CRI听力:New Body Treatments Popular

Alpha hydroxy acids and glycolic acid have been popular for years, but now they're making a name for themselves as body treatments.

Therapists at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills claim the glycolic acid used in their treatments loosens the bonds between cells so dead skin cells are exfoliated, revitalizing the skin and stimulating the production of new healthy skin.

Peels treat fine wrinkles, dryness, dark pigmentation and acne. They are now being used in complete body enzyme peels. A commonly used fruit acids is citric acid, which comes from lemons, oranges, limes and pineapples but therapists say more than one treatment is needed.

While glycolic acid comes from sugar cane, creating a mild exfoliation, glycolic peels also loosen and exfoliate the superficial top layer. They are also thought to stimulate collagen growth. AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, mild irritation, and dryness but when used on the body, results are often seen right away.

The therapists claim that since glycolic acid stimulates circulation to the skin, production of elastin and collagen is increased and the skin becomes more supple. The new living cells retain moisture, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. Harold Lancer M.D is a well known dermatologist in the USA. He says body treatments are back in vogue because bodies have to keep up with the worked on face.

"It's perfectly fine to do total body light chemical exfoliation. A lot of people don't like the word chemical but none the less its a fruit acid. So fruit acids exfoliations are common and the truth of the matter is they've been around for decades. They are making a comeback now and the reason is that - as people are making their facial skin look fresher, the neck and the chest have to match. And as we say in our office, if the face, neck and chest don't match, there's a big disconnect. Then if you go even further, the expression I always tell patients: from the dinner table up, everything has to look like it matches the same person."

The spa says repeat treatments to the body reduce lines and sun damage. Spa director Derek Hoffman says fruit enzymes make up 30% of the skin treatment.

"It's 30% fruit enzymes which are pumpkin, pineapple and papaya. Those enzymes penetrate the skin for a more profound exfoliation. After the product is applied you're wrapped in a heat blanket which cocoons the product onto your body. Your body absorbs the enzymes."

Spa client Angelica Curiel says she liked the feeling of the body peel.

"It tingled, but it tingled really nicely. With the rubbing it just made it feel like a comfort, soothing massage at the same time."

The spa at the Four Seasons offers an entire body peel called the Customized Body Enzyme Peel. The 60 minute treatment, costing about $200 USD is a fruit enzyme treatment that promises to renew and resurface the skin in a single session.

Organic enzymes are believed to help remove dead cells and cleanse the pores. Customized serums rich in anti-oxidants promote circulation, helping to restore softness, smoothness and suppleness.

For CRI, I am Li Dong.