Those with sensitive skin can still benefit from chemical peels. Nonetheless, your skin’s sensitivity will be taken into account both before and during the peel by our dermatologist. Sensitive skin may experience more severe redness and peeling with this treatment.
Chemical peel results can be affected by a number of factors, including how sensitive the skin is and how well it can endure the peel’s effects. All skin types can utilize mild peels, but it’s best to get your dermatologist’s approval beforehand. Chemical peels can cause redness and swelling in certain persons who are sensitive to the chemicals. You should always select a chemical peel that is gentler on your skin than the others. Sunscreen is especially important after resurfacing, since your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Is chemical peel safe for sensitive skin, Should you get a Glycolic, Salicylic or TCA peel?. Read on to learn more. We at cosmeticsurgerytips have all the information that you need about Essential facts of facial peel. Read on to learn more about lactic acid peel for sensitive skin and sensitive skin after chemical peel.
Is Chemical Peel Safe For Sensitive Skin
As someone with extra-sensitive skin, the sheer thought of a chemical peel evokes a nightmarish image of a red, painful complexion—which isn’t any fun at all. But if done correctly, this type of treatment isn’t something you have to be afraid of: as long as you’ve got the right regimen in place, chemical peels for sensitive skin can leave you looking radiant instead of raw.
At their simplest, “chemical peels resurface the color, texture, and appearance of the skin for an improvement in hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and overall glow,” says Lara Devgan, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Los Angeles. They’re designed with potent exfoliating ingredients that gently remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin for a smoothing, brightening effect.
To ease any reservations you have about chemical peels for sensitive skin, we’ve tapped three dermatologists to break down exactly how those of us prone to irritation should approach integrating chemical peels into our routines.
Benefits of chemical peels
According to dermatologists, chemical peels are most effective in removing the more challenging skin concerns that appear as our skin matures. “Chemical peels are often used in the treatment of acne, hyperpigmentation, and signs of skin aging, such as sunspots,” says Rina Allawh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
Because of their extra powerful ingredients, they’re able to remove the dead or dull skin from the top layer of our face and reveal a more even skin tone. They also help to jump-start cellular renewal, bringing healthy, new skin cells to the surface of the skin to replace the dead, dull ones that you’re melting away. Especially as we age and our skin matures, it can become extra challenging to get rid of discoloration or scarring, so that’s why dermatologists turn to potent acids to treat tougher-to-solve skin concerns.
What to look for in a chemical peel for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, it’s normal to feel intimidated by chemical peels. While some of the stronger options on the market can cause irritation, there are chemical peels specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Board-certified dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD, advises using chemical peels with lactic acid, which is known to be one of the gentlest alpha-hydroxy acids on the market. Like all AHAs, lactic acid helps to break the “glue” that holds dead skin cells to the surface of your skin, but because the molecules are small, they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as harsher acids, like glycolic. “Lactic acid helps speed up cell renewal, helping lessen visible acne scars, and glycolic acid has amazing anti-aging benefits,” board-certified dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, previously told W+G.
According to Dr. Allawh, patients with sensitive skin should avoid botanical ingredients in chemical peels. “I have found that some chemical peels may even contain various botanical ingredients and may be labeled as ‘natural,’” she says. “Certain botanical ingredients may be irritating and may contain a natural fragrance that may trigger certain skin allergic reactions.”
At-home vs. in-office chemical peels
If you’re looking to try out a chemical peel, there are two types to choose from. The first, in-office, means going into your dermatologist’s office and receiving treatment. These can be pricier but will be formulated based on your specific skin-care needs, and a derm will be able to help you choose a peel that best works for your sensitive skin.
On the other hand, there are a wide variety of at-home chemical peels that gently address hyperpigmentation, acne, and dullness. They tend to be less potent to prevent irritation (certain acid strengths can old be used at the hands of a professional) and work best if used consistently.
“The difference between at-home and in-office peels is dependent on the ingredients used and the potency (strength) of the ingredient,” says Dr. Allawh. “In-office chemical peels may contain TCA or glycolic acid, but given the higher strength of the ingredients, certain in-office peels may require neutralization afterward to prevent skin irritation.”
If you’re not sure which route to go, at-home chemical peels are a great place to start because you’ll be able to see how your skin reacts to the potent ingredients, and they’re gentler on the skin. “At-home chemical peels will be much gentler than an in-office peel,” Dr. Peredo says, “At-home chemical peels can be in the form of a disposable pad, an overnight serum, or a face mask. At-home chemical peels will only affect the most outer layer skin.”
