What To Know About Chemical Peel Esthetician >Chemical peels are a commonly-used treatment for the skin. They are often used to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels work by removing the top layers of your skin, which causes new skin cells to grow in their place. The result is smoother, healthier looking skin.
A chemical peel is an exfoliation technique in which an acid-based solution is applied to the skin. It is usually performed on the face, hands or neck. The acid in the chemical peel forces the top layer of skin to peel off. In the short term, this causes redness and blistering.Read on to learn more about Chemical Peel Steps Esthetician/Chemical Peel At Home.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Esthetician
As such, before booking an appointment, it’s important to know what type of treatment your skin needs. Arming yourself with accurate information and consulting with your esthetician about your options are two critical steps to take before doing anything.
Don’t worry; this article is here to help! Read on for a complete guide to chemical peels.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
On average, human skin sloughs off millions of dead skin cells every day. As people age, they retain more and more dead skin cells on their face, thus making them appear dull and lifeless. Sometimes even the best exfoliating and cleansing routines are simply not enough to brighten your skin up!
This is where chemical peels come in. These are popular, non-invasive dermatology procedures used to peel away the layer of dead skin cells off your skin. This solves many skin problems, including sun damage, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, and dullness. The result is healthy, luminous, and even-textured skin!
Do You Need a Chemical Peel?
Here are some reasons why you should consider getting a chemical peel:
- Your skin has been damaged by the sun
- You have many wrinkles and lines
- Your skin color is uneven and blotchy
- You have scars on your skin
Chemical peels are very simple procedures that need no anesthesia. In fact, if you opt for a light or medium peel, you need very little aftercare! And if you decide on a deep chemical peel, it can have long-lasting effects that can treat significant signs of aging.
Some downsides to chemical peels include light sensitivity, mild peeling, and temporary redness. This is why it’s essential to go in for a consultation so you and your esthetician can discuss the best treatment option for you.
Chemical Peel Procedure
Chemical peels should only be performed by licensed professionals. A chemical solution is applied to your face using a cotton pad, swab, or sponge. If you opt for a deep peel, you will likely feel a slight burning sensation on your skin as it works through your pores.
The procedure duration depends on how your skin reacts to the ingredients in the peel solution. Some chemical peels require neutralization before it is washed off the skin.
Light and medium chemical peels need very little aftercare. Deep peels, however, require one to two days of petroleum jelly layered on your skin and even dressings or bandages placed on top. Recovery can take several days.
Read more: What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Chemical Peel
Common Chemical Peel Treatments
GLYCOLIC (AHA) PEEL
A single AHA treatment can give your skin a healthy, fresh glow. This is a light, superficial peel that can reduce sun damage and dark spots. Continuous AHA treatments at the spa or even at home can help improve your skin’s overall texture.
TRICHLOROACETIC (TCA) ACID PEEL
This is a medium peel that can help treat hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and wrinkles. TCA peels can also be applied to the neck for an even look.
PHENOL PEEL
These deep peels are used to treat severe wrinkles, precancerous skin conditions, and uneven skin tone and textures. Phenol acts as an anesthetic that counteracts the chemical’s burn when applied, so you will only feel a bit of burning during the procedure.
Kim Gallo Esthetics uses GlyMed Plus pharmaceutical-grade light to mid-depth chemical peels that will restore and maintain your skin’s health and appearance. The professional peel treatment works with your home care regimen to ensure optimal results.
Chemical Peel Steps Esthetician
A chemical peel can exfoliate your skin, removing dead dry skin cells on the surface and leaving a softer, smoother complexion underneath. While many chemical peels are performed in a doctor’s office, there are also home versions that use less potent chemicals. When you learn the proper way to prepare for and apply these products, you will see the best chemical peel results. However, chemical peels are more effective and safer when done by a professional – so proceed with caution.
Step 1: Prep and Exfoliation
The first step in a chemical peel is to prep the skin. This will help your esthetician achieve better results, so it’s important to follow her instructions closely. Your esthetician may use a topical numbing cream, or she may not. If she doesn’t, you’ll feel stinging around your mouth, chin and cheeks during the peel.
