Can Chemical Peels Really Give You That Flawless Skin You’re After?
These days, there are many options available in the market to undo (or at the very least, lessen) the damages to your skin. Maybe you picked on your pimples, which resulted in acne scars. Or maybe you only got into the habit of using sunscreen after you already had sunspots. Perhaps you just want a little pampering since stress was causing your skin to look dull and tired.
Whatever the reason, your research online, your beauty guru friend, or your dermatologist led you to one answer….chemical peels.
You are probably wondering, what is a chemical peel? What does it do for your face? Will getting one make you look like you have stumbled upon the fountain of youth? Well, you are at the right place to get the lowdown on chemical peels.
The basics of the Chemical Peel
Chemical peels have a long history dating back to the ancient Egyptian and Roman empires. During those periods, food such as sour milk and fruits were used mainly for beauty treatments. The effectiveness of using such food lies in their acid contents that were believed to remove dead skin cells on the topmost layers of the skin, revealing the smoother and healthier layer underneath.
From the late 1800s until the early 1900s, the process of using acids as an exfoliating agent for cosmetic treatments continued to develop. But this time, it was primarily for the healing of scars due to the war. Finally, by the 1960s, chemical peels became popular by going back to its roots in cosmetics as more studies on how varying acids and concentrations aid in beautifying the skin.
Today, chemical peels have become accessible through skin clinics and over-the-counter products. They make use of the exfoliation process to provide targeted solutions to a wide array of skin concerns. Depending on the treatment needed, different acids are used to penetrate the skin’s layers and stimulate it for new collagen production. Common skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, dull skin, scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage are improved through chemical peels.
Are Over-The-Counter Chemical Peels Effective?
With the growing number of over-the-counter peels on the market, you might wonder if these are enough to complement your cleanse-> tone-> moisturize-> protect skincare routine. The answer, unfortunately, is no.
While some over-the-counter products are effective in delivering results, most of them are only short-term and are barely visible. There is still no substitute for a professional’s touch.
It is still better to set aside time to go to a skin specialist who can provide you with solutions that suit not only your skin concerns but also your lifestyle.
Chemical Peel Treatments done by a Professional
While an appointment with a specialist is necessary, it’s not as daunting as it might seem. Chemical peels fall under the category of non-invasive cosmetic services, which means there is no breaking in of the skin, unlike in surgeries. No need to worry about knives touching your skin! In a more practical sense, it also means that it is cheaper and safer, and also requires a minimal recovery period.
The process of the Chemical Peel treatment
Given the long history of chemical peels, how exactly do Chemical Peels work? Going into the process, a consultation with a specialist is first necessary, especially if it is your first time having this type of treatment.
Creating a Treatment Plan with your Consultant
Your first consultation will involve checking your skin type, lifestyle, and skincare products. You will be able to chat with your specialist about your skincare goals, and work with them to set expectations on how to achieve them.
Reducing acne, evening out of skin tone, correcting scars, improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, minimizing the appearance of pores—these are some of the usual skin problems that can be solved only with the help of a proper assessment. Together with your specialist, you can design a treatment plan to achieve your skin care goal.
The Chemical Peel Process
Once you are done with the assessment, the chemical peel is performed. It starts with cleansing the face to remove any possible barriers that would go in between the skin and the acids. Then, the necessary acids or chemical solutions are put on the face as treatment. This will enable the skin to undergo the exfoliation process, and the dead layer will “peel off”.
As an immediate aftercare process, products such as moisturizer or sunscreen may be applied to your face to protect it before you go out. Finally, instructions are given by the specialist for your aftercare and possibly, your next appointment.
The magic of the Chemical Peel
While the peeling off of the dead layer of the skin seems daunting, it is necessary. This is usually where our skin concerns live such as acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and sun damage are.
It is only after the skin undergoes this invigorating exfoliation process that it rejuvenates and exposes the healthier layer underneath.
The “magic” of chemical peels lies in the different acids and corresponding concentrations used as treatment. Again, acid seems like a harsh solution to be applied on the face, but it is not! Acids provide exfoliation without tugging or scrubbing the skin, both of which often lead to skin irritation, dryness, redness, and in the long run, sagging.
With chemical peels removing the dead layers of skin, the skin care products you use become more effective since these can penetrate and become absorbed by the new, healthy layer of skin on your face. You might even be able to toss out some of the nice-to-haves skincare products you use, and opt for the basics.
Moreover, having great skin reduces the amount of time you spend perfecting your make-up base and concealing blemishes, as well as the money you spend splurging on make-up products. Over-all, in terms of cost and effectiveness, opting for chemical peels will be more beneficial.
Finding the right type of Chemical Peel for you
Different skin types and concerns require different types of chemical peels. As with any treatments, the more serious the concern is, the longer downtime or recovery period is needed.
After a consultation with a specialist, you will be recommended a particular type of chemical peel. Three types that address various skin concerns are: superficial, medium, and deep.
Superficial Peels – For regular exfoliation resulting in healthy radiance
Superficial peel, as the name implies, is the gentlest form of chemical peel. Another term for them is mild or light peel. Superficial peel targets only the topmost layer of the skin called the epidermis and addresses minor concerns such as dull skin, redness, uneven skin tone, mild acne scars, and minor sun damage. Mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are used for this.
Skincare enthusiasts would know that AHAs and BHAs are present in some beauty products. These acids are marketed as active ingredients to treat your skin problems.
Undergoing a chemical peel will give you a more targeted treatment for your skin concern, which makes it more effective than relying on skincare products.
Furthermore, the available products usually contain only a very small amount of acids so that they can cater to a wider range of skin types. In turn, while effective, their results might not be as fast and as visible compared to doing an actual chemical peel.
If you choose to have superficial peels, your skin will only experience redness for at least thirty minutes post-treatment. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you might also experience a little shedding three to five days after the peel. This is perfectly normal—nothing a dab of concealer or foundation can solve.
Medium Peels – For the treatment of skin concerns for clearer and smoother skin
Medium or medium-depth peels primarily use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) of varying concentrations. Depending on the needs of your skin, other chemical solutions might also be used to achieve a “blended peel.” It goes beyond the epidermis, into the next layer, to address more serious concerns of sun damage, acne, acne marks, skin bumps, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
Unlike superficial peels that need minimal to no post-treatment care, medium peels require ointment to successfully heal. Your face will look red and raw, but it will not be painful. If you have a big event lined up, it is best that you book your chemical peel one to two weeks in advance to make sure your face has healed enough by the time you go out.
Deep Peels – For undoing skin damage and signs of aging bringing back a youthful glow
Deep peel is the strongest type of chemical peel that makes use of an acid called phenol to address serious skin damage or signs of aging. Skin concerns that require deep peels usually include severe sun damages, wrinkles, acne scars, and open pores. If you need a deep peel, it is best to go to a dermatologist rather than an aesthetic clinic since undergoing this requires anaesthesia.
Given that the skin concerns are more serious, deep peels use stronger acids that penetrate deeper into the skin so that new collagen can be produced. Collagen is a type of protein that keeps your skin elastic and hydrated.
The recovery period for deep peels usually takes up to ten days on average, but it could take up to three months to see visible results since this is when the skin will become fully healed. On top of ointments, antibiotics may be prescribed to minimize the risks of infection.
The Aftercare and Maintenance following a Chemical Peel Treatment
All three types of chemical peels require aftercare so it is always good to listen to your skincare specialist. Keep in mind that the aftercare is equally important as having the treatment.
In general, it is advised to get very minimal to no sun exposure during the recovery period and to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50. Also, avoid wearing heavy make-up especially on areas of the face that have undergone treatment. Other details that you can ask your specialist about are face washing requirements, products to avoid, and ointments or medicines to buy.
To get optimal results, you can have chemical peels regularly, except for deep peels, which can be performed only once. Light peels can be done every two to five weeks, and medium peels every three to nine months. The frequency will depend on the assessment you had with your specialist. If you are satisfied with the service, it is advisable to keep the same specialist as well so you can monitor the progress of your skin’s condition and immediately find treatment for any problems together.
Finding a Local Chemical Peel Specialist Near You
With the multitude of products and services made available, the options for skincare and beauty can be overwhelming. What sets chemical peels apart is how these provide targeted solutions specifically to the needs of your skin.
For a non-invasive cosmetic service that is tagged at a reasonable price, has a long history of being effective, and requires a minimal recovery period, chemical peels are a great way to treat skin disorders and concerns. Find a clinic near you, talk to a specialist, and get that much-deserved glow.
Can Chemical Peels Really Give You That Flawless Skin You’re After?
