Chemical peels are a common treatment to make skin on the face, neck and hands look smoother and less wrinkled by sloughing off the top layer of skin. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, there are different types of peels for varying conditions.

Thinking of using an acid skin peel? We’ve investigated common beliefs surrounding four popular acid treatments to refresh your face.

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TRICHLOROACETIC ACID IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR LIGHT AND DARK SKIN: TRUTH

A new study from McGill University in Montreal has confirmed that a universal trichloroacetic acid peel is safe for both light and dark skin types. Researchers examined data from 923 peels — in 803 women and 120 men — and found that patients experienced very few complications following the procedure.

HYALURONIC ACID DISSOLVES DEAD SKIN: MYTH

Hyaluronic acids aren't actually used for peels; they're great for refreshing dry skin because they contain a natural carbohydrate. Unlike other acids, these acids don’t dissolve dead skin, they lubricate and heal skin, New York Magazine reported. Additionally, babies are born with a high amount of hyaluronic acid, but the amount in our bodies decreases with age, hence the benefit in replenishing it.

Read: 5 Ways To Get Younger Skin, From Water To Surgery

RETINOL AND RETINOIC ACID BASICALLY DO THE SAME THING: TRUTH

Most acid treatments are naturally harsh, but that same quality is what makes them so effective. More mild alternatives are available — like the ingredients retinol and retinoic acid.

"There's a lot of literature showing that while retinol is more gentle than retinoic acid, biochemically it does exactly the same thing—it may just take longer to see results,” Dana Sachs, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School, told Allure.

GLYCOLIC ACID ENHANCES THE PRODUCTION OF COLLAGEN: TRUTH

A glycolic peel is created with various types of fruits including, “sugar beets, sugarcane, pineapple and unripe grapes,” Chemical Peel Facts reported. It works by eliminating old skin cells and, yes, can actually enhance the production of your skin’s collagen.

Source: Fanous N, Zari S. Universal Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Technique for Light and Dark Skin. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. 2017.

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