3 Chemical Peel Benefits for Even Skin
Do you ever get dry, dull, or uneven skin? We’ve all been there.
These conditions are often the result of life – we spend time outside, have busy days, and forget to hydrate properly. Sometimes, even hormones can leave our skin looking less than radiant. If you relate, you may want to consider a chemical peel.
“Chemical peels can be a solution for smoother, flawless-looking skin.”
-
Shani
Chemical peels are deeply ingrained in at-home dermatology, and for a good reason! These peels are a great way to liven up your skin and restore its natural glow – but that’s not all. Read on for some more age-defying benefits of chemical peels.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a method of deep exfoliation most commonly used to reduce dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Chemical peels target these conditions by removing the very top layer of skin called the epidermis. Because these conditions most often affect just that top layer of skin, removing it can result in clearer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
Chemical peels get their name from the way that the top layer of skin quite literally peels off once it’s treated. Don’t worry, though. Dermatologists have practiced chemical peels for over 50 years, so they are quite safe.
There are three types of chemical peels:
- Superficial / Light peel
- Medium peel
- Deep peel
Superficial peels are the most common since they are lighter, less intense and require less stringent aftercare. With a light chemical peel, you will apply an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and/or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to your skin to start the reaction.
Common AHAs used in superficial chemical peels are lactic acid (derived from fermented milk), glycolic acid (derived from sugarcane), and citric acid (derived from citrus fruits). This type of peel is so gentle that it can be purchased at your favorite beauty store.
Medium and deep peels are less common and can only be performed by licensed professionals. Medium and deep peels remove more layers of skin and tackle deep wrinkles and tougher blemishes, but they require extensive aftercare and are much harsher on the skin.
For this article, we will be mainly addressing at-home superficial peels. If you are considering amedium or deep chemical peel, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with your dermatologist to see if you are a good candidate.
3 Benefits of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can make a world of difference on your skin. While the higher intensity peels are designed to target specific skin concerns, superficial peels are perfect even for blemish-free skin.
Why? Because superficial peels not only target blemishes, they also restore skin to be youthful and radiant. Here are some other benefits of a chemical peel:
1. Smoother Skin
Have you ever had rough, dry skin? This can happen even on sensitive facial skin. That dry skin can be caused by many factors, including over-exfoliating, under-moisturizing, or even just exposing your skin to irritants. A chemical peel is perfect for removing that dryness and restoring your skin to proper hydration.
Chemical peels can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As they remove dry skin buildup, the chemical solutions can also remove the layers of skin that contain fine lines and mild wrinkles, improving skin texture. This makes chemical peels an integral complement to any anti-aging skincare routine.
Once a chemical peel removes those top layers of skin, the younger skin underneath has a chance to shine. After your peel, your skin will likely feel smoother and cleaner and look brighter.
2. Target Your Blemishes
When you think about blemish treatments, chances are you think of cleansers and serums. While these products are important to treat breakouts and spots, you may want to consider adding a gentle chemical peel to maximize results and minimize discoloration and acne scars.
Chemical peels are known to assist in blemish treatment and can even help fade mild scars. These peels are most well-known for targeting blemishes caused by oil buildup, but they can also target other types of blemishes.
Other blemishes that chemical peels can help treat are freckles, age spots, and other spots of hyperpigmentation caused by environmental or hormonal factors. If you have a facial blemish that you’d like removed, chances are a chemical peel or two can help!
3. Even Out Your Tone
Chemical peels work like a charm to help correct uneven skin tones. Maybe your skin has a naturally uneven tone, or maybe you have an uneven tone due to sun damage in the past. A chemical peel may be just what you need!
By gently removing the top layer, a chemical peel revitalizes your skin and removes any superficial damage that may cause your skin tone to be uneven. It also removes the layer of dead skin that causes a dull, lackluster look. Not only will your skin be even, but it’ll have a natural glow.
If you’re looking for a gentle peel that will give you all of these results and more, we recommend Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Peel Pads. These pads are especially perfect for anyone just starting to use chemical peels. Dr. Gross’s formula is vegan and cruelty-free and is designed for weekly use.
How Can I Get the Most Out of My Peel?
Are you ready to get a chemical peel? Here are a few tips to help you maximize your results:
1. Stay Hydrated
When a chemical peel exposes your new layer of fresh skin, that skin is going to need a little extra care as it adjusts to your environment. One of the best things you can do for new skin following a peel is to keep it hydrated. This means drink your recommended amount of water and also invest in a penetrating moisturizer to fully hydrate your skin.
To help you best prepare for your chemical peel, we recommend investing in iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion. This is a concentrated moisturizer that targets redness and dryness. You may experience some slight redness as your skin adjusts to the chemicals in your peel – this emulsion is the best way to help your skin adjust.
2. Protect Your Skin
Your new skin will not only need intense hydration, but it will also be extra sensitive to sunlight. To best protect your skin, you’ll need to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. You’ll also want to use a double-duty moisturizer that keeps skin hydrated and protects your skin from the environment.
Supergoop!’s Play Everyday Sunscreen Lotion is a great option to protect and hydrate your skin.
This sunscreen has a hydrating formula that will support your moisturizer and has an SPF of 50. This sunscreen is lightweight, moisturizing, and protects your skin from a broad spectrum of damaging UV rays.
3. Repeat At-Home Treatments as Needed
If you are using an at home chemical peel, you may not see dramatic results the first time. While you will notice clearer and brighter skin, you will need to repeat your peel once or twice a week to achieve maximum results. Professional chemical peels can have immediate brightening benefits, but cannot be used as often.
Make sure that you don’t overuse your peel. Stick to once or twice a week for at-home peels. You’ll also want to make sure you avoid using retinol or any other AHA or BHA-based products on the same night that you do a chemical peel.
Performing a chemical peel on the same night you use another chemical product may lead to inflammation and irritation, and may harm your skin. It’s okay to use many different types of products – just make sure you keep it simple on nights that you choose chemical peels.
To Sum it All Up
Chemical peels involve a chemical reaction that exfoliates the top layer of your skin. This exfoliation can help reduce blemishes, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and even out your skin tone. Even if you don’t notice any of these conditions in your own skin, a light chemical peel can help your skin feel rejuvenated and vibrant.
You’ll want to slightly adjust your skincare routine after a chemical peel since your new skin will take time to adjust. You can best support your skin after a peel by incorporating a deeply hydrating moisturizer, putting on SPF 30 sunscreen every morning, and not mixing products on the same night of your peel.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of chemical peels, remember to start gently and work your way up. Your skin is a gift, and we’re here to help you make the most of it!
Sources:
Chemical Peels: Overview | American Academy of Dermatology
Chemical or Micro Peels | University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics