Here’s what you need to know up front about chemical peels.
story highlights
- Chemical peels remove dry, dull skin cells and reveal smoother, more radiant skin underneath.
- Professional chemical peels are more concentrated than at-home peels, which are convenient for daily or weekly skin health maintenance.
The prospect of stripping away years of skin damage in a non-invasive, virtually painless way is universally appealing. That’s why chemical peels are so popular for treating signs of skin aging but before considering a chemical peel, what is it? Discover in this blog if a chemical peel is right for you.
Peels remove all that dry, dull debris and reveal the softer, smoother skin underneath.
“Peels remove all that dry, dull debris and reveal the softer, smoother skin underneath,” says Charmaine Cooper, Education Manager for Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute. “In as few as three treatments, peels can reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines, smooth skin texture and even reduce the appearance of breakouts.”
But what about chemical peel recovery time? With today’s innovative technology, we’re happy to report that the latest chemical peel results in little to no downtime at all! They’re also far more powerful today. Chemical peel recovery time can depend on the depth of the peel, ranging from a few days for a light treatment to a couple of weeks for a deeper chemical peel treatment.
at-home chemical peels vs. professional peels
Both at-home chemical peels and professional peels use exfoliants like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (e.g., Lactic Acid), Beta Hydroxy Acids (e.g., Salicylic Acid), and enzymes from natural ingredients like Rice, Papaya, Pineapple, and Pumpkin, to reduce the appearance of premature aging, such as age spots, as well as rough skin texture and acne. Hydroxy acids work by dissolving the intercellular “glue” that holds skin cells together, allowing them to shed more easily, while enzymes unlink skin cells and digest proteins that help connect them.
At-home chemical peels generally are self-applied and use such exfoliants in lower concentrations. They are ideal for treating minor signs of dullness, aging or acne as well as maintaining bright, smooth skin daily, weekly or between professional treatments. After the chemical peel treatment, skin can feel refreshed and sometimes tingly afterward, but there should be no visible flaking, peeling or downtime.
Professional chemical peels are applied by skin therapists, estheticians or medical practitioners who use highly-concentrated exfoliants. Chemical peels can be performed as outpatient procedures, but they tend to result in noticeable skin flaking, peeling or downtime, depending on the strength of the peel. To minimise downtime, and deliver the best results, a series of peels are usually performed over a six- to 12-week period, followed by maintenance twice a year.
chemical peel vs microdermabrasion
When comparing chemical peels vs microdermabrasion, peels penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective for pigmentation and scarring. Microdermabrasion is a facial cosmetic treatment that is non-invasive and uses a device to gently exfoliate and buff away the top layer of dead skin cells. Revealing a smoother skin texture and fresher-looking skin. Among the top chemical peel benefits are smoother skin texture, reduced fine lines, improved tone, and a radiant, youthful glow.
do you need a chemical peel?
If you’re struggling with dark spots or uneven skin tone, talk to your professional skin therapist about chemical peels. They will be able to guide you toward the best type of peel for your skin and lifestyle and help you get the results you want. A chemical peel for pigmentation can help lighten hyperpigmentation and restore the balance of the skin. Many clients choose chemical peels for acne scarring, as the treatment can help reduce the appearance of dark and stubborn spots over time.
at-home peel from dermalogica
Try the NEW! Rapid Reveal Peel is a professional-grade at-home peel that helps reveal brighter, healthier skin in just minutes a week. While professional treatments are more powerful, here’s an easy at-home solution for brighter skin. The Rapid Reveal Peel is clinically proven to enhance skin radiance while reducing fine lines. Formulated with a unique complex of phytoactive AHA extracts, Lactic Acid, and fermented plant enzymes to help unveil new and firmer skin. This effective combination removes the dull skin surface debris without causing dehydration.
what to expect from your skin peel
Chemical peel results can vary from person to person, but most people notice brighter, clearer, and more even-looking skin after a few sessions. It’s important to have a better understanding of your skin's barrier, as this affects how it responds to a chemical peel before and after treatment. Read our blog on the dos and don’ts for post-peel care for a more in-depth guide to chemical peel aftercare. These tips can dramatically enhance your results after the treatment.