To rejuvenate the look of your skin, a chemical peel (also called chemexfoliation or dermapeeling) can be performed. This procedure involves applying a chemical solution to the patient’s skin, which results in damage to the epidermis, dermis, and/or dermal layers. A younger layer of skin is revealed as time passes.
The main benefit of a peel lies in its ability to target specific skin issues, such as acne or hyperpigmentation, depending on its main ingredient. A peel can be used as a weekly at-home reset or once a month during a professional facial.
What Is A Chemical Peel Exfoliator
Chemical and facial peels have been used to refresh and resurface skin for decades. To achieve a younger, clearer, and more radiant appearance, the damaged outer layers of skin are removed using a chemical solution. It is common practice to apply chemical peels (or “Lunchtime Peels”) to the face, hands, neck, back, shoulders, and legs during the lunch hour. In addition to using them on wrinkles and creases around the eyes, you can also use them on age spots and other forms of skin discoloration.
The price of a chemical peel can change depending on the depth of exfoliation required to treat your skin. Listed below are a few of the available peels on our menu. For specific skin issues, we can tailor our chemical peel treatments.
Why should we exfoliate?
By shedding dead skin, you stimulate the skin’s cellular turnover process, which in turn brings younger, healthier cells from deeper layers to the surface.
- It brighten skin tone, fades age spots sun damage and hormonal imbalance can cause build up of pigmentation, well cells containing the pigment is removed and healthy skin cell surface the skin, the result is brighter more even complexion.
- It unclogs pores. Over-production of skin oil trap dirt. If invaded by bacteria, it could lead to inflamed skin and formation of acne. Removal of dead skin along with trapped debris unclog pores and allows the release of natural skin oils to keep skin radiant.
- It reduces pore size and superficial scars. By removing dead skin cell and debris in the pores, it removes content that stretches out the pores, resuming enlarged pores to its natural size. Superficial scars that sit at the outer layer of the skin will be removed and made less apparent.
- Lessen fine lines and wrinkles. Newly exposed layer of skin reflects light better and the new cells have more moisture, skin appear more supple and plumbed.
- Enhance absorption of moisturizers, antioxidants, collagen-boosting serums and acne medication. By removing the top layer of dead and damaged cells. Greatness of skincare can be penetrated better.
When to exfoliate?
Makeup removal, face washing, and the application of skincare products like toner and moisturizer are all prerequisites for exfoliation. Exfoliating at night is preferable to doing so in the morning.
What type of exfoliant should you choose?
Chemical exfoliants tend to be more effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin types because they don’t irritate the skin as much. The reaction varies from skin type to skin type. Before applying chemical peel all over your face, try it on a small area of skin to see if it will be tolerated.
The outcomes of chemical and physical exfoliants are interchangeable. The decision can be made on the basis of how you feel applying it and how it feels in your hand. Both methods can be used successfully; however, enough time should pass between exfoliation sessions to prevent over-exfoliation.
What are chemical exfoliants?
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are two of the most popular chemical exfoliants (BHA). Both alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) get rid of dead skin by dissolving the structural lipids in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – Standard mild chemical peels are the most frequent variety. Fruits, milk, and sugar are some of the many natural places where the acids that make up the AHA family can be found. Glycolic acid, typically derived from sugar cane, and lactic acid, derived from milk, are two of the most popular acids used in modern skin care products. Facial exfoliants containing AHAs are highly recommended for people with oily skin. The acids help remove dead skin faster than it would naturally shed because they break down the bonds between skin cells.
- Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) – BHA is also a light chemical peel. In general, BHA is a more effective treatment for acne-prone skin. BHA (also called salicylic acid) is able to penetrate the oil to clean from the inside of your pores, remove clogging and assist to normalize the lining of pores for proper pore health.
- Enzyme – For very sensitive skin, it is often recommended to use enzyme-based exfoliants. These enzymes come from a natural source, such as fruits. They work much like acids but in a much slower pace, allowing for an extremely safe and gentle exfoliating process without irritating skin.
What are physical exfoliants?
If you’re set on using a physical exfoliant, your skin’s thickness, its sensitivity, and your way of life will all play major roles in determining which product is ideal for you.
Dead skin exfoliating scrubs come in a wide variety of textures. People who naturally produce more sebum tend to have thicker, oilier skin that is better able to withstand the abrasive effects of larger particles because of the larger sebaceous glands just below the surface. Scrubs with smaller granules are better for dry or sensitive skin because they are less abrasive and won’t tear or irritate the skin.
An effective exfoliating scrub will gently but effectively remove the top layer of dead skin without harming the healthy skin below.
Light, circular motions should be used when applying scrubs, and they should be removed with damp cotton pads or by washing off with water.
