Peels 101

WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS BEST TO GET A CHEMICAL PEEL?

October to May.

WHAT IS A PEEL?

A peel is a solution that is a combination of acids that deeply exfoliate the skin. What we are trying to do in using peel is what I call a controlled wound. We are trying to gently wound your skin so that in turn it heals more-so to it's original state. Meaning less fine lines and wrinkles, lightened discolorations and acne scars and better texture and tone. All while boosting collagen and elastin production for a more youthful and firm appearance. Of course, your skin will be GLOWING too! Depending on the type of peel and desired results they can often be repeated every 2-6 weeks. Many of my clients get two peels a year. One in the fall, and one in the winter, but many are also trying a series which is 3 peels in a row, all 2 weeks apart.

Maybe you have heard of peels, but you're scared. "A friend has had one and she looked like a tomato, was peeling like crazy and in hiding for weeks." I'm here to tell you that is NOT what we offer and you don't need to be scared! Read on for the full process.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF GETTING A PEEL?

A chemical peel on average is a 2 week process.

Day 1: You come in for your peel. During your visit I will apply "layers" for your peel. How many layers are applied depends on your comfort level throughout the process as well as how I see your skin responding to the peel. (More doesn't always mean better!) This is a little bit of a intense process. With each layer you will feel a little more of a warm/hot or moderate burning sensation. I ask you multiple questions throughout the process to keep you comfortable, and in total the peel is only on your skin for a few of minutes! You leave your appointment with instructions on how to treat your skin during this healing time, lots of SPF protection and we will have you touch base in a few days.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY PEEL?

Days 1-3: Your skin feels tight or dry. During this time and throughout your peel process I will instruct you on how to take care of your skin at home. It will be a little bit different during this time and will depend on how your skin responds to the treatment.

Days 3-4: You will often begin flaking or having light peeling starting around the mouth and nose where you have the most facial movement. When this process begins and how much you flake or peel varies greatly on the amount of damage the skin has, how many layers were applied for the peel and how your skin heals. Some people do not even have flaking or peeling, yet get a great result! Most clients do not find the amount of flaking or peeling to be so intense that it modifies their life to accommodate for the downtime. Of course I do not recommend getting a peel before a big event or any trip that you will be in the sun!

Days 3-10: Your skin will continue to flake and move out across the face as the skin cells shed. It is important to not peel off any loose skin as this can result in exposing skin cells that are not ready to be exposed and make them vulnerable to discolorations. You may trim with scissors though. During this time I recommend hydrating your skin really well. I will get to those steps in a second!

Day 10: By day 10 or earlier most people have completed the majority of their flaking and peeling. Now it is time to come in for your follow up! Anywhere between 10 and 14 days I recommend the follow up treatment. This is a 30 minute facial treatment to remove and residual flaking, hydrate and also take our after pictures and talk about your results and goals for the future!

By days 10-14 you should notice brighter, clearer more even and glowing skin! You may also notice some increased firmness and reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

HOW MUCH DOES THIS TREATMENT COST?

For the full process of the peel, follow up mini facial and a take home product the total is $265.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I WILL BENEFIT FROM A PEEL?

If you are over the age of 30 I really think that a chemical peel can benefit anyone. If you're younger and have scarring or texture that you want to correct, a peel can also be beneficial. 80% of sun damage is accrued by the time you're 18. By early to mid-20's you're no longer growing and your skin begins to age. Even if there is not visible damage to your skin, there is often damage that will show up later in your life that can be reduced by getting chemical peels now. If you do have visible damage to your skin at any age a chemical peel is a great option for you. Fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, acne scars, uneven skin tone or texture or dullness can all benefit from this process.

If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to answer them! Also know that this is the most intense and quickest way to see results. Through great home care, facials and other lighter peel options that I have you can also achieve great results in time! If a peel doesn't work with your lifestyle, as us about our lighter options.

BENEFITS OF A PEEL:

ACHIEVE SMOOTHER, HEALTHIER AND YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN. IMPROVE THE TEXTURE OF YOUR SKIN INCREASE THE CELL TURNOVER RATE OF YOUR SKIN REDUCE FINE LINES IMPROVE SCARRING, DISCOLORATIONS AND SKIN TONE BOOST COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN PRODUCTION IMPROVE YOUR SKIN'S ABILITY TO HOLD MOISTURE UNCLOG PORES AND HELP CLEAR UP ACNE TIGHTEN PORES GIVE YOUR SKIN A GLOW