Introducing Chemical Peels Into Your Skincare

We all want to stay youthful for as long as we can and while there are many ways to achieve a long and healthy life; let us focus on skincare. Not only does skincare allow you to look and feel good from the inside, but being that skin is an organ, taking care of that organ is essential to healthy living. Feeding the skin proper nutrients, providing adequate hydration and protecting it from elements like pollution, UV and other environmental factors all play a role in healthy skincare. So if you find yourself wondering how to take your “age prevention” to the next level, consider introducing chemical peels into your life. 

Chemical peels are a blend of specific formulas intended to create a positive change in the skin. Chemical peels are so versatile making them an excellent choice in treating a variety of skin concerns. Whether you are struggling with ance or want to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture or stimulate collagen, chemical peels are the answer.

• 

How to get started in receiving chemical peels

If you’ve never had a chemical peel, don’t wait any further. Chemical peels can be received all year round with the right planning. 

• The first step is to find a professional skincare practice. Find a licensed esthetician who has experience and training in chemical peels. They will likely set up a consultation with you to review your goals and assess your current state of skin. It’s one thousand percent okay if you don’t know what kind of chemical peel you want or need, in fact, it is best to leave it to the professional to decide. Sometimes what you think you need, may not even be the best choice. Discussing with the esthetician a treatment plan starting from preparation, what to expect and post treatment guidelines will make the experience easy and stress-free for you.

• Be prepared to condition your skin before your first peel. Depending on the practice and the formulations used, it may be necessary to condition or get it ready for your first peel. That may mean using some products for a few weeks such as light exfoliators or pigment inhibiting serums and definitely getting into the practice of daily SPF. The idea of this skin conditioning is to not over-irritate, or cause harm in any way to the skin. Your skin needs time to adjust to active ingredients before a peel, just like you wouldn’t run a marathon before training.

• Understand the process. You don’t necessarily need to know exactly what acid does what and the percentage or pH, leave that to the esthetician. You should however understand what to expect prior to the treatment (you’re already conditioning your skin), during and after. Sometimes the words “chemical”, or “peel” or even “acid” can sound intimidating and therefore deter someone into receiving these treatments. But if you understand what to expect at each step, it will be smooth sailing. For instance, a lactic acid peel may feel differently than a TCA peel, the healing may look different for each as well. Sometimes your skin will appear darker or worse, but that’s all part of the process. Make sure to ask “expectation” questions during your consultation.

• Plan your life around chemical peel series. While one peel will be beneficial, it will only be the start of what should be a series for best results. That can look like up to 6 per year or more, so plan accordingly. Depending on the treatment plan you and your esthetician create, you may require downtime; that is your skin will need time to heal. Don’t plan on a chemical peel just before a vacation or a big night out. A chemical peel is a controlled wound to the skin and while these injuries vary in depth, you still want to nourish your skin before and after. 

• Be Consistent. Like all things in skincare, we say consistency is key to results. Chemical peels can be used not only as a corrective tool but a preventative one as well. So be sure to discuss these treatments with your esthetician and create a routine that will help you age gracefully.

Lastly, as a practicing esthetician it’s my due diligence to warn you to please do not try to administer a chemical peel to yourself at home. With so much availability of consumer goods today it may be tempting to perform a “peel” on yourself, but remember – estheticians are licensed and trained technicians permitted to perform skincare treatments safely and effectively. We also obtain pharmaceutical-grade formulations by reputable manufacturers. I am horrified at the tools and products available such as at-home laser machines or microneedling devices. It’s far too risky in my humble opinion.

If you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area and want to begin a chemical peel regimen, please find  me practicing at Amazing Face Spa at 5828 N. 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014.