I’m always being asked, what is a skin peel? What are they? How can they help my skin? Will my skin literally peel?!
My quick Q&A below will help you understand the how and why of skin peels. If you have any further questions or think I should expand upon anything, I’d love to hear from you so please drop me a line at mail@charlotterye.com.
What is a skin peel?
A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. In performing chemical peels, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), is applied to the skin in a controlled and timed way.
What can I expect?
A chemical facial peel can provide several benefits to the skin. The procedure can restore a more youthful appearance to skin and reduce wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sun-damage, and blotchy patches. Also peels are effective at treating breakouts and more severe acne conditions. It is possible for the skin to ‘purge’ after treatment if you are prone to spots. Following a treatment you may experience a period of clearing as the skin eliminates any built up congestion. You may also experience some skin tightness and temporary dryness, which can be alleviated by applying a recommended post treatment care product. During initial extensive consultation information about chemical peel risks and benefits will be given to help you fully understand the procedure. Most clients experience a degree of ‘tingle’ during treatment but the procedure is not at all painful.
How will my skin look after the treatment?
With ALL skin peels it is normal to experience some reaction. The strength and depth of peel will determine the reaction, which can range from slight redness to visible skin shedding. A light skin peel or ‘lunchtime peel’ may not show any visible Skin changes. With medium strength peels, side effects such as redness, stinging, and skin shedding usually subside within a day or two after the treatment. The side effects of deep chemical peels are typically more pronounced, and recovery time is longer (up to 1-2 weeks). All peels when performed by an experienced trained therapist are safe. However there are associated risks that will be explained to you during your consultation, and after care information will be provided to ensure the best care of your skin post treatment.
Will my skin literally ‘peel’?
Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin to reduce or eliminate the appearance of a number of skin imperfections and conditions. After a skin peel, the treated layers of skin gradually flake away, revealing a fresh new layer of skin.
How long is the recovery period after a skin peel?
The recovery time after a chemical peel depends on the type of peel administered, because each type of peel affects the skin to a different degree.
Light chemical peels:
These mild peels require virtually no recovery time. Though the skin may be mildly irritated after the peel, you can return to daily activities immediately after treatment.
Elizabeth Arden PRO 30% AHA Peel
Elizabeth Arden PRO 50% High Definition Peel
Medium chemical peels:
The new layer of skin appears three to seven days after treatment. About two weeks after treatment, the skin will be fully healed. You will have to abstain from some physical activities, heat treatments, waxing and hair removal etc.
You can read more about Image Skincare peels on their website.
