A skin or chemical peel can sound quite invasive and painful but don't be scared away! It’s actually a quick and relatively painless process that has many substantial benefits for the skin.
Skin Peels can bring a range of benefits, but should be properly executed under the care of a reputable professional. A chemical peel is a solution of AHAs or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs originate from milk and fruit sugars, the most commonly used are glycolic and lactic acid. These acids penetrate the skin deeply and have scientific research to support their efficacy. This solution is then applied to the face to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells. The aim is to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing age spots, evening out skin tone, improving skin texture and lessening the appearance of fine wrinkles. Above and beyond that, peels can be used to improve the appearance of acne scars, melasma, sun-damaged skin, and several other conditions.
Many people can see a significant improvement in the appearance of their skin tone and texture in as little as one peel treatment. This is because a peel functions as an exfoliant, which can drastically improve the superficial quality of your skin. You can generally get a peel once every four to six weeks. Some peels, such as those targeting acne, can be done every two weeks until you achieve the desired results. It is so important to keep your skin moisturised, drink loads of water to stay properly hydrated and try stay away from unhealthy foods to help your accelerate the healing process and maximise the benefits of a peel
WHAT TO EXPECT POST-PEEL
DAY 1
You might want to bring a wide brimmed hat along with you because after the procedure, you’ll leave the clinic with the peel solution still on your face, and you’ll notice your complexion take on a yellow hue throughout the day (this just means it’s still actively working). After a few hours, you’ll apply the retinol cream or solution your dermatologist sent you home with.
Redness and sensitivity of the skin present themselves as the retinol gets to work. Some describe the sensation as a sunburn, and just like a harsh case of sunburn, actual facial skin peeling will start happening in the days to follow. Your skin is in the very beginning stages of healing and is incredibly raw and sensitive, meaning you should be completely avoiding activities that lead to sweating (rashes can develop that are caused by sweat trapped in the skin). Also, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible! You’ll also want to avoid letting your skin dry out; keep reading to find out why!
DAY 2
Hello, peeling! The top layers of your skin are beginning to dehydrate and shed off, particularly between the eyes and in the corners of the nose and mouth. Although you might want to, resist the urge to help your skin peel manually. Wash your skin as gently as possible and add a moisturiser and skin recovery mist.
You might want to keep that wide-brimmed hat near because the redness is here to stay! So, try not commit to too many home, work and social events while the redness subsides. If you suffer from breakouts, you may experience some detoxing of any impurities present under the surface of your skin before your peel.
DAY 3-4
The worst of skin peeling and flaking happens here which is probably the most uncomfortable your skin is bound to feel through the healing process. Your skin is at it’s most vulnerable so protect your skin by being consistent with your after-care routine so that you can maximise the natural healing process. And keep wearing that hat!
1 WEEK
It’s time to see the results! Professionals consider the results of a chemical peel permanent, so enjoy that new skin you’re starting to see! Depending on how well your skin has recovered, you can usually return to your normal skin care routine at this point, but make sure that your skin is completely done peeling, and that the tight, dry feeling has gone away.
BEYOND
Your skin has gone through a intensive process that meant to safely damage your skin so that it looks better than ever, so don’t forget that the healing journey is still on going for your new skin!
Expect scabbing or even slight color changes in more sensitive areas of the skin for at least another two weeks after your chemical peel, but, some redness may persist for months afterwards, especially if you’re a fan of exercise!
PRODUCTS TO USE AFTER A CHEMICAL PEEL
There are 3 products you should use on your skin immediately following a chemical peel:
Sunscreen
Chemical Peels make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you want to have these done in the Fall and Winter months when there is less exposure to the sun.
Moisturiser
Although applying product to raw skin can feel uncomfortable, it needs moisture to heal. Allowing your skin to dry too much can lengthen the healing process and make it more likely that your skin will scab or even scar.
Since Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) kills bacteria that lead to infections (like staph infections), it also speeds up the healing process. HOCl is a favorite in dermatology, and is commonly used post-procedure for chemical peels because of it’s incredible healing properties!
SkinSpring R3 Formulation is a premium HOCl skin mist that soothes the skin, prevent breakouts, and repairs damage. Not only does the HOCl molecule reduce skin irritation, but it also helps heals the skin barrier - ideal for post-peel healing.
Knowing the chemical peel process and how to best help your skin recover with the right products is vital when deciding to go through with this cosmetic treatment. While it may take slightly longer to heal than other cosmetic treatments, the results are permanent and often even more impressive than people think!