So what is a peel anyway?

The modern era of chemical peels has so many options that we estheticians are like kids in a candy store. Just a decade ago the norm we had easy access to was glycolic, salicylic, lactic, maaaybe a mandelic, and TCA (every once in a while we got a fancy blend). Fast forward, we go to our back bars and pull out retinol boosters, brightening azelaic blended with mandelic, phytic, overnight hibiscus flower fruit peels, and more. The powers that be have even tossed in alpha arbutin, l-ascorbic acid, and glutathione. Change is good for both the pro and the client.

One of the best things about the explosion of light peel types is that there is a peel for literally everyone. If you’re super sensitive, we can cover that, got stubborn, impacted blackheads that won’t budge? We have a secret weapon for that one too. We can turn down the volume of a peel by buffering the acid with an enzyme, or boost it with a shot of retinol. We can even add a peel to your microdermabrasion session if your skin health permits.

IS THERE AN IDEAL TIME TO GET A PEEL?
Yes and no. It used to be that we only encouraged and provided chemical exfoliation in winter months, but between changing climates,  super busy client schedules, adherence to protocol, and type of peel, we have multiple options.

If you’re an avid mountain biker who leads Botanic Garden tours in a hot climate all summer, it’s a good idea to wait until the weather cools, and your schedule doesn’t keep you outdoors all day. On the other hand, if you’re an engineer who works in an air conditioned basement 10 hours a day, hates outdoor activities, and wouldn’t dream of deviating from exacting homecare, sure, let’s talk about a series of treatments. Customizable means more than the seasons here at Veritas Aesthetics. If a peel isn’t suitable for your lifestyle during a certain season, we can always pick a different exfoliation modality. 
 
CAN I PEEL MORE THAN MY FACE? 
Absolutely. After a thorough consult and analysis, to determine the viability of the skin in question, we can also apply our peel protocols to arms, legs, buttocks, your back, chest and shoulders. Almost all of your skin qualifies, but so does the daily use of a broad spectrum SPF.

HOW DO PEELS WORK? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
A peel is controlled skin damage that removes the uppermost accumulated cell layers of the stratum corneum. In a nutshell, an inflammatory response is triggered that ultimately brightens, evens tone, smooths texture, and builds new collagen. Skin might be slightly warm, flaky or actually peel depending on your skin condition.

One of our favorite benefits? Your skin just keeps getting better because your skin has received the signal to rejuvenate!

Why do some clients peel like a snake while others don’t experience more than a bit of dryness here and there? Differences in skin health. Individuals with a less hydrated, more impacted epidermis who have not had much done to their skin are likely to actually ‘peel’, because there is more work to accomplish.  An individual with less epidermal irregularity to work through will not visibly exhibit a response that strong, but their skin is still reaping the full benefit of rejuvenation. Keep in mind that physical breakdown is not an automatic indicator of efficacy. 
 
WILL JUST ONE PEEL TRANSFORM MY SKIN?

This depends entirely on your skin condition and goals. We find that a single light peel can go a long way to freshen dull or congested skin, a minimum of three peels truly begin to transform skin. 
 
DO PEELS CARRY CONTRAINDICATIONS?
Good question, and yes, actually there are quite a few. It’s a lengthy list but they’re not complicated. On the whole, they’re practical – no recent Retin-A or Accutane use, never in conjunction with a face wax, no broken skin or sunburn, etc. I’ll have you review and sign a consent form pre peel so that we’re certain you’re a great candidate.

I’M IN, LET’S GET STARTED
You’re going to love it. In all my years as an aesthetician, I haven’t had a single client who didn’t love their skin post peel and for days and weeks to come. Regular superficial chemical peels are an excellent method for keeping the stratum corneum healthy and functioning optimally.

Achieving optimal results from your chemical peel is largely dependent on your skin health. For several of our peels we require pre and post peel homecare to properly prep your skin for advanced exfoliation and care for it afterward.

POST PEEL TIPS: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, your skin needs moisture to turn over quickly and successfully. Your skin may feel temporarily warm. If needed, you can use cool compresses to increase your comfort.

The purpose of this information is for skin care-related advice only. It is not intended as, nor is it a substitute for medical advice. Information posted should not be construed as personal medical advice. Please schedule a consultation for your personalized, professional plan.