Reclaim Your Beautiful Skin

Chemical peels do not address deep facial lines and they cannot tighten loose, sagging skin. But they are excellent for these skin conditions:

• Sun damage
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Texture issues
• Pigmentation problems
• Age spots
• Acne and acne scars
• Freckles
• Scaly patches

All chemical peels work by creating a reaction within the superficial layers of your skin. To get the best results with the fewest side effects, we want your skin to be in its best condition at the time of treatment. To achieve this, you should avoid the following before your chemical peel appointment:

• Excessive sun exposure (apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily).
• Products containing alpha or beta-hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol.
• Hair removal using laser light, electrolysis, waxing, or depilatory cream.
• Topical medications like Retin-A.
• Other professional treatments like laser resurfacing or hair removal, injectables, and microneedling.

The first step in a facial is cleansing. The aesthetician will typically use a gentle cleanser that is appropriate for the client’s skin type. This helps to prepare the skin for the next steps in the facial.

After cleansing, the next step is exfoliation. Exfoliation helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin, leaving it looking fresh and radiant.

Once the skin has been exfoliated, it is ready for nourishment. The esthetician will choose a product that is appropriate for the client’s specific skincare needs, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. 

It’s important that you follow the aftercare instructions provided to you. These may be specific to the type or strength of peel that you’ve had. In a more general sense, there are ways in which you can take care of your skin to support better overall tissue recovery. After your chemical peel, you should avoid the following:

• Picking at your skin. Depending on the strength of your peel, you might experience dryness, flaking, or full peeling. It’s important to allow cellular turnover to occur on its own.
• Exfoliating. Rubbing your skin with abrasive ingredients or items can exacerbate redness and other side effects. There’s even a risk of scarring if you exfoliate too soon after a chemical peel.
• Sun exposure. You should wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen after any peel, even a light treatment. If your peel is deeper, also wear a wide-brimmed hat for a week or two.
• Letting your skin get too dry. There are a few ways to support optimal moisture. One is to wash your face using a gentle, creamy cleanser. Another is to wash your face with lukewarm water. Also, apply a recommended moisturizer after every wash and after patting the skin with a towel.
• Applying too much moisturizer. You want your skin to be well moisturized and protected but not so much so that the intended flaking and peeling don’t happen.
• Tolerating discomfort when you don’t have to! Some chemical peel treatments can cause the skin to feel hot, like it’s sunburned. You might feel stinging, as well. You don’t have to suffer from these side effects. To maintain comfort, apply cool compresses as needed.
• Dehydration. Your skin needs a lot of hydration while recovering from chemical peel treatment. In addition to moisturizing topically, keep your skin in regenerative mode by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Another way to avoid dehydration is to avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Limit yourself to one nightcap or one glass of wine a day.

Most people can benefit from chemical peel treatments. These services can be preventive or corrective in nature. The few contraindications that exist include:

• • Women who are pregnant or nursing.
  • People who have taken Accutane (Isotretinoin) in the previous 12 months.
  • People with an aspirin allergy.
  • Patients who have recently undergone radiation or chemotherapy.
  • Patients who are immunocompromised or have an autoimmune condition such as lupus.
  • People with active cold sores or a skin infection in the intended treatment area.
  • Patients with vitiligo.

Chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of damaged, old skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less wrinkled. Additionally, chemical peels can stimulate collagen production, a protein essential for forming smoother skin. It is important to note that chemical peels alone may not give you your desired results and will not miraculously make your wrinkles disappear. Chemical peels are often paired with other cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers or Botox injections to improve the appearance of wrinkles.

Yes, chemical peels help with acne breakouts. Chemical peels can greatly reduce acne breakouts by using a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin, unclog the pores, eliminate acne-causing bacteria, and treat acne. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and light trichloroacetic acid peels are very effective chemical peel options for treating acne. It is best to have a series of these light peels to help exfoliate the skin and treat your acne breakouts.

Face Reality Acne Bootcamp will be your best treatment, while also combining non-comedogenic products that will support you on your acne skin journey.