What To Know About Chemical Peel Zo Skin Health
A chemical peel is a method of rejuvenating your skin’s surface. A chemical solution is applied to the skin of the face, neck, and chest. The solution triggers the skin’s outermost layer to shed, making way for the growth of new, healthy skin. Acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, UV damage, discolouration, dryness, and other symptoms of aging can all benefit from the procedure’s results.
Some people can get chemical peels with OTC items at home, while others will need the expertise of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Consult your doctor about the frequency and type of peel that would be safest for you before doing one at home.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. The chances of you having a disfigurement, or simply wanting to improve the appearance of your skin, can also be quite high. This being said, there are many different treatments for any given skin problem. Chemical peels are one of these options that many people consider when trying to achieve this goal. Read on to learn more on types of zo peels and zo peel vs vi peel.
Achieve healthy, beautiful skin with our range of medical chemical from ZO® Skin Health. These popular treatments can help you you treat a variety of skin issues, including sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, poor texture, and acne scarring. They effectively remove the outermost layer of skin, leaving fresh skin to flourish underneath. They are available in a variety of strengths and can be added to an existing skincare regimen or enjoyed as a one-off treat.
At present, we currently offer two medical peels from the premium skincare brand ZO® Skin Health:
- The ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel
This is a strong-strength peel, which is available in Supreme or Essential packages. It offers a wide range of anti-ageing benefits as well as repairing skin texture and correcting pigmentation. It can also be excellent for treating conditions such as acne. - The ZO Stimulator Peel
Hailed the “red carpet peel”, this is a mild-strength peel that you can get in your lunchtime. It improves skin tone and texture and has zero downtime.
Whatever your skin concerns, our skin therapist will discuss them with you during your no-obligation consultation and help you decide whether chemical peels are a good fit for you.
How does it work?
Medical chemical peels essentially remove impurities and imperfections in the top layer of your skin, while stimulating the production of fresh, new skin underneath. This is the most basic way in which any peel works.
We currently offer two peels from ZO Skin Health, which are best suited for different needs (see below). Before any treatment, your skin will be properly assessed by our qualified skin therapist and in some cases your skin will need to be prepped with a medical course of crème prior to the peel. The best treatment for you will be discussed during your initial consultation.
The ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel
The ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel is a premium, high-strength peel that is performed in three key stages. It is ideal for skin problems such as acne, melasma, sun damage, fine lines, texture roughness, large pores, and dullness.
During the first stage, a blend of acids is used to remove the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). Saponins (a class of chemical compound) minimise skin reactions while glycerine improves skin hydration.
The second stage uses a six-percent retinol crème to stimulate collagen production, trigger cellular renewal, and provide antioxidant benefits.
During the final stage, a special calming crème is used to relieve irritation and redness and restore moisture balance. Your final outcome is skin that looks and feels softer and smoother, and is greatly replenished.
The ZO Stimulator Peel
The ZO Stimulator is a mild-strength peel that doesn’t work as deeply as the ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel, but still leaves you with visibly brighter and much fresher skin. Its main advantage is that it can be performed in a lunchtime. It has ZERO downtime and there is no peeling or flaking afterwards. It utilises a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (citric, glycolic and lactic) to exfoliate the epidermis (the skin’s outer layer) and promote skin renewal, meaning that your complexion continues to blossom after treatment.
The ZO Stimulator Peel is sometimes referred to as the “red carpet peel” because you can have the treatment right before a big event with no flaking and an instant glow!
How long does the treatment take to work?
Each peel is slightly different. The ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel results in a few days of shedding while fresh new skin begins to flourish below. Typically, you should see final results around 28 days after treatment.
The ZO Stimulator Peel leaves you with an instant glow, which can remain for up to seven days following treatment. However, you can expect a more optimal outcome if your skin is already in a healthy condition and you follow a good skincare regimen at home.
In both cases, our skin therapist will discuss the expected outcomes with you, and advise on aftercare and skincare regimens for home.
What is the downtime?
With the ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel, your skin will be tender and will begin to shed about three days after treatment. This can last up to the tenth day post-treatment. Deeper peels will always result in a few days of shedding and leave your skin reddened, so you may need to consider your schedule when booking.
The ZO Stimulator Peel has no downtime. It is therefore perfect for lunchtime visits and for looking luminous and refreshed at red carpet events.
The best peel for you will be discussed during your initial consultation.
Does it hurt?
There is no pain associated with medical chemical peels of a mild strength. There will likely be some tingling or warming sensations during the strong peels, but these will be suppressed by air cooling mechanisms during the procedure in order to ease discomfort. Your skin will also feel sore and tender for several days after the strong peel.
