Top 10 Benefits of Getting a Chemical Peel
Everyone has imperfections on their skin, but they can start to become more noticeable as tans from summer fade away. Once the colder months arrive, you might be wondering what you should do to improve your skincare routine. As it turns out, a chemical peel in colder months might be a great idea.
If you are unsure what a chemical peel is, you’ve clicked on the right article. Here, you’ll learn all about what it is and how it can help to rejuvenate your skin so it’s ready for when the warmer months arrive again.
What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic skin resurfacing procedure that uses the application of an acid solution to remove the topmost layers of your skin. These top layers usually hold all the dead cells and most imperfections that people can immediately see such as dark spots, sun damage, or broken vessels – but some peels can target the deeper layers of skin as well.
As the peel eats away at your outer layers of skin, the fresher layers underneath will reveal themselves. The result is a clearer complexion and smoother texture.
Depending on the intensity of your chemical peel, you may need several treatments to get the results you want. On the other hand, with a stronger peel, you may only need one treatment. Your skin will take around 7- 14 days to heal from flaking, redness, or irritation. For this, you may need to take antiviral medication to prevent the risk of a cold sore outbreak.
Why Are Chemical Peels Good for Your Skin?
As we age, skin can start to look dull and lack vitality. Our metabolism also plays a big role in the vibrancy of our skin, since the natural shedding of dead cells are not as frequent as when we were younger. As a result, dead skin cells tend to build up more and make us look older than we really are.
Besides reducing imperfections, chemical peels can also help to rejuvenate your skin. This is because, as the peel takes off the upper layers of your skin, the inner layers begin creating new collagen and elastin. This will lead to your skin looking much clearer, firmer, and brighter than before.
Top 10 Benefits of Chemical Peels
First, chemical peels can reduce and prevent acne due to how the chemicals can penetrate deep into your pores. The chemical solution eats up the dead skin cells, unclogs the congested pores by dissolving the hardened oils, and kills the acne-causing bacteria.
Second, since chemical peels clean out your pores, they can also help to reduce their appearance. Third, chemical peels help reduce dark spots, sun damage, and all types of hyperpigmentation.
The fourth benefit is that while chemical peels might not be able to remove scars completely, they can certainly reduce their appearance by resurfacing the skin
Fifth, if you have uneven skin tone, chemical peels remove the outer layers of your skin to give your face a more even tone and blemish-free complexion.
The sixth benefit is that chemical peels can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by removing the outer layers and thus plumping the skin.
Seventh, chemical peels are one of the best options for smooth texture due to the way they remove rough, dead skin cells.
Eighth, a chemical peel is a non-invasive treatment option for better skin.
Ninth, as these peels remove your top layers of skin, your skincare products can penetrate deeper and work better since they won’t be fighting through bricks of dead cells.
The tenth benefit is that chemical peels can stimulate your skin to produce new collagen, giving your face a fresh and healthy glow.
Why Are Chemical Peels Better in the Colder Months
Getting a chemical peel in colder months is a great idea because we are not as exposed to direct sunlight and heat. This is ideal because after getting a chemical peel, it is important that you stay out of direct sunlight. This is necessary because the sun could cause severe hyperpigmentation as your skin is healing.
You’ll also likely be spending more time inside during the winter, so you won’t need to worry about showing off your skin as it heals (the shedding is not fun!). Instead, your skin will be fresh, bright, and smooth once spring and summer roll around.
How It Works
Light chemical peels target the most superficial layers of skin (the epidermis) that contain imperfections. You usually need several treatments of light chemical peels to see your desired results.
Medium chemical peels penetrate the deeper layers of skin (the dermis). This is better for deeper wrinkles and acne scars. Still, you may also need multiple treatments (up to three stronger treatments, or up to six light peels).
Deep chemical peels go deeper still. These are best for very deep wrinkles and scarring. One treatment may be sufficient. You will definitely need longer social downtime, though.
How Often Should You Get One?
For light chemical peels, you should get one every two weeks if you’re in a series of six peels. This will give your skin enough time to heal between treatments.
For medium chemical peels, you might need to wait a bit longer (four weeks) before your skin is healed enough to receive another treatment. In some cases, you might not need another medium chemical peel.
What To Expect From The Treatment
During the treatment, your skin specialist will cleanse your skin first to remove oils, makeup, and debris. Afterward, they will use gauze to apply the AHA/BHA prepping solution onto your skin. Lastly, they will apply the chemical peel with a fan brush, which will sit on your skin for a maximum of five minutes (or 8 in some cases). As the peel sits on your face, it will start to tingle and burn for a limited time until the peel is neutralized. When the time is up your skin specialist will neutralize the peel by washing it off with warm water and applying a calming hydrating balm. Lastly, they will apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Some peels do not have to be washed off and neutralized. Since they are self-neutralizing, they are left to penetrate your skin for an additional time instead. This applies to medium-depth peels.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Pre-treatment can be just as important as the treatment itself.
A week before your peel, you should be avoiding extended sun exposure (tanning beds included) or receiving injections of Botox or Dermal Fillers. You should also avoid other facial or peel treatments.
Three days before the treatment avoid waxing and hair removal creams or laser treatments. Also, discontinue using retinol, tretinoin, and BHA/AHA.
The day before treatment, do not shave for at least 12 hours prior to treatment.
Is There Any Recovery Afterwards?
Your skin will be red and swollen after your treatment. Stay out of the sun and always use sunscreen (SPF 30+!) when going outside. It is mandatory to drink 8 glasses of water a day! Best recommended for inner hydration and proper skin healing.
Do not scratch at your skin as it heals or pull the flakes off as this could interfere with the results and cause hyperpigmentation. Your skin specialist will send you home with customized skincare to ensure proper healing.
Getting A Chemical Peel
By the end of this article, you should know what a chemical peel is and what benefits it can offer. With this information, you can decide whether a chemical peel sounds right for you.
To learn more, contact us here.
