Should I Get a Chemical Peel?
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are formulated with a higher concentrated acid solution that is not available in your daily skincare products. Chemical peels help reduce texture, acne, hyper-pigmentation, scarring fine lines and wrinkles. There are various types of chemical peels that provide different results depending on the skin concern and the strength of the peel being used.
How does a chemical peel work?
A chemical peel is a treatment used to improve skin texture and tone. An acid is applied to the skin to lower its PH, which loosens the connections between dead skin cells, including exfoliation, stimulating new cell growth, and delivering active ingredients too layers as deep as the dermis. This process causes superficial layers of dead skin to peel off, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion.
What chemical peels does Self.Skin Medical Spa use and which one would work best for me?
At Self.Skin Medical Spa we currently provide two different types of pure chemical peels. We chose these chemical peels to ensure they work for all skin tones, from Fitzpatrick 1-6. Sadly, there are many chemical peels that do not actually work for darker skin tones. This is why at Self.Skin we research brands that will be inclusive for all skin types and tones!
Peel 1:
This peel contains a high concentration of beta hydroxyl acid. It will address all aspects of acneic skin. This quick procedure is designed to cut through oil, reduce bacteria and decrease inflammation for problematic skin resulting in a clear, oil free complexion.
Perfect for those who have inflamed acne, super oily and asphyxiated skin.
This peel has minimal peeling if any at all.
Peel 2:
We love this peel as it addresses a wide range of concerns; melasma, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, acne, texture, wrinkles, overall aging concerns. It is a deeper peel that was developed to treat skin of colour and melasma which is typically very difficult to treat. It’s formulation allows us to use it on a wide range of clients and concerns.
We highly recommend this treatment for anyone that is looking for a skin transformation!
Can I get a chemical peel in the summer?
Unlike lasers & IPL, chemical peels do not stimulate melanin (pigment) production. Instead, chemical peels exfoliate and slough off old skin cells followed by cell regeneration and healing! This means that as long as you follow the same sun protection guidelines (apply/re-apply your sunscreen), your skin recovery will not be affected no matter the season!
Who should get a chemical peel?
To be completely honest everyone can benefit from a chemical peel! Acne prone skin, oily skin, dry skin, aged skin, uneven skin etc! Oh also cystic, rosacea prone skin and melasma!
Yes, we did say cystic! Our chemical peels not only help decongest skin but also help with inflammation which will help treat cystic acne!
Yes, we did say rosacea! Those who suffer with rosacea actually build keratinocytes (dead skin cells) much quicker than normal, which means that exfoliation is necessary! However, we would not perform the peel during a rosacea flare up. You need to start low and slow to build your skin’s tolerance to the chemical peel! Recovery may also take longer for those who have rosacea but the end result is worth it!
Yes, we did say melasma! Melasma is characterized as a large stain of pigment rather than scattered pigment. It is normally triggered by hormones (ex. pregnancy or birth control). When it comes to melasma you have to be very careful with treatments otherwise is can worsen your melasma.
Example of melasma:
Slow and steady is key for melasma.
At Self.Skin we will always recommend an at-home skincare routine. This is particularly important for those who are tackling pigment. Prior to treatment you would use products that suppress the melanocytes (melanin) for at least two weeks to 1 month. Then we would begin your chemical peel program.
Product recommendations to treat melasma:
Who Should Avoid Chemical peels?
-Struggle with a Barrier dysfunction (we can fix this first)
-Pregnant women (Resurfacers may be a better option)
-Those using Accutane or those who have recently stopped their Accutane prescription.
If Peeling didn’t take place, doest it mean it was not effective?
Peeling of the dead skin layers can be macroscopic, meaning you can see the peeling, or microscopic, meaning peeling is occurring on a cellular level but the skin is not visually flaking. Therefore, you can have an effective chemical peel without actually seeing your skin peel.
Can you perform chemical peels on the body?
Yes, your body needs exfoliation too! Anything you do for the face can be done for the body. The body has thicker skin than your face which means your body is able to handle more and will heal faster! Body chemical peels can be paired with microdermabrasion to increase the aggression of the chemical peel.
Chemical peels on the body are great for body scarring, body acne, keratosis pilaris, strawberry legs and more.
Can you perform a chemical peel on your beard?
Yes, as long as the beard is short enough for the brush to reach the skin it can be applied to the beard. The chemical peel will not effect the natural keratin in the hair! It’s actually ideal to apply the chemical peel in the beard as this area is normally neglected!
How often should you get a chemical peel treatment?
We recommend booking a chemical peel as often as once month and as little as 4 times a year!
We highly recommend chemical peels as a maintenance treatment. It’s the perfect treatment to maintain skin metabolism and remove sun damage accumulated each season.
Your treatment schedule would be catered specifically to your time, skin condition, and skin goals.
Schedule your consultation with us today: here.