Types Of Zo Peels
Achieve healthy, beautiful skin with our range of medical chemical from ZO® Skin Health. These popular treatments can help you you treat a variety of skin issues, including sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, poor texture, and acne scarring. They effectively remove the outermost layer of skin, leaving fresh skin to flourish underneath. They are available in a variety of strengths and can be added to an existing skincare regimen or enjoyed as a one-off treat.
At present, we currently offer two medical peels from the premium skincare brand ZO® Skin Health:
- The ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel
This is a strong-strength peel, which is available in Supreme or Essential packages. It offers a wide range of anti-ageing benefits as well as repairing skin texture and correcting pigmentation. It can also be excellent for treating conditions such as acne. - The ZO Stimulator Peel
Hailed the “red carpet peel”, this is a mild-strength peel that you can get in your lunchtime. It improves skin tone and texture and has zero downtime.
Whatever your skin concerns, our skin therapist will discuss them with you during your no-obligation consultation and help you decide whether chemical peels are a good fit for you.
How does it work?
Medical chemical peel essentially remove impurities and imperfections in the top layer of your skin, while stimulating the production of fresh, new skin underneath. This is the most basic way in which any peel works.
We currently offer two peels from ZO Skin Health, which are best suited for different needs (see below). Before any treatment, your skin will be properly assessed by our qualified skin therapist and in some cases your skin will need to be prepped with a medical course of crème prior to the peel. The best treatment for you will be discussed during your initial consultation.
The ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel
The ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel is a premium, high-strength peel that is performed in three key stages. It is ideal for skin problems such as acne, melasma, sun damage, fine lines, texture roughness, large pores, and dullness.
During the first stage, a blend of acids is used to remove the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). Saponins (a class of chemical compound) minimise skin reactions while glycerine improves skin hydration.
The second stage uses a six-percent retinol crème to stimulate collagen production, trigger cellular renewal, and provide antioxidant benefits.
During the final stage, a special calming crème is used to relieve irritation and redness and restore moisture balance. Your final outcome is skin that looks and feels softer and smoother, and is greatly replenished.
The ZO Stimulator Peel
The ZO Stimulator is a mild-strength peel that doesn’t work as deeply as the ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel, but still leaves you with visibly brighter and much fresher skin. Its main advantage is that it can be performed in a lunchtime. It has ZERO downtime and there is no peeling or flaking afterwards. It utilises a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (citric, glycolic and lactic) to exfoliate the epidermis (the skin’s outer layer) and promote skin renewal, meaning that your complexion continues to blossom after treatment.
The ZO Stimulator Peel is sometimes referred to as the “red carpet peel” because you can have the treatment right before a big event with no flaking and an instant glow!
How long does the treatment take to work?
Each Medical Chemical Peel is slightly different. The ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel results in a few days of shedding while fresh new skin begins to flourish below. Typically, you should see final results around 28 days after treatment.
The ZO Stimulator Peel leaves you with an instant glow, which can remain for up to seven days following treatment. However, you can expect a more optimal outcome if your skin is already in a healthy condition and you follow a good skincare regimen at home.
In both cases, our skin therapist will discuss the expected outcomes with you, and advise on aftercare and skincare regimens for home.
What is the downtime?
With the ZO 3-Step Deep Medical Peel, your skin will be tender and will begin to shed about three days after treatment. This can last up to the tenth day post-treatment. Deeper peels will always result in a few days of shedding and leave your skin reddened, so you may need to consider your schedule when booking.
The ZO Stimulator Peel has no downtime. It is therefore perfect for lunchtime visits and for looking luminous and refreshed at red carpet events.
If you’ve ever been hesitant to reach for a chemical exfoliant to help fade unwanted hyperpigmentation, there’s a good reason. “In general, chemical peels are intentionally irritating and not essential to balanced skin, unless indicated otherwise by a board-certified dermatologist for things like acne vulgaris or melasma,” dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur tells Elite Daily, adding, “Self-directed treatment is rife with overdoing it.” When needed, the best at-home chemical peels for hyperpigmentation contain a lower concentration of chemical exfoliants to lessen the chance of irritation. “If you’ve ever experienced hyperpigmentation, as I have in my 20s from patches of melasma on my upper lip and face, you want to do anything bionic to remove it,” Dr. Marmur says of her own experience. “But slow and steady is the only way to conquer hyperpigmentation, so be patient,” she advises, while stressing the importance of checking in with your dermatologist before using any at-home chemical exfoliants.
In addition to taking things slow and consulting with a professional, Dr. Marmur advises that it’s best not to exceed a concentration of 5% of the active ingredient in question. “Mandelic acid and tranexamic acid tend to be slow and steady for hyperpigmentation treatment at home, along with proper sun protection and LED green light,” shares Dr. Marmur. She also adds that other AHAs and BHAs, like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, are popular when it comes to at-home chemical treatments for hyperpigmentation.
As for the delivery method, Dr. Marmur confirms that mechanical exfoliants, like scrubs, should be avoided because they can worsen hyperpigmentation. “Liquids and serums applied and massaged into the skin with your fingertips work much better than pads, which increase waste,” she adds. “Never brush, scrub, or rub chemical exfoliants on skin that’s prone to excess pigment because this will backfire and put you back at square one,” she stresses. “Baby your skin, protect it well, and let your derm help you in your journey against hyperpigmentation.”
Keep scrolling to shop five of the best at-home treatments for hyperpigmentation, from serums to cleansers to face masks.
1. Best Tranexamic Acid Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Tranexamic acid is typically a well-tolerated ingredient when it comes to fading unwanted hyperpigmentation and preventing new dark spots from forming. Naturium’s Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% gives you a potent concentration of the active ingredient, while other effective brightening ingredients like kojic acid, licorice root extract, and niacinamide bolster the acid’s skin-evening effects. This combination makes it one of the best hyperpigmentation treatments you can buy for $20 — while plenty of hydrating ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid prevent it from drying out your skin.
2. Best AHA Serum For Hyperpigmentation
Honest Beauty’s Resurfacing Serum combines three AHAs to target unwanted hyperpigmentation: Glycolic, lactic, and citric acids. Additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe leaf juice all work to soothe and hydrate skin, while niacinamide offers double the skin care benefits by helping to treat hyperpigmentation and calm inflammation. At less than $25, it’s a great entry point into the world of chemical exfoliants. For best results, use it at night and don’t forget to apply sunscreen the next morning (as is the case with any AHA product).
3. Best BHA Exfoliant For Hyperpigmentation
Among the 40,000-plus five-star ratings on Amazon, you’ll find dozens of reviews that specifically mention how helpful Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation. The tried-and-true formula uses a 2% concentration of salicylic acid to clear out congested pores and exfoliate dead skin cells, while green tea extract soothes and provides antioxidant protection. Because of salicylic acid’s pore-clearing benefits, this is a great choice if your primary skin concerns are hyperpigmentation and acne or blackheads.
Though it doesn’t have nearly as many Amazon reviews, the brand’s Discoloration Repair Serum, which features tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol extract, is another solid pick for treating hyperpigmentation.
4. Best Exfoliating Mask For Hyperpigmentation
If you like to use the occasional skin-pampering mask, Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask gives you a powerful chemical treatment in just 10 minutes. AHAs in the form of malic, glycolic, and lactic acids combine with the BHA salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells and even out your skin. Bakuchiol and vitamin C give you more skin-brightening benefits, and aloe leaf juice, grape seed extract, and glycerin help with hydration. Though the mask is formulated with mostly naturally derived ingredients (many of which are organic), it still has the potential to cause irritation. Because of this, the brand suggests doing a patch test on your arm before putting the mask on your face.
Zo Peel Vs Vi Peel
ZO Peels contain the same ingredients as VI, but in different concentrations and the ZO Medical 3 Step Peel includes the application of a retinol cream after the peel is removed, as well as a calming cream to be applied at home during the healing process.
You might remember Samantha’s misadventure with a chemical peel from Sex and the City. This was comedy. With a professional chemical peel you can expect some redness, but you won’t look like a burn victim.
Some people are a little scared of the idea of a chemical peel. If you were a fan of Sex and the City, you may remember Samantha’s misadventure. Of course, that was television and the side effects were greatly overstated for comic purposes. Nevertheless, you may have the idea that a chemical peel will leave you with beet-red skin for days afterward. This simply isn’t true. Today’s chemical peels, when applied by a professional who has properly assessed your skin type, will likely result in some temporary redness of your skin, but it will be minor and fade within a few days. The type of peel you get: mild, moderate, or deep is also a large factor in appearance and healing following the procedure. More about the different types of peels in next week’s post.