The skin is then exfoliated using a gentle scrubbing device. This helps remove dead cells on the surface of the skin so they can be replaced with new ones. The exfoliation process also helps ensure that all traces of makeup are removed from the face before treatment begins.
Chemical peels are a very popular treatment in the beauty industry. The results are noticeable and immediate, and can be used to improve the skin’s texture, tone, and color
Chemical peels work by removing the outer layers of skin (epidermis) to reveal fresher, younger looking skin underneath.
The most common types of chemical peels are glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Glycolic acid works by dissolving dead cells on the surface of the skin while salicylic acid exfoliates the top layers of skin that contain acne-causing bacteria.
Other types of chemical peels include Jessner’s, TCA, phenol, blue light therapy and microdermabrasion. Each type has its own benefits and risks, so it’s important to consult with your esthetician before choosing which one is right for you!
How does the chemical peel application work?
Before your chemical peel day-to-day process starts, you’ll need to have your provider apply the treatment. People often have many concerns about what it will feel like to get a peel done and if it’ll hurt. We recommend scheduling a consultation before having a chemical peel to discuss what to expect and answer any questions you may have.
When you arrive at the clinic, the first step is to wash your face. Washing your face removes any layers of dead skin cells, makeup and other debris (like skin care products) that may still be sitting on your skin. The result is a clear surface, ready to accept the peel without any barriers in its way.
(Different skin care practices can perform different depths of chemical peels, and the “deeper” the peel, the more discomfort you are likely to feel.) Skin Pharm’s medium-depth chemical peel isn’t uncomfortable, though — most people describe the sensation as “tingling,” “warm” or “tight.” To help with any potential stinging during the treatment, we provide our patients with a handheld fan, too.
Day one post-chemical peel
After your chemical peel is complete and you leave the office, what should you expect on day one?
You’ll leave the clinic with the peel solution still on your face, and you’ll notice your complexion take on a yellow hue throughout the day. (Not to worry — this means it’s working!) After a few hours, you’ll apply the retinol crème your provider sent you home with.
You might notice some redness and sensitivity as the retinol gets to work. Many people describe the feeling as similar to having a sunburn. However, the telltale peeling that comes with a chemical peel won’t start for another day or so.
WHAT TO AVOID THE DAY OF YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL—
While your skin is still healing, keep a few factors in mind. Your skin is incredibly raw and sensitive, and it needs additional protection. To protect it and maximize your results, you should avoid any strenuous exercise or activities that lead to sweating.
In addition, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear sunscreen (with at least an SPF of 30) if you can’t avoid it entirely.
You’ll also want to avoid letting your skin dry out. Although applying product to raw skin can feel uncomfortable, it needs moisture to heal. Allowing your skin to dry too much can lengthen the healing process and make it more likely that your skin will scab or even scar.
Day two post-chemical peel
Day two of the chemical peel process day to day is where you’ll likely start to see your skin peel. The top layers of your skin are beginning to dehydrate and slough off, and you’ll see this more often start between the eyes and in the corners of the nose and mouth.
Although it may be tempting, resist the urge to help your skin peel manually. Wash your skin gently and follow up with a stronger moisturizer, like Recovery Lotion.
For many people, the redness they experience in the first few days is enough to keep them home from work and social events. Expect that your skin will react this way, and don’t schedule anything significant in the few days directly after your chemical peel.
If you deal with breakouts, you may experience some “purging” of any blemishes present under the surface before your peel. While this isn’t common, it is possible to start with a new retinol skin care product.
Day three and four post-chemical peel
Day three and four are when you will likely experience the worst peeling and flaking. Your skin is most likely to feel uncomfortable these days — and it’s also at its most vulnerable. Follow your provider’s skin care recommendations carefully, as they are designed to help protect your skin and assist it with its natural healing process.
Now, more than ever, your skin needs to be protected. You may even want to wear a sun protective hat along with your sunscreen to make sure your skin stays safe and doesn’t burn. Doing that keeps your healing process moving forward.
