Chemical Peels

Brought to you by Alastin Skin Care

Chemical peels can be classified as light, medium, or deep, but how do you know which type is right for your skin?

Complementary Skincare: HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36

This content was reviewed by Ilanit Samuels PA-C

Overview

What is a chemical peel and what does a chemical peel do for your skin? A chemical peel is an aesthetic skin resurfacing treatment designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and skin texture on the face, neck, décolleté or hands. Depending on the treatment, a peel will often be classified as light, medium, or deep. This refers to how deep the peel penetrates in the layers of skin. The procedure uses a chemical solution which is applied to the skin and will cause exfoliation by eventually peeling over the days to follow.

Procedure Care

Many practitioners recommend discontinuing retinol/retinoid use for several days prior procedure and several days to weeks after procedure. Prior to a procedure, it is essential to prep the skin using products with high quality ingredients. ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology® includes TriHex Technology® that may be used to complement aesthetic procedures, such as chemical peels, to pre-condition the skin by supporting the skin’s ability to clear out damaged collagen and elastin prior to the treatment. This can support and strengthen the skin barrier and enhance your procedure outcome As well, a proper post-care routine using products formulated with key ingredients is crucial to preserving beneficial outcomes upon receiving treatment. Regenerating Skin Nectar includes Arnica, Phytoene, Phytofluene, and Narigenin with Panthenyl Triacetate that calm sensitive and vulnerable skin, including post-procedure skin, and help to improve the appearance of the skin when used at least 2 weeks following a procedure, while supporting the production of new, healthy elastin and collagen

Chemical Peel Recovery

In addition to the Regenerating Skin Nectar, incorporating a moisturizing product, such as Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex Technology® can help support skin through the recovery process. The Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer includes Linoleic Acid, Oat Kernel, Silver Mushroom that soften and calm skin condition, support the renewal of post-procedure skin, and help to restore the protective barrier. It also keeps in the body’s natural moisture to help with dryness. Additionally, the Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer will help “lay down” flaking and peeling skin. This will assist you in resisting the urge to pull skin that remains attached. It’s also especially important not to get any sun exposure post procedure while in the healing process. Sun should be avoided and a sensitive, hydrating SPF, that won’t irritate the healing skin (chemical free), such as HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 should be used daily. 

Main Benefits of a Chemical Peel Treatment:

• Lighten or eliminate discoloration or dark spots from sun damage.  

• Smooth fine lines & wrinkles on the skin’s surface.  

• Diminish active acne and improve milder acne scars. 

• Improve skin tone, texture and brighten the complexion by sloughing away dead skin cells. 

How Different Types of Chemical Peels Work

There are three basic types of chemical peels: light, medium and deep peels. Each peel type works best for different types of skin concerns.

• Light or superficial peel

• Medium peel

• Deep peel

A deep chemical peel utilizes the strongest concentrations of acids (Trichloroacetic acid or phenol) which is applied to penetrate more deeply into the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment targets moderate lines and wrinkles, dark spots, acne, and mild scarring. This deeper peel provides the greatest improvement in skin condition and appearance and has the most amount of down time needed for recovery. You can typically expect 5-10 days of peeling depending on the depth of the peel.

Immediately after the peel:

• Skin may be tight and more red than usual
• Wait until bedtime to wash your face

Next day through 4 days after procedure:

• Skin should look normal the next day
• Because of the superficial nature of this peel, do not expect to see visible peeling. Occasionally, some patients may have very minor flaking 3 to 4 days after the procedure
• Apply moisturizer recommended by a medical professional as often as needed to relieve any dryness

4 to 5 days after procedure:

• You may resume the regular use of retinol, alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) products, or bleaching creams

WHAT TO AVOID

• Strenuous exercise on the day of the procedure and until your skin has stopped peeling
• Direct sunlight for at least 1 week—use sunscreen with at least SPF 30
• The following products/procedures until your skin has completely stopped peeling:
  • Facials, injections, facial hair removal, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments (including laser hair removal)

EASY POST-PEEL CARE FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS

Ask your skincare professional how to complement your SkinMedica® peel with an at-home skincare regimen. Use a comprehensive treatment plan in between peels to maintain optimal results.

Pre-Care:

• Follow a gentle skincare routine leading up to the peel. Avoid using harsh exfoliants, retinoids, or other potentially irritating products for at least 3-7 days prior to the treatment.

• Sun protection: Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF daily, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure can increase the risk of post-peel complications such as hyperpigmentation.

• A chemical peel should not be performed on sunburned skin. If your skin is sunburned, your treatment will need to be rescheduled until your skin has fully recovered.

• If you have been using Accutane, it’s essential to stop its use at least 8 months prior to your chemical peel treatment.

• Hydration: Keep your skin well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the peel. Hydrated skin tends to heal more efficiently.

• Avoid tanning: Refrain from tanning beds or excessive sun exposure in the weeks leading up to the peel, as this can increase the risk of complications and affect the results.

To achieve the best results, a series of 3-6 treatments is recommended and spaced at least 4-6 weeks apart

Post-Care:

• Avoid sun exposure: Protect your skin from the sun by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and other complications. Limit outdoor activities and wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors. It’s critical to avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks after your treatment.

• Moisturize: Keep your skin well-hydrated by applying a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer regularly. Moisturizing helps soothe the skin, reduce dryness, and support the healing process.

• Avoid picking or peeling: Do not pick, peel, or scratch the treated area, as this can lead to scarring, infection, and uneven healing. Let the skin peel naturally and resist the temptation to expedite the process.

• Avoid vigorous exercise, saunas, and hot tubs for 24 hours post-treatment.

• Continue avoiding active skincare products, such as retinol or acids (glycolic/salicylic), for 3-5 days following your treatment.