The second reason some people fear a chemical peel is the ‘C’ word. Yes. Chemical. Ewww. Chemicals on your skin! How can that be natural or healthy? But the word ‘chemical’ just means any substance consisting of matter (atoms and molecules) which can’t be broken down except by breaking chemical (molecular) bonds. By this definition, water is a chemical. So, yes, chemicals can be entirely natural and healthy. The word just gets a bad rep from often being used to describe harmful chemicals, without any qualifiers as to what kind of chemicals we’re actually talking about. It probably doesn’t help that chemical peels are sometimes called acid peels. But the ‘acids’ involved are very mild and largely consist of naturally occurring compounds. They are also the active ingredient that make chemical peels work.
So now that we know that chemical peels A) can be entirely natural and healthy, and B) won’t leave us looking like a cooked lobster, what do they actually do? And what is the benefit of a chemical peel over a salon facial?
Chemical Peels: What They Do
Chemical peels can be applied not only to the face but also to the neck and hands. The skin on these areas of our body is constantly exposed to the elements, and as such, more susceptible to aging. Dead skin cells build up in the top layer of our skin as a result of this exposure and cover the healthy glowing skin underneath. A chemical peel completely removes this top layer of skin, which is a mixture of some healthy cells and a large number of dead or dying cells. Once this layer is removed, the baby-fresh healthy skin underneath is revealed.
Any or all of the following benefits may result:
- Reduce fine lines
- Smooth wrinkles
- Improve the appearance of mild scars
- Reduce acne
- Reduce the appearance of age spots, freckles and melasma
- Smoother, plumper skin
- Brighter skin
- A healthy and youthful glow
Where the effects of a salon facial may last up to 72 hours, the benefits of a chemical peel can be seen for up to two months.
Chemical Peels: The Process
A much simpler procedure than a facial, which has up to 8 steps, a chemical peel has only 3, although the results are much more dramatic.
Consultation
An esthetician will examine your skin closely and likely ask you a number of questions about your overall health. This may include your exercise regimen, allergies, daily skin care and any past issues you may have had from skin treatments. You’ll also be advised that if you’ve used Retin-A, Differin or any other product containing tretinoin in the past 7 days a chemical peel may not be advisable. If you use these products, you should stop using them one week prior to your peel.
They will also discuss your goals with you. What do you want to get out of the peel? How long can you afford to take for recovery? How often are you prepared to get repeat treatments? All of these are factors in determining the right peel for you.
Cleansing
A deep exfoliating cleansing will be performed prior to applying the peel. It’s important to remove any traces of makeup, moisturizers, creams, dirt or oils on your skin as these will not only interfere with the effectiveness of the peel, but the chemicals in some of these substances may interact with the peel, with unpredictable results.
The Peel
The results of a chemical peel. You can expect smoother skin, reduced appearance of lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentations and acne as well as brighter skin with a healthy glow.
First, your esthetician will perform a spot test. A small amount of the peel will be applied to your forearm or on the side of your neck just below your ear, at the hairline. The solution will be left on for a minute or two to be sure you are not allergic.
After applying a protectant around your eyes and lips, the peel will be applied with a Q-tip-like applicator. Depending upon the peel, multiple layers may be required. The peel chemicals that you are breathing in may make you light-headed for a while but they are not toxic and won’t hurt you. If you do experience any light-headedness you may be advised to drink lots of water and not drive until it passes, which it should within minutes to hours, depending upon how sensitive you are to the chemicals.
With some peels you should expect a burning sensation for the first minute or two but this will quickly fade. The sensation is often compared to getting a sunburn. Your esthetician will use a fan to reduce the sensation of heat. Expect your skin to turn red during this time, but the redness is temporary.
The Healing Process
Day 1 and 2
During the healing process, which, with a medium peel such as Jessner, VI or ZO will take a few days, you should expect to feel your skin gradually tightening before it begins to peel. You may have the weird sensation that you are wearing a tight mask. You will likely be advised to wash your face up to five times per day with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil, rather than soap. Expect your skin to be somewhat red during this time (think sunburn, not lobster!) and it may also feel slightly swollen, although likely it will appear normal other than the redness.
Day 3 and Beyond
For most people, you’ll notice your skin beginning to peel about 48 hours after the procedure and by day 4 you should be seeing the top layer peeling and curling in larger sections. It’s very important not to pull the skin off! I know. You’ve all seen photos of skin being peeled off following a chemical peel but this is marketing. Don’t peel! Let it come off on its own. You can trim the dead skin with scissors but be careful not to pull on any parts that are still attached.
Though not exactly a peel, a cleanser with chemical exfoliants, like Dermalogica’s Daily Glycolic Cleanser, is a great place to start because the active ingredient gets rinsed right off (as opposed to treatments and serums that are left on and therefore pose a higher risk of irritation). This cleanser uses glycolic acid to exfoliate away dead skin cells, the buildup of which can contribute to hyperpigmentation. You’ll also find jojoba seed oil, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, calendula, and allantoin in here to help condition skin and calm any signs of irritation.
