By Shelby Harris, LPN, LE
Chemical peels are a great addition to any skin care routine. A chemical peel can address many different concerns including acne scars, hyperpigmentation, scarring, sun damage,wrinkles , redness, uneven skin tone and sagging skin.
How do chemical peels work?
Chemical peels create a controlled injury to the skin. This forces skin cells in deeper layers to increase cell turnover and push new skin cells up. During the healing process the growth of collagen and elastin is induced. This gives the skin a younger and smoother appearance.
Are all chemical peels the same ?
There are many different types of acids that can be used for chemical peels. Depending on the strength of the acid, a chemical peel can be superficial, medium, or deep.
A light peel is sometimes known as a “lunchtime peel”. These peels do not have much downtime.
A medium or deep peel can require up to 2-3 weeks of recovery, depending on the acid.
How should I prepare for a chemical peel ?
The best way to prepare for a chemical peel is to avoid all prescription topicals such as Retin-A for 48 hours. It is also best to avoid other methods of exfoliation, such as a scrub, prior to
A chemical peel. You must wait for 6 months after using Accutane to be eligible for a peel.
Your skincare specialist may suggest a home skincare regimen that should be followed prior to getting chemical peels. This is especially helpful when treating hyperpigmentation. In order to get maximum results it is important to use professional home skincare products. If you choose to use over the counter products, or products not recommended by your skincare specialists, it can effect the results of the chemical peel.
Aftercare
Aftercare for a chemical peel is crucial to the success of a peel. You want to avoid using skincare products with active ingredients for a few days after the chemical peel. I always tell clients to “Treat it like a sunburn”. If you wouldn’t do it to sunburned skin, don’t do it to your fresh chemical peel skin!
•Think gentle, calming products
•Avoid wind, or sun exposure
•Avoid aggressive scrubbing
•Avoid sweaty gym workouts (increasing the internal temperature is not helpful to skin healing after a chemical peel.)
•Avoid steamy showers
•Avoid products with active ingredients ( unless otherwise told to use to accelerate the peeling process)
•Avoid picking at peeling skin
•Use a fresh pillow case
•Wipe down your cell phone
•Do keep your face hydrated with serum and moisturizer
•Do wear sunscreen to protect the new skin
How many chemical peels will I need to reach my desired result?
The amount of chemical peels you need to reach a desired result varies from person to person. It also is dependent on what goal you are trying to achieve. Also the depth of hyperpigmentation or wrinkles play a part in getting the desired result. Chemical peels are best used in conjunction to other modalities to achieve desired results.
Convenient ways to Book!
Book your next chemical peel online.
www.skinontheglow.net
Call/Text: 860.400.6023