A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove layers of skin, revealing the more youthful skin underneath. Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne, scars, uneven skin coloring and other skin imperfections. Different chemicals determine the depth of your peel and type of skin condition treated.
A chemical peel is a technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin. Facial skin is mostly treated, and scarring can be improved. Chemical peels are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin. To accomplish this task, the chosen peel solution induces a controlled injury to the skin
Are chemical peels all the same?
No, there are different peels. Peels are generally classified by their ingredients. Each skin condition may respond differently to the ingredients in a peel. For example, wrinkles, pigment problems, and superficial blemishes respond very well to a stronger peel. Acne often responds best to salicylic acid peels.
Alpha-hydroxy (AHA), glycolic, lactic, or fruit acid peels are among the gentlest peels. Stronger options like trichloroacetic acid/TCA peels penetrate the skin more deeply and can rid the skin of wrinkles.
All peels can provide skin rejuvenating benefits, but your skin’s type and condition dictates which peel to use.
10 Benefits for any Chemical peel:
1. Treats Acne
Topical acne treatments can only go so far, and a peel exfoliates deeper. Getting a peel cleanses your skin more thoroughly and reveals a fresh new layer of skin, without the acne. Peels for acne work best when received in a series
2. Minimizes Pores
Large pores are a common concern for many, and all who have them wish they’d go away. Removing the outer, often damaged layer of skin with a peel has the benefit of making pores look smaller.
3. Erases Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Nothing leaves us stuck in the past as much as lines on the skin. These reminders prevent us from living in—and fully enjoying—the present moment. When fine lines or wrinkles have got you down, peels come to the rescue. These chemical solutions can permanently remove fine lines and ease even the toughest wrinkles.
4. Fades Discoloration
You deserve to feel confident, vibrant, and beautiful. If sunspots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation are getting in your way, a peel can help. Many clients find that a peel lifts discoloration from the skin for good.
5. Lifts Skin
When you don’t want the downtime of a facelift, a peel could be the right alternative for you. Skin lifting is one of the incredible benefits a peel offers.
6. Soothes Scarring
There is an implied permanence with scarring that isn’t accurate. Many scars from acne or anything else recede when exposed to the chemicals found in a peel.
7. Balances Texture
Uneven skin tone and blemishes add a dimension to the skin that many people don’t want. Peels bring balance to the overall texture of the skin.
8. Smooths Skin
Peels are best known for unparalleled skin-smoothing benefits. By lifting rigid layers of skin from the face, neck, or hands, the result is gorgeously smooth and touchable skin.
9. Non-Invasive Treatment
This treatment is one of the most effective options not requiring needles or surgery. Some clients pair this treatment with other treatments because of this. For others, it’s comforting to know that they can achieve their desired look without surgery.
10. It just makes you feel better about the way you feel and look!
What to avoid when doing chemical peels
Before
Avoid certain cosmetic treatments and certain types of hair removal. About a week before the peel, stop using hair removal techniques such as electrolysis or depilatories. Also, avoid hair dying treatments, permanent-wave or hair-straightening treatments, facial masks, or facial scrubs in the week before your peel.
After
1. Picking at the skin
The entire reason a person gets a chemical peel is to burn off the surface and get rid of damaged, dry skin cell layers. In order to do this, the skin must shed – which is what many people dislike the most about a chemical peel. Picking off the dry skin before it can lead to scarring and extra redness.
2. Skipping sunscreen
It’s critical to protect skin from the sun at any time, but especially after a peel – no matter how strong or what the type of peel was. Ideally, a person would avoid the sun for the first week or two, but if they can’t, then they should wear sunscreen. Not doing so can lead to blotchy patches and irregular skin coloring. An SPF of 30 or higher is recommended and it should be applied about a half an hour before going outdoors.
3. Letting the skin dry out
Keeping the skin clean after a peel is very important. The best option is to wash with cool water and a mild soap.
4. Not applying moisturizer
Along with regular washing, keeping the skin moisturized is also essential. A fragrance-free, dye-free, gentle moisturizer should be applied right after washing it – every time it’s washed!
5. Applying too much moisturizer
It is important to moisturize regularly, but it’s also important to avoid putting on too much moisturizer. Remember that the point of a chemical peel is to let dry surface layers peel. If they’re over moisturized, they may not flake off properly.
6. Being afraid of cold compresses
There’s a rumor out there that cold compresses work against the benefits of a chemical peel. This simply isn’t true. A cold compress can actually be very soothing and can help the skin heal faster.
7. Exfoliating
It can be tempting to exfoliate. After all, there’s skin peeling and it appears that it wants to be removed. The truth is that exfoliating can remove the skin before it is ready. This can lead to inadequate results and even scarring.
8. Expecting immediate results
There are some cosmetic treatments that have immediate results. Chemical peels are not one of them. While the results can be incredible and they’re well worth the wait, it does take a few days for the full results to be obvious.
9. Not staying hydrated
One of the best things you can do for your skin is to keep it hydrated. This is true right after a peel and it’s true every day of your life. Drink plenty of water.
10. Drinking excessive alcohol
While it is most likely fine to have a glass of wine or a cocktail, imbibing excessive alcohol can depress the immune system and should be avoided as it makes it harder for your face to heal.
Aftercare
moisturizing throughout the day with a good moisturizer (Just Skin Fortified Moisturizer or Aquaphor) both day and night. Reapply throughout the day as often as needed. Your skin should never be so dry that it is cracking or sore. Refrain from waxing, tanning, or using sunbeds for 3 weeks.