Don’t be surprised if you notice more peeling in certain areas of your face than in others. This is normal and doesn’t indicate any problem with your skin’s healing process.
Day seven post-chemical peel
A week after your chemical peel is performed, you’ll finally be able to start seeing your results. This is where all of the flaking, peeling and redness starts to pay off. (Professionals consider the results of a chemical peel permanent, so enjoy that new skin you’re starting to see!)
Depending on how well or quickly your skin is healing, you can usually return to your normal skincare routine a week or so after your chemical peel.
Make sure that your skin is completely done peeling before using any harsher or more abrasive skin care products, as the skin may still be sensitive. When your skin stops feeling as tight and dry, you should be ok to switch back.
Our post-chemical peel skin care routine is excellent for helping your skin to heal, but it isn’t meant for long-term use for most of our patients. Unless you have dry, sensitive skin, prolonged use can lead to breakouts or oily-looking skin.
Chemical Peel At Home
A chemical peel is a higher strength skin exfoliant with a pH that’s generally around 2.0. When most people think about chemical exfoliation, they’re probably familiar with the lower strength stuff like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA, or the COSRX BHA (my personal favorite).
These types of exfoliants differ from chemical peels for two reasons:
They have a higher pH.
There’s less overall acid inside the product.
When you’re looking at which chemical peels to buy, make sure your chemical peels have a pH of around 2.0. When the pH of a solution is at 2.0 or below, it means the entire percentage of that acid in the product is “free” to exfoliate your skin. However, when the pH is even slightly raised, less of that product will actually work.
For example, say we have a 5 percent salicylic acid product with a pH of 2.0 — that 5 percent would be completely “free” to work its exfoliating magic. But when the pH of that salicylic acid is raised slightly, less of that 5 percent is actually active.
If you want the full effect of the chemical peel, then make sure your product has a pH of around 2.0. If all that’s a little confusing, just know that a chemical peel is simply a stronger version of over-the-counter chemical exfoliating products, and as such requires a lot of caution when using at home.
What does a chemical peel do?
It makes your skin (and you) sexy!
Joking aside, chemical peels have a lot of benefits! These include, but aren’t limited to:
deep chemical exfoliation
treating hyperpigmentation and other skin discolorations
facial rejuvenation
unclogging pores
getting rid of acne
reducing the depth of wrinkles or acne scarring
brightening skin tone
enhancing the absorption of other skin care products
In other words, have a problem? There’s a chemical peel out there with your name and solution on it.
Types of chemical peels and recommendations
In terms of strength, there are three varieties:
- Superficial peels
Also known as “lunchtime peels” — because they involve little to no downtime — superficial peels penetrate minimally, exfoliate gently, and are best suited for mild skin problems like minor discoloration or rough texture.
Examples: Peels using mandelic, lactic, and low-strength salicylic acid normally fall under this category.
- Medium peels
These penetrate more deeply (middle layer of skin), target damaged skin cells, and are best suited for moderate skin problems like superficial scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and troublesome discoloration, like melasma or age spots.
Medium peels have even been used in the treatment of precancerous skin growths.
Examples: High-percentage glycolic acid, Jessner, and TCA peels fall under this category.
- Deep peel
As the name implies, these penetrate the middle layer of skin very deeply. They target damaged skin cells, moderate to severe scarring, deep wrinkles, and skin discoloration.
Examples: High-percentage TCA and phenol chemical peels fall under this category. However, you should never do a deep peel at home. Save that for the top-of-the-line professionals.
Most skin peels done at home will fall into the superficial category. Extreme caution should be taken with medium-strength peels.
Your skin is far less flaky and sensitive by this point in your chemical peel journey. However, because your skin has gone through a process meant to safely “damage” your skin so that it looks better than ever, there may still be some noticeable healing going on.
More sensitive areas of your skin may start to crust and scab or even have a noticeable color change. Usually, this process is complete around two weeks after your chemical peel. However, some redness may persist for months, especially in hotter weather or when you exercise.
