Published: Mar 20, 2009

This natural alternative to chemical peels leaves behind smooth, glowing skin.

In the past, it’s been hard to find gentle and natural alternatives to chemical peels that deliver great results. All that is changing now, with more choices that promise clearer skin without irritation. One of the latest to the market is this peel from sukispa, which works on all skin types—particularly acne prone skin.

white willow bark extract

Derived from refined leaves of a White Willow tree, Standardized White Willow Bark Extract was discovered before aspirin and is a natural source of salicylic acid with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, says founder and creator of Sukispa, Suki Kramer. It has been used since ancient times; in 5th century BC, Hippocrates wrote about a bitter powder extracted from willow bark that could ease aches and pains and reduce fevers. In this case, it is used to treat blemishes and inflammation. Standardized White Willow Bark Extract 90-percent salicins is a non-irritating 12-percent beta hydroxyl acid and a non-abrasive exfoliate that reduces blemishing by 80 percent.

cranberry glycolic acid

Derived from cranberry fruit, this is a pure anti-oxidant and a glycolic acid at the same time, says Kramer. It’s anti-microbial and used to treat a dull complexion, blemishes and wrinkles. It works by exfoliating damaged cells and decongesting pores, and working with the enzymes to dissolve dirt and dead skin.

stabilized vitamin c polypeptides

Stabilized Vitamin C Liposome Polypeptides is the most accessible form of vitamin C, according to Kramer. It’s used to improve collagen production and reduce wrinkles, fine lines and dullness. With continued use, the benefits of vitamin C make skin visibly smoother and improve the health of the skin.

apple enzyme

Apple enzyme enhances skin cell turnover and rejuvenates with natural enzymatic actions. It’s used to treat clogged pores and toxic buildup, while also minimizing pore size and promoting facial tightening and firming.

pumpkin enzyme

“Pumpkin enzyme works with the apple enzyme to decongest pores and remove dead skin cells without irritation, which can be very rare for peels,” says Kramer. It’s derived from fermented pumpkin and used to reduce fine lines and clogged pores. Pumpkin enzyme accelerates the rebuilding of collagen on the skin and is rich in antioxidant ascorbic acid and beta-carotene, which help repair damaged tissue.