Chemical Peel Basics: Benefits, Types, and What to Expect

What are Chemical Peels?

As opposed to a mechanical form of exfoliation, a chemical peel is a form of exfoliation where a chemical solution is applied in layers to dissolve the bonds of dead skin cells on the surface layer of the skin. This procedure removes outer, damaged layers of skin, to reveal healthier, smoother skin underneath. This treatment can effectively treat fine lines, wrinkles, correct superficial scars and uneven pigment discolorations.

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels contain different types of acids which render varying depths of penetration.

A Jessner's peel, for example, contains a blend of acids such as Resorcinol, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) which include glycolic (derived from sugar cane), and lactic acid (derived from milk or fermented fruits & vegetables). Jessners also can contain BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) such as salicylic acid (derived originally from willow bark but also derived from aspirin in the form of Acetylsalicylic acid, from Oil of Wintergreen in the form of Methyl Salicylate and commonly from Sodium Salicylate for pharmaceutical and skincare use.)
A TCA peel (Trichloroacetic Acid) is a single agent acid.
A Phenol peel utilizes carbolic acid.

Top Benefits for Your Skin

Peels have an array of benefits and can be customized by the Practitioner to an individual’s specific concerns. Some of these benefits are as follows:

Anti-Aging: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and increasing the cell turnover rate.
Acneic Control : Unclogs pores, reduces acne breakouts and subsequent acne scars resulting in a clearer complexion.
Improved Texture: Smooths textured patches and orange-peel roughness on the skin’s surface. It can also assist in pore size reduction.
Enhanced Product Absorption: Peels prep the skin so your daily corrective serums and moisturizers can penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
Correction of Uneven Skin Tone: Fades hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and melasma.

Understanding the Types of Peels

Peels are categorized by their depth of penetration and should be selected based on individual needs as well as skin sensitivities.

Superficial/Light Peels (Jessner's peel): These target the top layer of skin with minimal downtime and are ideal for bringing a refreshed glow to the treatment area. These can effectively address skin dullness. Light peels can also dry up some mild acne breakouts.

Medium-Depth Peels (Jessner's/TCA): These penetrate the outer and middle layers of the skin, and are ideal for moderate wrinkles and pigmentation, as well as more significant breakouts. These peels typically render about a week of significant sloughing to the treatment area.

Deep Peels (Phenol): A deep peel utilizes a strong acid like phenol for dramatic results on severe sun damage, heavily wrinkled skin or deep scars. These are typically performed by a physician as they require medical supervision and patient sedation, along with significant recovery and post-treatment check-ups.

Pre-Peel Preparation (The Do's & Don'ts)

Consult a professional: Ensure the peel strength matches your skin type and goals.
Discontinue At-Home Products: Certain daily/nightly products that may be a bit harsher need to be paused for 3-5 days prior to a peel treatment. These can include serums and night creams that may contain small amounts of retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs.
Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure and wear SPF daily for about two weeks leading up to the treatment.
Stay Hydrated: Keep the skin well-moisturized in the days before your peel.

What to Expect During & After

The Sensation: Most feel a mild warming or tingling; deeper peels may sting more intensely for a short period.
The Aftercare: Avoid the urge to pick at peeling skin, as this can cause scarring. Use gentle cleansers, fragrance-free moisturizers, and strictly adhere to daily sunscreen use to protect and nourish the fresh emerging skin. Most professional med-spa settings or medical clinics can provide the option to purchase an aftercare kit that will contain the products necessary to use for the immediate days following the peel treatment.

Approximate Costs

Peel costs can vary by the treatment center’s demographic as well as the Practitioner performing the application. Most Light Peels will range for $150-$300 depending on the formulation. Medium-Depth Peels can cost between $200-$500 with Deep Peels costing upwards of $1500-$2500.

Choose Wisely

With the availability to purchase “peels” online or in a retail setting, it is always in the best interest of the recipient to consult a licensed skincare expert prior to the application of a professional peel. The potential to temporarily or permanently cause trauma or damage to the skin is significant and often very difficult to correct, if at all.

The benefits of utilizing chemical peels on a consistent basis can be immense. Recipients can maintain smoother, clearer, more youthful skin over the years by including these professional treatments into their regular routine. Each peel session will boost the skin’s current cell turnover rate (the rate that skin replenishes itself and produces new healthy, youthful cells). Each increase in the cell turnover will last approximately 28-34 days and will gradually begin to slow down to the individual's natural rate after this time. Continuing to consistently receive professional skincare treatments over time, along with a healthy lifestyle, can ensure the recipient's aging and complexion will be at peak level throughout the years.

At Optimal Health and Wellness Center you can consult with a Licensed Esthetic Professional and learn what options are available to address your specific skincare concerns.

Call 602-OPTIMAL (602-678-4625) to schedule your appointment or book online with the link provided below.

https://optimalhealthandwellness.com/book-now/

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