Chemical Peeling — AHA Fruit Acid Peel

Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA / fruit acid) chemical peeling applied by MUDr. Renata Handlová to accelerate skin cell turnover, reduce oiliness and enlarged pores, improve post-acne scarring and sun-damaged skin texture, and correct irregular pigmentation. The solution — primarily derived from sugar cane — is applied with a fine brush for two to seven minutes and then neutralised, inducing controlled exfoliation of the upper skin layers. At Estetické centrum Praha the Neostrata protocol is used: MUDr. Handlová holds Neostrata clinical certification. Treatment is suitable for oily, acne-prone, sun-aged and irregularly pigmented skin types. Best performed in autumn and winter.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), also called fruit acids, are a family of water-soluble organic acids derived from natural sources — glycolic acid from sugar cane, lactic acid from milk, citric acid from citrus fruits, malic acid from apples, mandelic acid from bitter almonds. When applied to the skin at clinically appropriate concentrations, AHAs disrupt the cohesion of corneocytes at the stratum corneum — the outermost skin layer — by chelating calcium ions involved in the intracellular adhesion bonds. This causes controlled, uniform exfoliation of the dead cell layer rather than the random, patchy shedding of mechanical scrubbing. At Estetické centrum Praha MUDr. Renata Handlová uses the Neostrata AHA peeling system, for which she holds clinical certification. Neostrata pioneered the use of AHAs in cosmeceutical and clinical applications and its professional peeling range spans a spectrum of concentrations and formulations calibrated for different skin types and depths of exfoliation. The treatment session begins with thorough skin cleansing and degreasing — removal of sebum, residual cosmetics and skin-surface lipids — to ensure even acid penetration and prevent uneven areas of more intense exfoliation. The peeling solution is then applied evenly across the face with a fine brush. Contact time is two to seven minutes depending on the concentration used, the patient's skin type and the desired depth of exfoliation. Throughout the application the patient may experience mild stinging and burning, which is expected and indicates active acid action. The solution is then neutralised with a dedicated agent, halting the acid activity. Cool compresses and soothing preparations complete the session. In the days following treatment, the treated skin sheds — typically mild scaling and dryness beginning on day two or three and completing within five to seven days. During this period only the prescribed nourishing cream should be applied (twice or three times daily); active cosmetics, exfoliants, retinoids and abrasive products must be avoided. Sun exposure without SPF 30+ is strictly contraindicated during and for several weeks after the peeling course, as the freshly exfoliated skin is temporarily more sensitive to UV damage and pigmentation. Makeup should be avoided during the active peeling phase. Possible side effects include expected redness, mild scaling and small crusts that resolve naturally. Rarely: activation of latent herpes simplex (patients with a cold-sore history should take prophylactic antivirals), mild allergic reaction or temporary increased sun sensitivity. A home preparation phase using lower-concentration AHA creams in the weeks before the professional treatment can prime the skin to respond more uniformly and enhance the overall effect — MUDr. Handlová advises on suitable home-care products at the initial consultation. Indications include oily and acne-prone skin (seborrhea), enlarged pores, post-acne scarring, fine superficial wrinkles, hyperkeratosis (thickened skin), irregular pigmentation, freckles, age spots and photoaged or sun-damaged skin. The treatment is generally not recommended during summer due to the increased UV exposure in the post-peel healing period.