These days, there are many options available in the market to undo (or at the very least, lessen) the damages to your skin. Maybe you picked on your pimples, which resulted in acne scars. Or maybe you only got into the habit of using sunscreen after you already had sunspots. Perhaps you just want a little pampering since stress was causing your skin to look dull and tired.
Whatever the reason, your research online, your beauty guru friend, or your dermatologist led you to one answer….chemical peels.
You are probably wondering, what is a chemical peel? What does it do for your face? Will getting one make you look like you have stumbled upon the fountain of youth? Well, you are at the right place to get the lowdown on chemical peels.
The basics of the Chemical Peel
Chemical peels have a long history dating back to the ancient Egyptian and Roman empires. During those periods, food such as sour milk and fruits were used mainly for beauty treatments. The effectiveness of using such food lies in their acid contents that were believed to remove dead skin cells on the topmost layers of the skin, revealing the smoother and healthier layer underneath.
From the late 1800s until the early 1900s, the process of using acids as an exfoliating agent for cosmetic treatments continued to develop. But this time, it was primarily for the healing of scars due to the war. Finally, by the 1960s, chemical peels became popular by going back to its roots in cosmetics as more studies on how varying acids and concentrations aid in beautifying the skin.
Today, chemical peels have become accessible through skin clinics and over-the-counter products. They make use of the exfoliation process to provide targeted solutions to a wide array of skin concerns. Depending on the treatment needed, different acids are used to penetrate the skin’s layers and stimulate it for new collagen production. Common skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, dull skin, scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage are improved through chemical peels.
Are Over-The-Counter Chemical Peels Effective?
With the growing number of over-the-counter peels on the market, you might wonder if these are enough to complement your cleanse-> tone-> moisturize-> protect skincare routine. The answer, unfortunately, is no.
While some over-the-counter products are effective in delivering results, most of them are only short-term and are barely visible. There is still no substitute for a professional’s touch.
It is still better to set aside time to go to a skin specialist who can provide you with solutions that suit not only your skin concerns but also your lifestyle.
Chemical Peel Treatments done by a Professional
While an appointment with a specialist is necessary, it’s not as daunting as it might seem. Chemical peels fall under the category of non-invasive cosmetic services, which means there is no breaking in of the skin, unlike in surgeries. No need to worry about knives touching your skin! In a more practical sense, it also means that it is cheaper and safer, and also requires a minimal recovery period.
Find Chemical Peel Treatments in Tasmania
If you’re based in TAS and looking for Chemical Peel Treatments, find your local skin therapist here.
The process of the Chemical Peel treatment
Given the long history of chemical peels, how exactly do Chemical Peels work? Going into the process, a consultation with a specialist is first necessary, especially if it is your first time having this type of treatment.
Creating a Treatment Plan with your Consultant
Your first consultation will involve checking your skin type, lifestyle, and skincare products. You will be able to chat with your specialist about your skincare goals, and work with them to set expectations on how to achieve them.
Reducing acne, evening out of skin tone, correcting scars, improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, minimizing the appearance of pores—these are some of the usual skin problems that can be solved only with the help of a proper assessment. Together with your specialist, you can design a treatment plan to achieve your skin care goal.
The Chemical Peel Process
Once you are done with the assessment, the chemical peel is performed. It starts with cleansing the face to remove any possible barriers that would go in between the skin and the acids. Then, the necessary acids or chemical solutions are put on the face as treatment. This will enable the skin to undergo the exfoliation process, and the dead layer will “peel off”.
As an immediate aftercare process, products such as moisturizer or sunscreen may be applied to your face to protect it before you go out. Finally, instructions are given by the specialist for your aftercare and possibly, your next appointment.
The magic of the Chemical Peel
While the peeling off of the dead layer of the skin seems daunting, it is necessary. This is usually where our skin concerns live such as acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and sun damage are.
It is only after the skin undergoes this invigorating exfoliation process that it rejuvenates and exposes the healthier layer underneath.
The “magic” of chemical peels lies in the different acids and corresponding concentrations used as treatment. Again, acid seems like a harsh solution to be applied on the face, but it is not! Acids provide exfoliation without tugging or scrubbing the skin, both of which often lead to skin irritation, dryness, redness, and in the long run, sagging.
With chemical peels removing the dead layers of skin, the skin care products you use become more effective since these can penetrate and become absorbed by the new, healthy layer of skin on your face. You might even be able to toss out some of the nice-to-haves skincare products you use, and opt for the basics.
