Spring is in the air, and there is no time better than now to consider the benefits of a chemical peel as you head into summer. Peels reveal your freshest and brightest complexion, but if you’re new to chemical peels, you may wonder how something that sounds so harsh can actually be rejuvenating and beneficial to your skin. Don’t let the name fool you.
Why are Chemical Peels Popular?
Chemical peels are extremely popular among all ages groups and favored by expert NYC medical aestheticians as one of the most convenient and effective ways to revitalize your skin. Not only do these treatments help to turn back the clock on aging skin, but they can also reverse some of the natural processes that contribute to facial aging.
As we age, the process of desquamation slows down, meaning that our body is slower to shed dead skin cells and produce new ones. A peel is a successful way to speed up your natural cell turnover to uncover the fresh, healthy skin underneath the layers of dead surface skin cells.
Chemical peel benefits include:
- Promoting cellular turnover
- Helping to diminish fine lines and wrinkles
- Minimizing the appearance of age spots and other sun damage
- Evening out skin tone and texture
- Unclogging and reduce the appearance of pore size
- Stimulating blood flow to help improve the skin’s elasticity
- Offering better penetration of your skincare products
And when compared to other medspa skincare treatments, chemical peels are considered a more accessible option for those looking for an alternative solution to the more costly aesthetic facial treatments, such as: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Microneedling, Fraxel and Microchanneling.
Different Types of Chemical Peels
When we refer to “chemical peels,” we broadly refer to several different types of chemical exfoliants. There are a multitude of peel options available, with each acid having its own unique purpose. For example:
- Glycolic Acid uses the AHA family of acids and is one of the most common peels.
- Lactic Acid uses the AHA family of acids and is derived from milk. It is ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
- Salicylic Acid uses the BHA family of acids and can penetrate deep into the skin. It is excellent for acne-prone and oily skin.
- PCA peels are formulated using a mixture of ingredients to tighten the skin.
After consulting with a medical aesthetician about your skin type and aesthetic goals, the provider can then match the right peel to address your skincare concerns.
Dispelling the Myths Around Chemical Peels
Chemical Peel Discomfort
Many newcomers to chemical peels assume that they are painful, but in fact, that’s not the case. This misconception may stem from the 90s when chemical peels were much harsher, leaving red and raw skin that would require several days for recovery. Thankfully, things have changed over the years, namely the formulas of the chemical peels. Rather than using large amounts of a single acid, modern chemical peels now come in a variety of strengths and acidic formulations. For example, we offer over ten different formulations, ranging from superficial peels to medium and deep peels, allowing a medical aesthetician to customize a peel specifically to your skin type and concerns.
Post-Treatment Peeling
The other misconception, as the name would imply, is that you will have a dramatic peeling of your skin. While that may have been the case with peels of the 90s, the newest generation of peels are based on research that shows aggressive treatments (especially when repeated) creates irritation and inflammation, leading to additional aging. The new era of chemical peels’ side effects are minimal since the real “magic” of the peel is what it does for your skin on a cellular level. Depending on the type of peel you receive, you’ll most likely experience minimal flaking.
Chemical Peels for Sensitive Skin
Many presume that if you have sensitive skin that you can’t get a chemical peel. However, with a wide range of chemical peels now available, from superficial peels to medium and deep peels, even those who genuinely have sensitive skin can benefit from a peel that is correctly customized to their skin. Our recommendation is to always consult with a certified professional in your area as they can perform a skin analysis and customize an appropriate and effective treatment plan suited to your skin type.
Chemical Peels for Darker Skin Tones
When it comes to chemical peels and the available customizations, they can be very effective treatments when performed by a certified medical aesthetician who understands how to customize acids and their concentrations for various skin colors. So whether you are fair or dark skinned, you can see benefits from this treatment.
Learn More About Chemical Peel Benefits
If you’d like to learn more about the chemical peels we offer and find out if any of them can turn back the clock on your aging skin, give us a call or book an appointment. You can also request a complimentary consultation available both in-person and virtually.