Everything you need to know about Chemical Peels

 What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a chemical solution, usually Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid, that is applied to the skin to remove the top layers of the epidermis.

How does a Chemical Peel work?

Chemical peels work by chemically removing the top layers of the skin. Your epidermis, the first layer of the skin, consists of 5 sub layers that may be removed by a chemical peel. During a light chemical peel the first sub layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, gets removed. During a medium to deeper chemical peel the second and third layers of the epidermis, the stratum lucidum and stratum granulosum, get removed as well. When these layers of the skin are chemically removed, you are forcing the skin to start the healing process promoting the production of collagen and elastin.

What are the benefits of a Chemical Peel?

There are many benefits to a chemical peel, some of which include; reduction of rhytides/wrinkles, increase of blood flow and circulation to the skin, stimulation of fibroblast activity (new collagen and elastin), reduction of scar tissue, reduction of hyperpigmentation, reduction of sebum production, brightening of the skin and toning/firming of the tissue. 

Should you get a Chemical Peel?

If you struggle with hyperpigmentation, rhytides/wrinkles, acne or dull skin and you want to brighten, smooth, detox and heal your skin, YES you should get a chemical peel. However, if you are immunocompromised, have any open sores, lesions or sunburn, taking Accutane (currently or within the last year), diabetic, pregnant or you scar easily, you should NOT get a chemical peel. 

Are all Chemical Peels the same?

No, there are many different kinds of chemical peels at different levels of intensity. If you are getting a chemical peel for the first time, you should try a light peel first and make sure your skin reacts well to it. Light peels are usually used with Kojic or Lactic Acids. They are very good for brightening the skin and you will only see mild peeling after a Kojic or Lactic Acid peel. If you are more experienced with chemical peels and you want to try something stronger; Salicylic, Glycolic, Jessner/Phenol peels are going to be much more extreme and you will peel much more dramatically after one of these peels. 

What does a Chemical Peel feel like?

With most chemical peels you can feel a range of things including warmth, tingling, itchiness or burning. With lighter peels you will usually feel some warmth with a touch of tingling at its peak. With medium peels you can still expect warmth (it may be a little more intense compared to the warmth from a light peel) and itchiness until it neutralizes. Deeper peels can feel very intense with itchiness and/or a burning sensation until it neutralizes. Light peels are suitable for most if not all skin types while deeper peels are only recommended for trained skin. 

When do you see the results from a Chemical Peel?

After a chemical peel, it takes the skin roughly two weeks to fully peel and reveal new skin. After these two weeks you will notice the benefits from the chemical peel and up to 6 months after the initial procedure. 

How do you prepare for a Chemical Peel?

If you are planning on getting a chemical peel, you should start prepping your skin for up to one week beforehand. If you are using any Retinol/RetinA, AHA/BHA or vitamin C products, you'll want to discontinue the use of those products a week before your procedure. You will also want to stay out of the sun or tanning beds for at least one week before your procedure and continue wearing sunscreen. Making sure your skin is moisturized and hydrated leading up to the day of your procedure is important as well. 

Where can you get a chemical peel done?

At Suite 42 Aesthetics you can choose from Kojic, Lactic, Salicylic or Jessner Peels. Whether you are getting a chemical peel for the first time or you've had one before and want something stronger, you can schedule an appointment here and we will figure out the perfect peel for your needs!