CHEMICAL PEELS

1. What are chemical peels?

Skincare professionals use chemical peels to exfoliate the skin’s surface and reduce the appearance of blemishes, smooth skin texture, and improve radiance. These peels are most effective at enhancing cell turnover and restoring the overall appearance of the skin.

Chemical peels come in many different strengths and acidic formulations, ranging from superficial peels to deeply penetrating formulas.

Chemical peels should always be performed by a licensed skincare professional with access to high-performing and clinically-tested peel solutions. Your skincare professional may also recommend advanced home-care products to prepare your skin for the peel and extend the results of the treatment.

2. Who are chemical peels for?

Chemical peels can work for clients with a range of skin needs. A skincare professional will determine the best type of chemical peel for you based on your skin condition, skincare habits, and your skin’s “Fitzpatrick type,” which categorizes your skin color and susceptibility to burning. In general, the higher the Fitzpatrick skin type, the more caution is necessary to avoid an adverse skin reaction. Our therapists do not typically recommend chemical peels for clients with extremely sensitive skin or skin barrier dysfunction, such as eczema or psoriasis.

3. What type of chemical peel is right for me?

Depending on your skin type, cosmetic concerns, Fitzpatrick type, and skincare habits, your aesthetician will recommend the best type of chemical peel for you. Chemical peels are categorized by how deeply they penetrate the skin: superficial, medium, or deep.

Superficial peels penetrate only the uppermost layer of the epidermis, and they’re often performed in a series to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. SkinCeuticals chemical peels, which are provided by a select group skincare professionals, suit a wide array of skin types and feature superficial, medium, and deep options.

4. How do chemical peels work?

Chemical peels work to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. By sloughing off the outer layers of the skin, these peels improve blemishes and skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. A professional chemical peel far outweighs the effects of an exfoliating scrub or brush.

During this treatment, the aesthetician applies a pre-determined quantity of the peel solution to the skin for a specifed amount of time. The time depends on the concentration and form of chemical peel solution, as well as the client’s skin type and reactivity to the treatment. Chemical peels ultimately react with the uppermost layer of skin, dissolving the bonds that bind surface skin cells and revealing a smoother, healthier layer of skin underneath.

The intensity of chemical peels depends on the pH of the formulation, as well as the size of the molecule itself. The lower the pH of a chemical peel, the stronger the acidity; but this is also influenced by the acid molecules themselves. For example, a 20% concentration of glycolic acid at a pH of 3 will exfoliate more deeply than 30% glycolic acid at 4.5 pH or  than the same formulation of lactic acid, since glycolic acid molecules are smaller and can penetrate the skin more effectively.

There’s a chemical peel for nearly every skin type. To find the best treatment for you, one of our licensed, compassionate aestheticians can help you determine which peel suits your skin type and concerns.

5. What will I experience during a chemical peel?

Depending on your skin sensitivity and previous experience with skincare, your experience during a chemical peel will vary. In general, if your skin is already accustomed to acids or retinoids, you may not feel much during a chemical peel.

While superficial chemical peels offer the least penetration, you may still experience a tingling sensation and mild discomfort, which will subside shortly. Upon application, a superficial peel may also produce mild redness: similarly, this will disappear in a few minutes..

Immediately after a chemical peel, skin becomes more photosensitive. After treatment, it’s important to apply a daily broad spectrum sunscreen and minimize sun exposure as much as possible.

6. How often should I get a chemical peel?

The frequency of your chemical peel treatments depends on the depth and concentration of the peel.

Most clients can incorporate superficial peels into their monthly skin maintenance program.  Any peel series should be performed under the guidance of an experienced medical aesthetician.

Due to the exfoliating nature of chemical peels, the skin may become more susceptible to damage from environmental aggressors immediately after treatment. In addition to a daily broad spectrum sunscreen your skincare professional may also recommend an at-home skincare regimen to maintain the results of your chemical peel.

7. Where should I get a chemical peel?

You should get a chemical peel at a licensed spa from a trusted aesthetician or cosmetic doctor. When performed by inexperienced hands, chemical peels can result in scarring, swelling, infection, discoloration, and other unwanted outcomes.

If you want to introduce chemical peels to your skin maintenance regimen, schedule a consultation with a skincare professional. Based on your skin needs, they will customize your peel treatment and recommend pre- and post-peel care plans, which will prime and protect your skin.

8. Should I incorporate an at-home skincare regimen?

At Bella Lago MedSpa, we recommend that clients incorporate an at-home skincare regimen before starting chemical peels.  Depending on your treatment history and skin type, our aestheticians may recommend other plans and products to care for your skin at home.*

*First-time guests are required to schedule a complimentary initial consultation to determine the optimal treatment plan.