolic acid, Lactic acid provides surface cell renewal that’s coupled with hydration.
By removing pigmented cells and infusing moisture, Lactic acid enhances luminosity and plumpness in the skin, which helps improve texture and clarity without irritation. - Irritation can indeed lead to more pigmentation, especially in individuals prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
When the skin is irritated, it can trigger an inflammatory response that stimulates melanocytes (the cells responsible for melanin production) to produce more pigment as a protective response. This can result in new dark spots or worsen existing pigmentation.

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KOJIC ACID

Kojic acid works as a melanin suppressant by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme, which is essential for melanin synthesis.
Reducing melanin formation at a cellular level, kojic acid targets existing dark spots and prevents new pigment from forming, aiding in both the treatment and prevention of hyperpigmentation.

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SALICYLIC ACID

Though Saliylic acid is primarily used for oil control and exfoliation within pores, Salicylic acid also enhances the penetration of Glycolic and Lactic acids. Breaking down surface oil and removing build-up maximizes the overall lightening effect and creates a more even, smooth skin surface.

Anti-Aging

GLYCOLIC ACID

Glycolic acid is a small-molecule alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that penetrates deeply into the skin, promoting exfoliation and enhancing cell turnover. This process encourages the removal of dead skin cells and stimulates the production of new, healthy cells.

Reduction in Fine Lines and Wrinkles: By stimulating fibroblasts, glycolic acid enhances collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Improved Skin Texture: Exfoliation removes surface roughness, leaving the skin smoother and more refined.
Enhanced Radiance: Glycolic acid brightens the skin by shedding dull, damaged surface cells, revealing a more youthful complexion.

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SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deeply into pores and exfoliate within the follicular walls. While its primary focus is acne-related concerns, its anti-inflammatory and exfoliative properties also improve aging skin.

Refined Pore Appearance: By clearing out pores and reducing oil buildup, Salicylic acid minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, contributing to a smoother, younger-looking skin texture.
Reduction in Inflammation: Salicylic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and irritation, which are often exacerbated in aging skin.
Increased Cell Turnover: Exfoliating dead skin cells promotes a fresher, rejuvenated skin surface.

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LACTIC ACID

Lactic acid, a hydrating AHA, works primarily at the skin's surface to provide gentle exfoliation while simultaneously boosting moisture levels. Its dual action of exfoliation and hydration makes it especially effective for mature skin, which often suffers from dryness and loss of elasticity.

Increased Skin Firmness: Lactic acid stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Plumped, Hydrated Skin: Its humectant properties draw water into the skin, giving it a plump, youthful appearance and reducing the visibility of fine lines caused by dehydration.
Smoother Skin Texture: Gentle exfoliation softens rough patches, leaving the skin velvety smooth and radiant.

Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Acne

SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties calm redness, swelling, and irritation while reducing the inflammatory response triggered by acne bacteria and clogged follicles.
As a lipid-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA), it penetrates deeply to dissolve excess sebum, exfoliates within pores, and prevents the formation of comedones, minimizing breakouts and refining the skin’s appearance.

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GLYCOLIC GEL

Exhibits pH-dependent antibacterial activity by disrupting C. acnes cell membranes at a low pH (3-3.5), effectively killing acne-causing bacteria.
Exfoliates dead skin cells, preventing pore blockages and reducing the risk of breakouts.
Minimizes redness and swelling by limiting bacterial-triggered inflammatory responses.
Reduces acne-related inflammation by addressing both bacterial activity and clogged pores.

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KOJIC ACID

Kojic acid lightens post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) by inhibiting melanin synthesis, helping fade dark spots and discoloration caused by inflammation for a more even skin tone.
Its antioxidant properties neutralize oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, while its ability to prevent new pigmentation addresses lingering marks and uneven tone often left behind by acne.

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LACTIC ACID

Lactic acid provides gentle exfoliation while hydrating the skin, soothing irritation, and reducing redness without stripping the skin.
By preventing clogged pores and supporting the skin barrier, it effectively calms inflammation and reduces the risk of acne, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Skin Brightening & Rejuvenation

GLYCOLIC ACID

Promotes rapid cell turnover, removing the build-up of dead skin cells that often contribute to a dull appearance.
Glycolic acid’s deep penetration reveals fresh, new skin and enhances luminosity.

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LACTIC ACID

Provides hydration as well as gentle exfoliation, enhancing the skin’s natural glow and reducing dryness that contributes to a dull appearance. The moisture-attracting property of lactic acid leaves the skin plump and radiant.

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KOJIC ACID

Kojic acid adds brightness by evening out minor pigmentation irregularities, which enhances the overall clarity and vibrancy of the skin.

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SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid clears out dead skin and sebum from pores, refining skin texture and enhancing smoothness. By cleaning out excess oils and debris, it ensures the skin appears fresher and brighter.

Actinic Damage Repair

The blend of acids in the Illuminize Peel helps diminish Actinic Keratosis’s rough, textured appearance while evening out pigmentation for clearer, more resilient skin.

GLYCOLIC ACID

For areas with Actinic Keratosis, Glycolic acid helps soften and remove rough, scaly patches by exfoliating layers of dead skin cells.
Over time, this can diminish the rough, uneven texture associated with AK lesions and reduce visible rough spots caused by sun damage.

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LACTIC ACID

Lactic acid’s gentle exfoliation and moisturizing effects help improve the overall texture of sun-damaged areas without excessive peeling. It promotes a smoother appearance while soothing any dryness or flaking.

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KOJIC ACID

The pigment-suppressing action of kojic acid aids in evening out discoloration often associated with actinic keratosis. Kojic acid prevents hyperpigmentation that can result from sun exposure, helping to lighten and even out these sun-induced dark patches.

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SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid exfoliates and penetrates keratotic areas, helping to soften and slough off rough patches.
Its anti-inflammatory properties also assist in calming any redness or irritation associated with sun-damaged skin.

Sun Damage Treatment

This potent blend of ingredients acts on different layers of the skin to diminish visible sun spots, brighten the skin, and prevent future discoloration, resulting in a clearer, more even complexion.

GLYCOLIC ACID

By removing surface cells that contain concentrated melanin, Glycolic acid softens and minimizes the appearance of solar lentigos.
Its deep penetration reaches layers where sun-induced pigment resides, helping to fade sun spots effectively.

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LACTIC ACID

Lactic acid provides surface exfoliation and hydration, gradually lightening lentigos while keeping skin nourished and supple.
This gentle exfoliation smooths skin, reducing the visibility of sun spots without irritation.

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KOJIC ACID

Kojic acid is highly effective in lightening sun spots by blocking melanin production, which makes it a potent option for fading these pigmented areas and improving overall skin tone.

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SALICYLIC ACID

Supports enhanced exfoliation and maximizes ingredient penetration.
It helps dissolve oils and debris that may accumulate around pigmented lesions, ensuring even penetration of lightening agents like Glycolic and Kojic acids.