Tis the Season for chemical peel! What you should know about chemical peels, but was afraid to ask.

I prefer doing chemical peels in the Fall and Winter for this reason. Right after you undergo a chemical peel, your skin will be temporarily more sensitive to sunlight. Here in the southern region of the country, the summers are hot and bright. That is why the best time to get a chemical peel is in the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler, days are shorter, and the sun is not so glaring and incessant.

Having a chemical peel in the winter prepares your skin for the warmer months so that your recovery process is complete by the time you’re ready to go out gardening or hit the beach.

Should you get a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are used to treat common signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, as well as pigmentation and sun damage.

“Chemical peels are used to treat common signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, as well as pigmentation and sun damage. They usually consist of fruit acids, including glycolic acid, citric acid and lactic acid. If you do want to see changes in your skin, chemical peels or superficial laser treatments are a better investment.” Dr. Davin Lim, Dermatologist

Here at A Younger You Skincare, I only do superficial peels. Which includes progressive peels, often called lunchtime peels, and mid-depth peels. My belief is, if you need a deep peel to correct facial problems, it should be done in a doctor’s office as in the case of a superficial laser treatment.

What Are Superficial Peels?

Progressive Peels – the mildest course of treatment that doesn’t usually cause immediate exfoliation and only removes the stratum corneum. Repeated treatments will create mild sloughing with cumulative effects.
For Best Results: Treatments are performed a series of three to six treatments one to two weeks apart.
Results: refining and mild peel with no down time

Mid-Depth Peels – these peels affect the intra-epidermal layer with exfoliation occurring within two to three days of application. There’s very little down time. Peeling consists of light flaking similar to a sunburn peel.
For Best Results” treatments are performed monthly for as long as needed.
Results: rejuvenation with minimal to no downtime

Chemical Peel Myths

MYTH: Only one superficial treatment is all that's needed.

TRUTH: Typically several applications must be administered over several months or years, depending on the skin damage. A series of progressive to mid-depth peels can clear acne and remove years from your appearance. Your skin care professional, will assess and determine what’s best for your skin.

MYTH: Chemical peels result in scarring and raw skin

TRUTH: If a trained skin care professional performs the peel, permanent scarring won’t be an issue. Redness and peeling are normal with deeper peels, but today there are numerous superficial options available, as well as advancements in cosmeceutical formulas that reduce inflammation and rebuild and heal the skin. The long-term effects of the peels are healthier, smoother, more youthful-appearing skin.

Skincare after your peel

You can’t peel away years of neglect….. the peel is only phase one.

A good home care routine is very important in order to maintain healthy youthful looking skin. Your routine should include the following:

1. Cleanser for your skin type and condition.

2. Toner to compliment the cleanser and prepare your skin for the next product application.

3. Serums play an essential part in all skin care routines. They have active ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, stem cells; all beneficial to the health of your skin. You’ll have more than one serum in your routine. You need a vitamin C serum in the morning and a vitamin A serum at night for their anti-aging properties. If your skin is dehydrated, you will need a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid. Dry flaking skin that is red and irritated would benefit using a serum with ingredients like squalane and omega oils. The serum step of your routine can be used to build stronger skin cells, repair sun damage, control excess, or refine rough skin texture. The possibilities are endless.

4. The final step is the “Protective Moisturizing” step. This means you use a DAILY… moisturizing sunscreen. Never leave your home without its coverage! At night, use a moisturizer, selected for your skin type and condition.

If you are on a program to correct acne scarring, along with your professional treatments, you’ll need to integrate epidermal growth factors, retinal, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and essential fatty acids into your home care system. The goal this routine is to strengthen and rebuild the skin.