The Perfect Autumn Skin Treatment – Chemical Peels
“October had tremendous possibility. The summer’s oppressive heat was a distant memory, and the golden leaves promised a world full of beautiful adventures. They made me believe in miracles.” ― Sarah Guillory, Reclaimed
This October, I discuss a skin treatment perfect for Autumn weather that will make you believe in miracles too – Chemical Peels.
A chemical peel is a technique using a number of potential chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin to help combat multiple skin issues such as pigmentation, acne, hydration, lacklustre skin and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Many people are apprehensive about such peels because of the plethora of myths surrounding them. I debunk some of the most popular ones below.
Myth #1: All Peels are the same
Truth: Not all peels are the same. The active ingredients in peels can be tailored to skin type and conditions and the strength of the peel can also vary.
Myth #2: Peels can cause burning and redness
Truth: The degree of redness depends on the strength of the peel and the duration the peel is placed on the face. Superficial peels are quite mild and may have little or no side effects.
Myth #3: Chemical peels will always result in significant peeling and downtime afterwards in order to be effective.
Truth: Many may remember the infamous Sex & the City episode where Samantha looked severely burned with sheets of skin sloughing off after having had a chemical peel. However, while there are deep peels that can have this effect, there are many chemical peels that can leave skin flaking or with no downtime and have visible improvement to the skin.
Myth #4: Chemical peels are harmful to your skin.
Truth: Not all chemical peels are bad. The potential of harm to the skin varies between the strength of the peel, the duration of treatment and your skin type. It is important to understand potential risks before embarking on treatment. The actives in most chemical peels are natural. For instance, Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane, lactic acid from milk and salicylic acid from Willow bark. It is important to assess potential risks and contraindications before treatment to minimize any potential complications. And it is important that proper skincare is done afterwards, including SPF.
Myth #5 Chemical peels can be performed at home
Truth: There are indeed a number of cosmeceutical strength peels that can be done at home but will not give the you same results as you would experience from a professional peel.
Myth #6 Chemical peels are a one-time solution
Truth: This is not true unfortunately. Superficial chemical peels can be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, even skin tone, improve pigmentation and treat acne. Deeper or stronger peels can also stimulate collagen production. The best outcome is achieved by committing to a regimented routine.
Myth #7 Chemical Peels are only beneficial for those with dermatological issues
Truth: While there are chemical peels used for specific treatments, chemical peels can be excellent for those seeking a more radiant glow as well or looking to improve the overall appearance of their skin. Chemical peels can treat problem prone skin, and they can also be preventative as well. The normal rate of skin cell turnover is between 21-28 days and this rate tends to slow down dramatically in our late 20’s. Superficial chemical peels help to increase this cellular turnover in the form of exfoliation and to stimulate healthy cell growth.
And dont forget:
- Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight immediately after a peel.
- Don’t physically peel or pull the skin with your hands. Use a moisturizer to help if your skin feels dry or stretched.
- Avoid using retinol creams a few days prior and after a peel.
- Don’t be over zealous. Wait 2-4 weeks in between peels
Read here on how to brighten tired, dull skin.