Microdermabrasion – The skin is gently exfoliated using a microdermabrasion device with a rotating head lined with super-fine diamonds or crystal particles. Because of its high rotation speed, it is the most effective method while still being mild on the skin. Microdermabrasion treatments are most effective when performed at night, when the skin has more time to heal, renew, and absorb the aftercare products.
Comedo Suction – Comedo suction devices utilize suction effect much like a vacuum cleaner to extract pore clogging materials such as dead skin cells, blackheads, whitehead and other debris in the pores. To facilitate the extraction, it is best to use this type of devices after a warm bath or shower where the heat and steam in the bathroom can help open up the pores and soften the skin in preparation for the suction.
Facial Brush – They can be stationary or have a motor to turn them. The mechanism is similar to microdermabrasion but is a little rougher on the skin. The use of a rotating facial brush in conjunction with a foaming face wash is a particularly effective beauty routine.
What is a Chemical Peel?
The word peel can be a pretty scary word with regards to our skin especially when we think of the Sex in The City episode where Samantha went into hiding behind a big black hat and a vail because of her red, peeling face. Today, the approach to this skin treatment is more persistent than it is aggressive and produces minimal down time. Chemical exfoliation is a very effective treatment for creating beautiful skin any where on the body including face, hands, neck, chest, back, and arms. Chemical peels do the following;
- removes dead skin cells
- reduces uneven pigmentation
- increases hydration
- diminishes large pores
- softens the appearance of fine lines and rough texture
Chemical Peel Process
The outermost layer of skin, or stratum cornium, naturally renews itself by exchanging itself with new, healthy cells about once every 28 days. Normal aging and environmental damage both contribute to a gradual slowing of this process over time. During a chemical exfoliation, a variety of solutions are used to loosen the dead layer, prompting it to peel away. By inducing cells to produce more collagen and elastin in response to a controlled injury, the skin’s texture, tone, and pigmentation can be improved.
A comprehensive consultation is the key to optimizing the results of a professional peel. The success of your treatment will depend in part on the information you provide about your goals and your previous skin care routine. Treatment programs are more likely to be effective when visual assessments are supplemented by imaging and a woods lamp.
A supportive home skin care regime should be used to prep your skin for 10-14 days before your first treatment and proper care after is very important to maximize the results. Often times a patch test is done during the consultation to test for skin sensitivity. Following the treatment proper home care will enhance the results in the same way that having peels can improve product penetration. They work together to obtain the best results.
Chemical exfoliation is a safe and effective treatment that can be used on almost anyone with any skin type. Any active skin condition, such as eczema, scratches, wounds, cold sores, and/or inflammation, any recent injectables, any waxing services, and any active sun exposure or tanning bed use are all no-nos. The Fitzpatrick Scale classifies skin pigmentation to help an esthetician select the most effective peel for the client’s needs.
Types of Chemical Peels
Exfoliating and peeling agents come in a wide variety, from fruit acid enzymes like papaya, which break down dead skin, to more common acids like lactic, glycolic, mandelic, and salicylic acid. You can also use Jessner’s solution or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). In order to lessen pigmentation, many solutions feature tyrosinase inhibitors, and these solutions can be combined to create unique designer formulations. Different peels have different strengths and pH levels, which affects how deeply they penetrate and how much they irritate the skin. Some are left on for the specified amount of time, while others are taken off.
Manual exfoliation with dermaplaning or microdermabrasion is an option for those who prefer to avoid the irritation and downtime of chemical peels. Because two or three layers of skin are shed before a peeling agent is applied, this method can improve the efficacy of the peel. Whether or not a person opts for a deeper peel depends on the extent of their damage. Light to medium depth peels are performed by estheticians, while deeper peels that can penetrate the dermal layer require a medical doctor. Light to medium peels performed frequently with the right solution can be just as effective as occasional deeper peels. It’s crucial that you find a professional esthetician to work with.
If you want the best outcomes, consistency and dedication are essential. Six peels should be done in a series, spaced out at two-week intervals. It all depends on the patient’s skin. Consultation, evaluation, and adaptation of the solutions as you progress through the program will be determined by the outcomes you’re seeing. Keep in mind that your dedication to providing excellent care at home, twice a day, is also crucial. After the initial series of six treatments, regular maintenance using fruit enzymes as part of a facial treatment is recommended to keep the results looking fresh. There will be little discomfort and almost no recovery time, all while producing excellent results. There will be less discoloration and more of a healthy glow to your skin. The skin’s condition is improved, making it look younger and more radiant.
Summary
Damaged skin can be repaired with chemical peels, resulting in a younger or spotless complexion. Depending on the patient’s needs and skin type, a dermatologist will suggest the best chemical peel.
A superficial peel is the most benign and can be used on any skin type. However, there is a period of recovery time after any chemical peel, and potential side effects include redness, peeling skin, and sensitivity to sunlight.
The chemical peeling agents found in commercial products are diluted versions of the originals. They’re a lot cheaper than professional peels, but the results take longer to show.