How to treat your skin to an at-home chemical peel for sensitive skin
Before applying the chemical peel to your face, it’s crucial to prepare your skin. “Prep your face by cleansing your face with a gentle, hydrating cleanser.” Dr. Allawah says, “I recommend the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser because it’s rich in hydrating ingredients such as ceramides.”
After you’ve applied the peel, be sure to give your skin extra hydration to prevent irritation and redness. Dr. Devgan recommends using “soothing emollient moisturizer,” such as SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture ($63) and EltaMD Moisturizer ($18), to calm the skin’s barrier and protect it from irritants and environmental factors.
Lastly, apply sunscreen. “Your face will be more sensitive to the sun afterward,” Dr. Peredo explains. It will be more susceptible to sunburn after a chemical peel, which can add to existing hyperpigmentation and create fine lines and wrinkles.
Lactic Acid Peel For Sensitive Skin
A lactic acid peel does not come with the skin irritation or recovery time of deeper chemical peels, and it is therefore a good choice for people with sensitive skin or who have rosacea. It is also free of risks or complications, making it a good choice for those new to chemical peels.
A lactic acid chemical peel is a technique that uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged upper most layers. It promotes the growth of a new layer of skin that is smoother and younger-looking. Lactic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid, is derived from sour milk and is used for the mildest, most gentle of chemical peels. It contains keratolytic AHA that smoothes skin and improves texture and is less irritating and drying, delivering smoother, softer and younger-looking skin while it helps diminish fine lines, acne, and hyperpigmentation (brown spots).
How Do Lactic Acid Peels Work?
Lactic acid functions as an exfoliant on the skin. Its acid helps dissolve the glue-like substance that binds the outermost surface skin cells together, so that old skin cells are sloughed off to reveal fresher skin cells underneath.
Ever wish you could peel back the top-most layer of your sun-damaged, acneic, line-filled skin to reveal a flawless, fresher, and brighter complexion? Chemical peels may be the answer you’ve been searching for. By dousing the skin with exfoliating acids to rejuvenate and revive dullness (among other skin issues), chemical peels are touted by many as the secret to glowing skin.
That said, there are certain nuances to be aware of when it comes to chemical peels—namely, your various options, what skin type they’re meant for, and potential side effects. To help us learn everything we need to know about all of the chemical peel benefits, we tapped celebrity esthetician Shani Darden and board-certified dermatologist Anna Guanche.
Types of Chemical Peels
There are three basic types of peels, all which are formulated with acid.
Glycolic Peels
If you are looking to replace the age-related dullness on your skin with brightness, a glycolic peel may be your best bet. “Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps to gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin,” explains Guanche. “It is one of the mildest peels, and is great for acne, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage on the skin.” This type of peel is made from fruit acids (but can also be man-made) and they penetrate the top layer of skin, sloughing off dead skin cells.3
Salicylic Peels
Have breakout-prone skin? Salicylic acid is a BHA that’s effective at targeting the oil glands. “This type of peel is great for someone with congested, acne-prone skin, as salicylic acid is oil-soluble so it penetrates deeply into your pores to clear congestion,” says Darden. It can also clear away oils that build up and cause comedones (aka whiteheads and blackheads). Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can offer relief to inflamed breakouts.4
TCA Peels
TCA peels are a medium-depth peel that penetrates deeper than the glycolic or salicylic acid peels, making them a good choice for those with scarring or pigmentation issues.2 Darden notes that this type of peel is medical-grade and can only be done by licensed professionals. “TCA peels can help with minimizing fine lines, sun damage, and acne scars,” she notes, warning that it’s not ideal for those with severely sensitive skin. “They can produce great results, but downtime is required as your skin will peel for at least a week.”
Sensitive Skin After Chemical Peel
Proper post-peel skin care can help minimize any sensations or visible side effects of a peel, making it easier than ever to incorporate this highly-effective skin treatment into your lifestyle.
Chemical peels remove the outermost surface of your skin to help reduce visible signs of skin aging, acne and discoloration. At the same time, they reveal brighter, smoother skin below. Peels range from mild to intense in strength, with some professional-grade formulas available for home use while others are only available at a salon, spa or clinic.
Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, it is normal to experience a variety of side effects as your skin goes through the post-peel renewal process.
At-home peel side effects can include slight tingling or burning, but they should subside quickly. If not, speak to a medical professional or professional skin therapist about what might be causing post-peel discomfort.
Professional peel side effects can include redness, dryness, itching or irritation as well as swelling, tightness, peeling or scabbing. With 2-3 days, skin may look flaky or tan as the outermost surface peels off to make room for more radiant, new skin. You may also notice temporarily more pronounced discoloration or age spots as they rise to the skin’s surface before getting sloughed away.
Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure.
Proper post-peel skin care
Whether you’re using an at-home peel or getting a professional peel, you can minimize your skin’s downtime afterward by practicing these expert tips:
Wash your face with cool water. Warm or hot water might not feel as good as cool or cold water, which can help soothe post-peel sensations.
Moisturize and hydrate. Since peels can temporarily compromise your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to reinforce that barrier with a medium-to-thick moisturizer. Also, drink more water to help avoid dehydration, which could make your skin feel tight.
Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of skin aging. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen.
Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam rooms. Increased blood circulation to the face can intensify warming, tingling, itching, redness or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly peeled skin. Skip such activities on the day you use a peel.
Don’t over-exfoliate. Peels are maximum-strength exfoliants, so you don’t need to use a separate exfoliant (like a scrub, brush or exfoliating cleanser) within 3-4 days of your peel. Over-exfoliating can lead to more redness or sensitivity, so wait until your skin feels up to it.
Once your skin feels “back to normal” after a peel, it’s generally considered OK to resume your normal skin care regimen. For more personalized advice, ask your professional skin therapist how to incorporate peels into your lifestyle.
Like most people, you probably judge the strength of a peel on the percentage of active ingredients. For example, one would assume that a 15% glycolic acid peel would be more intense than a 10% glycolic acid peel. However, there’s something else you should take into account: pH balance. “The lower the pH level, the more acidic and more aggressive the peel,” Benjamin says. “Dermatologists can administer deep chemical peels with a low pH. Estheticians (practicing skincare under a dermatologist) administer most low pH peels.”
She says the formulation, acid, pH, as well as the percentage, dictate the strength of a peel. There can be pain and downtime—but there are medical-grade peel options today, with a low pH, that are medium-depth peels and are not highly invasive or painful and don’t require considerable downtime.1
Chiu echoes this, and expresses the importance of communicating with your dermatologist or esthetician. “A patient who is getting a peel treatment would not know how much the acids are ‘buffered’ or ph-balanced in the peel,” she says. “This would be specific to the peel given, and the person administering the peel should know.”
Our skin’s pH balance is between 4 and 6.2 Benjamin adds, “If a product with a 7 pH or higher is applied to the skin, then it is considered alkaline—and alkaline is a breeding ground for bacteria.” If you have acne-prone skin, Benjamin recommends picking products that are pH balanced (they’ll usually say this on the label), so they don’t exacerbate the problem. In the end, the lower the pH balance, the more the acid in the peel will affect your cells, according to Benjamin—the importance is finding the right balance for your skin type.
You Don’t Have to Be an Adult to Use Peels
If you thought peels were only for those with wrinkles, you thought wrong. “Young teens with acne can safely be treated with peels twice a month until their acne has cleared up,” Benjamin says. “A typical corrective treatment plan is every two weeks for acne, and every three weeks for hyperpigmentation.”
Peels with salicylic acid, like Jessner Peels, can be used to effectively treat acne at any age. They exfoliate the top layer of your skin, causing natural cell turnover to speed up, and help minimize oil production, unclog pores, and reduce the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
Peels Can Be Gentle
Here’s some surprising news: certain peels can actually be quite gentle and effective for those with sensitive skin. “Medium depth peels cause little to no discomfort, have minimal visible peeling, and cause your skin to look glowing after the treatment,” Benjamin says.
Medium depth peels include the previously mentioned Jessner Peels (the Modified Jessner Peel Benjamin offers at her salon combines salicylic acid, lactic acid, and a peeling agent named Resorcinol), as well as TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) peels. Other peels, like AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxyl acid) peels, are milder but still promise to leave your skin looking bright and help reduce fine lines and dark spots.4 Phenol peels, on the other hand, go deep into the dermis and require you to undergo general anesthesia—these are the ones that need to be performed by a dermatologist.