Moreover, having great skin reduces the amount of time you spend perfecting your make-up base and concealing blemishes, as well as the money you spend splurging on make-up products. Over-all, in terms of cost and effectiveness, opting for chemical peels will be more beneficial.
Finding the right type of Chemical Peel for you
Different skin types and concerns require different types of chemical peels. As with any treatments, the more serious the concern is, the longer downtime or recovery period is needed.
After a consultation with a specialist, you will be recommended a particular type of chemical peel. Three types that address various skin concerns are: superficial, medium, and deep.
Superficial Peels – For regular exfoliation resulting in healthy radiance
Superficial peel, as the name implies, is the gentlest form of chemical peel. Another term for them is mild or light peel. Superficial peel targets only the topmost layer of the skin called the epidermis and addresses minor concerns such as dull skin, redness, uneven skin tone, mild acne scars, and minor sun damage. Mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are used for this.
Skincare enthusiasts would know that AHAs and BHAs are present in some beauty products. These acids are marketed as active ingredients to treat your skin problems.
Undergoing a chemical peel will give you a more targeted treatment for your skin concern, which makes it more effective than relying on skincare products.
Furthermore, the available products usually contain only a very small amount of acids so that they can cater to a wider range of skin types. In turn, while effective, their results might not be as fast and as visible compared to doing an actual chemical peel.
If you choose to have superficial peels, your skin will only experience redness for at least thirty minutes post-treatment. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you might also experience a little shedding three to five days after the peel. This is perfectly normal—nothing a dab of concealer or foundation can solve.
Medium Peels – For the treatment of skin concerns for clearer and smoother skin
Medium or medium-depth peels primarily use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) of varying concentrations. Depending on the needs of your skin, other chemical solutions might also be used to achieve a “blended peel.” It goes beyond the epidermis, into the next layer, to address more serious concerns of sun damage, acne, acne marks, skin bumps, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
Unlike superficial peels that need minimal to no post-treatment care, medium peels require ointment to successfully heal. Your face will look red and raw, but it will not be painful. If you have a big event lined up, it is best that you book your chemical peel one to two weeks in advance to make sure your face has healed enough by the time you go out.
Deep Peels – For undoing skin damage and signs of aging bringing back a youthful glow
Deep peel is the strongest type of chemical peel that makes use of an acid called phenol to address serious skin damage or signs of aging. Skin concerns that require deep peels usually include severe sun damages, wrinkles, acne scars, and open pores. If you need a deep peel, it is best to go to a dermatologist rather than an aesthetic clinic since undergoing this requires anaesthesia.
Given that the skin concerns are more serious, deep peels use stronger acids that penetrate deeper into the skin so that new collagen can be produced. Collagen is a type of protein that keeps your skin elastic and hydrated.
The recovery period for deep peels usually takes up to ten days on average, but it could take up to three months to see visible results since this is when the skin will become fully healed. On top of ointments, antibiotics may be prescribed to minimize the risks of infection.
The Aftercare and Maintenance following a Chemical Peel Treatment
All three types of chemical peels require aftercare so it is always good to listen to your skincare specialist. Keep in mind that the aftercare is equally important as having the treatment.
In general, it is advised to get very minimal to no sun exposure during the recovery period and to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50. Also, avoid wearing heavy make-up especially on areas of the face that have undergone treatment. Other details that you can ask your specialist about are face washing requirements, products to avoid, and ointments or medicines to buy.
To get optimal results, you can have chemical peels regularly, except for deep peels, which can be performed only once. Light peels can be done every two to five weeks, and medium peels every three to nine months. The frequency will depend on the assessment you had with your specialist. If you are satisfied with the service, it is advisable to keep the same specialist as well so you can monitor the progress of your skin’s condition and immediately find treatment for any problems together.
Find Chemical Peel Treatments in South Australia
If you’re based in SA and looking for Chemical Peel Treatments, find your local skin therapist here.
Finding a Local Chemical Peel Specialist Near You
With the multitude of products and services made available, the options for skincare and beauty can be overwhelming. What sets chemical peels apart is how these provide targeted solutions specifically to the needs of your skin.
For a non-invasive cosmetic service that is tagged at a reasonable price, has a long history of being effective, and requires a minimal recovery period, chemical peels are a great way to treat skin disorders and concerns. Find a clinic near you, talk to a specialist, and get that much-deserved glow.