How soon can I get another chemical peel?
Once you start to see results from your chemical peel, you’ll probably be ready to book your next appointment! However, you need to make sure to give your skin enough time to heal before you subject it to other chemical peels. If you have another peel too soon, you risk damaging your skin instead of helping it look its best.
We recommend waiting at least four to six weeks between treatments. On average, most of our patients need between four and six treatments total for optimal results.
Knowing the chemical peel process day to day can help you understand what to expect if you decide to perform this game-changing cosmetic treatment. While it may take slightly longer to heal than other cosmetic treatments, the results are permanent and often even more impressive than people expect!
For those who desire an individualized, effective treatment for skin issues, at Bentley Skincare and Wellness in Springfield, MO, we offer customized chemical peels targeted to your particular skincare need. So, how long does it take to recover from a chemical peel? There are a whole host of skincare issues that people commonly deal with, so the peel that is recommended for you will be based on your specific skin type.
Your skin may be dry, oily, normal, or sensitive. You may struggle with issues such as scarring, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or aging skin. Whatever your issue, there is a peel that will work for you, and your recovery time will depend on the type of peel you choose. No matter the regimen that is prescribed, however, your treatment will consist of a pre-peel plan, the peel itself, and a post-treatment plan to promote your skin’s healthy recovery.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
In simple terms, a chemical peel consists of applying a peeling agent to your skin. Although the peeling agent may be left on for as few as three to five minutes or as long as up to an hour, depending on the type of peel, it encourages your skin to shed its outer layer over a period of days.
As a result, new skin growth is promoted over a period of days. The skin will now appear more even in texture, and improvements in pigmentation, scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles will be seen. Skin impurities will be drawn out, and overall, you will notice a brighter, fresher, more rejuvenated appearance.
Types of Peels
Since everyone’s skin is different, the type of peel that is recommended for you will vary depending on your skin type and any issues you may be having. There are several types of peels available, some of which contain Jessner’s solution, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or retinol.
There are also peel alternatives, or masks, that help facilitate the peeling and rejuvenation process as well. While most peels are applied to the face, they can also be used to promote better skin texture on the back, chest, neck, shoulders, and upper arms.
Peels Containing Jessner’s Solution
Formulated decades ago by German-American dermatologist Dr. Max Jessner, peels containing Jessner’s solution have been shown to improve the appearance of all skin types. Peels with Jessner’s solution can reduce dark patches, age spots, scarring, and discoloration as they promote a bright, even skin tone. Overall, the skin will appear refreshed and revitalized.
If your skin is oily or sensitive, a PCA Peel® (Physicians Care Alliance) that is hydroquinone-free may be ideal for you. It has been found to even skin tone while improving skin that is prone to breakouts. For those patients with normal skin, a PCA Peel® with hydroquinone will brighten and rejuvenate skin while removing discoloration.
If your skin is in need of more potent treatment, a PCA Peel® with hydroquinone and resorcinol can improve the skin’s appearance, as it reduces damage due to the sun or scarring due to acne.
Peels Containing TCA
Many peels nowadays contain TCA. Designed for all skin types, including highly sensitive skin, Sensi Peel® is a gentle treatment that promotes improved skin texture and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. For those with mature skin, Ultra Peel® I will also provide brighter, more youthful-looking skin as it minimized lines and wrinkles.
If your skin is rather resilient, the Ultra Peel Forte® may be ideal for you. This potent product brightens and restores while it promotes a younger-looking appearance. Finally, the Smoothing Body Peel® is designed to improve the texture and tone of the thicker skin of your body.
Retinoid Treatments
There are two types of treatments available that contain retinol. The 4% Pure Retinol Peel revitalizes skin as it smooths and brightens by increasing new cell growth.
The Advanced Treatment Booster is designed to promote an increase in exfoliation, all the while soothing and reducing redness in the skin of all types. This particular peel will also restore keratinization, which helps protect skin and acts as a barrier.
