What is a Chemical Peel?
We’ve heard this term ‘peel’ tossed around here and there, but let’s break down what a chemical peel is, who it’s for and what are the benefits? Incredibly, Queen Cleopatra was one of the first advocates of chemical peels and used goat’s milk (lactic acid) to achieve softer skin. Since then chemical peels have become one of the top 10 most commonly performed aesthetic procedures in the world, thanks to their versatility and ability to enhance the results of skincare regimens, as well as tackling more significant skincare concerns such as balancing pigmentation, treating photodamage, acne scarring, wrinkles and dullness.
To Emma at Jón Alan Salon Capitol View, a Skinceuticals Peel is a whole experience. The service beings by prepping the skin for maximum impact of the peel. It starts with a cleanse, followed by dermaplaning (which is a skin treatment that uses an exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and vellus hair from your face). After the peel is completed, your skin is cooled with a biocellulose mask that helps to even your skin tone with a relaxing hand and arm massage to boot! Yes please!
How to Peel? We asked Emma her best advice for stepping into the world of chemical peels and she had two key messages. One, leave it to the professionals. Chemical Peels are not something she recommends trying at home for the safety of your skin. Each peel is customized to your needs and left on for a specific time depending on what your skin can handle. She also let us in on how to get the most out of your peel, that is to go for a series. Chemical Peels are not a ‘one and done’ treatment, but best results are seen over a series of multiple treatments, ideally 4 to 6 sessions spaced out over 10 to 14 days. In general, once the skin has returned to ‘normal’, it is possible to repeat the peel.
When to Peel? Winter is the ideal season to schedule your Peel treatment series. As the weather is cooler and the sun is more mild, we will have less chances for over exposure or excessive sweating.
Now let’s check out the different Peel options you have and what the benefits of each! Chemical peels are categorized by how deeply they penetrate the skin: superficial, medium, or deep. The type and depth of chemical peel administered will depend on your skin type, concern, Fitzpatrick type, and skincare habits.
MicroPeel
The SkinCeuticals MicroPeel is a three-step procedure combining exfoliation, chemical peel solution, and cryogenic therapy. It may be customized to accommodate all skin types. MicroPeel is ideal for patients looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, laxity, dullness, and skin imperfections.
micropeel plus
The MicroPeel Plus procedure is a unique one-step, self-neutralizing treatment of chemical exfoliation designed to reduce acne and help correct environmental skin damage. MicroPeel Plus 30 and 20 are formulated with a combination of salicylic acid which refines pores and help reduce the appearance of acne, and glycolic acid, which aids in the improvement of rough texture, blotchiness, and uneven skin tone. One week following a MPP procedure, skin will undergo its renewal process and light to moderate peeling may occur.
Helps reduce acne and keeps problematic skin clear of breakouts
One step chemical procedure of chemical exfoliation
Minimal down time
micropeel sensitive
Micropeel Sensitive Skin Solution is an optimal starter peel as it is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.This mild clinical-grade peel gently exfoliates and decongests pores while hydrating skin.Formulated with niacin, lactic acid, and usnic acid, this mild clinical-grade peel gently exfoliates and decongests pores while hydrating skin.
pigment balancing peel
The Pigment Balancing Peel is a customizable chemical peel targeting hyperpigmentation to dramatically improve the uneven appearance of photo damaged, mottled skin. This chemical peel procedure combines high-performance brightening and anti-inflammatory agents with a powerful exfoliating acid solution to accelerate cell renewal and diminish diffuse and localized hyperpigmentation.
Dermaplaning
Vitamin C mask with high performance brightening agents are used
Minimal down time
Advanced corrective peel
The SkinCeuticals Advanced Corrective peel contains a proprietary blend of clinical-grade acids to maximize peeling and restore radiance to the skin. The SkinCeuticals Advanced Corrective peel contains:
-Phenylethyl Resorcinol which reduced the appearance of discoloration and improves skin tone
-Salicylic Acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that improves the signs of discoloration and photodamage while helping to reduce the appearance of acne
-Lactic Acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliate skin’s surface for improved radiance
The benefits to the SkinCeuticals Advanced Corrective peel are immediate and lasting if the appropriate post-peel regimen is maintained. Also, the SkinCeuticals Advanced Corrective peel is a great option for people who suffer from acne breakout because it helps minimize the frequency of acne breakouts and treats the post-lesion discoloration left by past breakouts.
Post-treatment care is pivotal to a good peel, and Emma recommends using an antioxidant serum (such as C E Ferulic) to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and to stimulate collagen production. Sun protection is also essential for medical skincare and peels to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Skin is more sensitive to sun exposure following a peel treatment.
Finally, Emma recommends following a tailored home-care regimen with an effective cleanser, antioxidant product and broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen to maximize and maintain results.
Meet Emma and the rest of the Jón Alan Salon Aesthetics team for a complimentary skin consultation and they can get you started on your peel regimen.