Chemical Peels: What to Expect & After Peel Care

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a prescription facial that create a controlled injury to the outer most layers of the skin (epidermis) and/or dermis using acids, which ultimately will increase the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. These are the end goal of all aesthetic treatments; thereby slowing down the aging process. Fabulous right?

How Chemical Peels Improve the Skin

Chemical peels can improve skin by encouraging and accelerating cell turn-over and providing exfoliation, which will improve skin concerns such as texture, tone, pigmentation and treat skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Pore size is also decreased with peels which seems to be a common complaint. Adding a consistent chemical peel treatment into your regular skin routine can provide a glowing, healthy appearance while at the same time treating your individual concerns.

Have You Ever Wondered What the "Chemical" is in a Peel?

The word "chemical" can intimidate people because it can seem harmful and unnatural. However, the "acids" used in most peels are derived from fruits, trees, and plants. Think organic!

Here are examples of some of the more common acids used in peels:

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a very mild acid derived from sour milk. This is a good choice for people new to peels and with unconditioned skin.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acids are more robust. These acids are naturally found in sugar cane and are great for exfoliation, anti-aging as well as acne. These acids can be used in increasing strengths dependent upon skin health and condition.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

AHA's are a combination of citric, glycolic and lactic acids. These acids work on exfoliation, encourage cell turn over and have been found to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin add volume and structure to the skin.

Salicylic acid (BHA)

Salicylic acid is a game-changer for treating acne! Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) and is originally derived from the willow tree. It is oil-soluble allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin, helping to unclog pores and control pimples. The salicylic acid helps to reduce inflammation caused by acne.

Enzymes

Similar to a chemical peel, an enzyme peel is used to improve skin texture and tone. Enzymes are applied to the skin, encouraging exfoliation and stimulating new cell growth in a gentle way. The most commonly used enzymes are papain, found in papayas, and bromelain, found in pineapple. This is my personal favorite peel!

What Areas Can I Do a Chemical Peel On?

Generally, peels are done on face, neck, décolleté, hands and the dreaded back acne!! I may even have treated a bottom or two. So, essentially you can perform a chemical peel anywhere you are feeling concerned with tone, texture or acne.

What To Expect After a Chemical Peel?

A prescription chemical peel is chosen by your aesthetician based on your skin concerns and Fitzpatrick type (skin type). Your skin's reaction can vary and your individual reaction does not determine whether the peel was effective. Specifically, because you don't peel, does not mean the peel did not work. More accurately, you skin is more conditioned and exfoliated. Below are some common reactions.

• Redness- generalized or in patches; in more sensitive areas such as around the mouth and under eyes. This redness can last from minutes to 24 hours.
• Pigment may appear darker
• Dryness- keeping the area moisturized with prescribed after care products will help.
• Itching- this is a normal skin response.
• Peeling generally occurs after 3-4 and can be slight flaking to a snake shedding. Again, this depends on multiple variables.

Chemical Peel Aftercare!

Your post-care after a peel is the most important part of the process. Following a jessner peel (this is a self-neutralizing peel) you must avoid water, steam, sweating as this will reactivate the peel. Wear your mineral sunscreen; our favourite is by AlumierMD. Avoid the sun as much as possible. Think sunglasses and a very large hat (summer months), not enjoying life is just not practical! Tanning beds are an absolute NO-NO. I should not have to explain this one. No exfoliating and no acids such as retinol, AHA and acid-based toners for approximately 5-7 days after the peel.
Most clinics will have post-care kits to take home with a gentle wash, hydrating moisturizer, and a SPF.

AlumierMD

In all my years working as a medical aesthetician I have used many professional skincare lines. We at RestoBod laser clinics can't stop raving about AlumierMD. Their commitment to clean science, ethically sourced active ingredients as well as being very affordable is why we love this brand and have committed t it. Their chemical peels show proven results and the at-home skincare continues the results. Hands down the best SPF we've ever used.

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