ZO Stimulator Peel: The Ultimate Red Carpet Peel

The red-carpet peel, professionally known as the ZO stimulator peel was created by Dr Zein Obagi.

ZO stimulator peel is a superficial peel that is gentle on the skin but powerful enough to provide instant changes to the appearance and texture of the skin.

The peel uses a combination of lactic acid, salicylic and citric acid as well as additional concentrations of potent active ingredients.

The blend of citric, salicylic and lactic acid stimulates cell turnover, encouraging dead skin cells to slough away; leaving skin with a healthy and dewy glow.

The peel provides a multitude of benefits such as accelerated exfoliation, brightening of dull skin tone, general prevention of skin aging, improvement in appearance of fine lines, smoother skin texture, refinement of large pores and reduction of acne.

The potent blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s) simultaneously work together to collectively provide overall, general rejuvenation.

The acids explained

AHA exfoliants are water soluble, they work on the skin’s surface. Whereas BHA exfoliants work both on the skin’s surface and at a dermal level making it a preferred choice when treating clogged pores and blemishes.

• Salicylic acid is a BHA that acts as chemical exfoliator. It works by penetrating the hair follicle and oil gland and dissolves dead skin cells, oil and debris. Salicylic acid can penetrate deeper into the skin than any other chemical exfoliators. This BHA also has some anti-inflammatory properties.

• Lactic acid is an AHA that also acts a chemical exfoliator. It speeds up skin cell turnover and improves skin’s overall texture. Lactic acid is part of the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF) and its unique structure allows it to bind water within skin. Lactic acid also has antioxidant properties

• Citric acid is another AHA presented in the ZO stimulator peel. It acts as chemical exfoliator but typically only when used in higher concentrations and when combined in the right formulation. Citric acid is derived from citrus fruits, it is used in conjunction with other acids to adjust the PH of formulations.