Peel Alternatives/Masks
There are several alternative peels or masks from which to choose, and each targets a different skin type. For patients with dry skin, the Therapeutic Oat Milk Mask Treatment is designed to hydrate and soothe dull, dry skin. If your skin tends to stay in the normal range, the Therapeutic Papaya Mask can brighten skin tone, rejuvenate, and refresh.
In addition, several treatments are available for oily skin, all of which detoxify, purify, and calm the skin. The Detox Gel Deep Pore Treatment, the Therapeutic Salicylic Acid Mask, and the Therapeutic Charcoal Mask are all offered by our office.
Before the Peel
Eligibility
Prior to undergoing any sort of chemical treatment, it is imperative that our doctors determine if the peel is right for you. In order to determine eligibility, we need to make sure that you are not breastfeeding or pregnant and have no skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea.
In addition, if you have an outdoor job, a peel might not be appropriate for you, just as those with a history of poor wound healing should probably not undergo such treatment. Finally, if you are receiving treatment for acne, you should avoid a peel while undergoing this treatment.
A Pre-Peel Plan
Once we have taken your medical history and determined that a peel is appropriate for you, we will provide you with a skincare regimen to follow for approximately two to four weeks prior to your peel. This is designed to make your peel more effective.
You may be asked to use retinol or a product containing Retin-A in order to stimulate cell turnover and increase the peel’s ability to penetrate into the skin. Typically, this pre-peel care would stop at least several days before your treatment. Sometimes, no preparation is necessary prior to having a peel: it depends upon the needs of your skin and the peel.
The Peel
After you arrive for your designated appointment, our staff will begin by thoroughly cleaning your skin in order to remove any oil or products that may interfere with the chemicals in the peel. If your face is being treated, your eyes may be covered with gauze or goggles to protect your eyes, and your hair may be pulled back from your face.
Depending on the type of peel that has been recommended for you, our skin care specialist will then apply the peel with gauze, a brush, or a cotton-tipped applicator. At this time, your skin will look frosted and white, and you may notice a tightness or a tingling sensation.
Many peels are removed within three to five minutes after application, and cool compresses or lotion may be applied to help soothe the skin. Other peels are self-neutralizing and may remain on the skin for up to an hour. Because each peel varies, our team will review the specifics of your peel prior to performing any sort of treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Chemical Peel?
The First Day
For the first 24 hours or so after your chemical peel, you will notice that your skin may appear red. This is typical; however, moisturizer can be liberally applied in order to help soothe your skin. Usually, if you have had a medium peel, the shedding begins after those first 24 hours.
The Days After
Your skin will soon begin to appear dry and flaky, but it is best to let this procedure occur naturally and not pick or peel the skin before it is ready to be shed. Peeling skin before it is ready to come off can be counter-productive. After three to four days, most of the peeling should be complete, but it may take anywhere from five to seven days before your fresh, new skin has developed.
Within seven to fourteen days, your skin should be completely healed. If you work in an office or indoor setting, you should require no time off from work after your peel. If you are pleased with the results of your peel, you may even be able to reschedule another one in three to nine months, depending on your skincare condition and goals for your skin.
Peel Aftercare
Moisturize
In order to promote better healing and improve your comfort following a chemical peel, there are several steps that you can take. Immediately after your peel, you may find that ice packs or cool air provide you with a cooler, more comfortable feeling. It is, however, important that you not allow your skin to dry out.
To that end, frequent use of a moisturizer is imperative, and you may find yourself moisturizing ten to twenty times per day. This will allow your skin to continue to peel but will reduce the more obvious flaking that occurs. A moisturizing cleanser may also be recommended by your specialist as well. As previously mentioned, you should also restrict yourself from picking, pulling, or peeling your shedding skin.
Avoid Sun and Heat
Of course, avoiding sun exposure is critical. You should completely avoid the damaging effects of the sun until your skin is entirely healed, and even once it has healed, you should wear a sunscreen at all times in order to protect the new layer of skin.
Extremely hot showers or excessive sweating may also rush the peeling process along too quickly and should be avoided. Since your new skin will be fresh and new, it is important to baby it, especially in the early going.