At home chemical peel vs professional
Dullness. Dark spots. Acne scars. Fine lines and wrinkles. What do all of these skin concerns have in common? They can be treated with medical-grade chemical peels. Depending on your aesthetic goals and needs, chemical peels are available in an array of potencies and have the ability to resurface the skin for more even tone and texture. For those looking to achieve glow-inducing results at-home, less concentrated chemical exfoliators can slough away dead skin cells for a more radiant complexion. Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about in-office chemical peels and at-home chemical exfoliators.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Professional chemical peels employ chemical solutions of varying strengths to target and remove the outer layers of the skin. “The benefits of a medical-grade chemical peel are endless,” says Lizette Ludwig, RN, an aesthetic nurse and injector in southern California. As she explains, they are a good option for anyone looking to address skin imperfections. “Chemical peels allow you to remove dead skin cells and address fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone in a safe and effective way,” she shares.
Professional chemical peels can be broken down into three categories:
- Superficial chemical peels
- Medium chemical peels
- Deep chemical peels
These classifications are based on the potency of the peels and the ingredients used in the chemical solution. “Ingredients found in medical-grade peels usually include alpha hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid), beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol,” Ludwig says. Below is an overview of each:
MEDIUM CHEMICAL PEELS
Falling in the middle of the scale, medium-depth chemical peels produce a more dramatic result in a single treatment than light peels. “Skin will be significantly smoother with an even tone and blemishes removed,” Ludwig says. This type of peel usually contains trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to penetrate the skin and remove layers below the epidermis. Peeling, redness, and swelling are all to be expected post-peel and can last three to 10 days.
DEEP CHEMICAL PEELS
Needless to say, deep chemical peels are the strongest and most invasive. They usually involve a potent formulation of TCA or phenol that can penetrate the deep layer of the dermis. As Ludwig shares, the depth allows them to produce “drastically smoother” and “youthful-looking” skin. “Deep peels can achieve amazing results for sun damage, scarring, and wrinkles,” she says. Due to their strength, however, deep peels can be painful and healing requires patience. Several weeks of downtime is needed, and full recovery could take weeks or months.
Professional Chemical Peel Treatments
Medical-grade chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the face and (possibly) neck. The chemical solution is either applied lightly or rubbed more vigorously onto the skin using a gauze pad. During the application, you may experience a slight tingling (superficial to medium peels) or burning (deep peels). “I like to give my clients a mini fan which helps the tingling or burning sensation,” Ludwig shares. With certain types of chemical peels, the solution may need to be ‘neutralized’ after the appropriate time has elapsed, though most chemicals neutralize on their own.
Regardless of what strength peel you choose, patients are usually sent home with post-care instructions. “Make sure to discuss with your provider how to care for your skin after the peel,” Ludwig says. Even for the lightest peel, you’ll likely need to make changes to your skincare routine for a few days pre- and post-treatment. If you’re planning on a medium or deep peel, antiviral medication may be prescribed beforehand.
CHEMICAL PEEL SAFETY
Professional chemical peels are meant to be performed in a doctor’s office or a medical spa by a licensed skincare professional. As we’ve reported, the DIY dermatology trend that’s fueled by social media and social distancing had led some to try medical-grade treatments (like TCA peels) at home with dangerous and damaging results. “Beware of chemical solutions sold online, as they are usually sold illegally and can cause permanent damage to your skin,” Ludwig warns. “Chemical peels should be applied by a licensed professional.”
Professional Chemical Peels vs. At-Home Chemical Exfoliators
The main difference between a superficial in-office peel and chemical exfoliators or treatments you can find at, say Sephora, is that at-home solutions do not provide the same chemical concentration as their professional counterparts. While similar active ingredients may be found in both versions, the potency is quite different. As Ludwig explains, at-home percentages of glycolic acid, for example, max out around 10 percent, while medical-grade glycolic acids (applied by a professional) can reach as high as 70 percent.
At-Home Chemical Exfoliators
If you’re dealing with mild cases of uneven skin tone and texture or wish to maintain your complexion in between in-office appointments, at-home chemical exfoliators and enzyme treatments can impart a subtle and sustained glow with regular use.
When it comes to choosing a treatment, Ludwig suggests reading the label closely. “I recommend looking for brightening ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and active enzymes such as pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple,” she explains. “Every ingredient serves a purpose, so do your homework when it comes to the ingredient list.”