Column: Skincare Tips from a Local Esthetician
Viva Luna Studios on Unsplash
By Kaylee Evett
Chemical Peels: Types & Benefits:
Have you ever wanted to start over with a fresh canvas of skin without damaging it? Well, it’s possible with the help of chemical peels. What exactly is a chemical peel? It is a quick and effective treatment which removes the top layers of the skin to improve the overall appearance and texture. A chemical peel is performed with a chemical solution chosen specifically for your skin type by a licensed professional. When it comes to chemical peels, the opportunities are endless for your skin. Since the winter months are approaching, it is the perfect time to receive a peel and I wanted to share some of the benefits.
When it comes to deciding on which chemical peel is best for you and your skin, you should see a skincare professional to receive a skin analysis and determine whether you are a good candidate to receive a peel and which peel you would benefit the most from. There are three main types of peels to choose from. AHA and BHA peels are classified as light peels, TCA peels are considered medium-depth, and Phenol peels are going to be the deepest peel that you can get without damaging your skin. Lighter-depth peels are used mainly for improving texture and tone, helping to tighten, and providing slight hydration to the skin. Medium-depth peels are also used to treat the appearance of the skin, but go slightly deeper to help treat acne and acne scarring, and also help to target fine lines and wrinkles. The deepest peels are Phenol peels and these are typically used on light complexions (Fitzpatrick skin types I and II) only, because these specific peels can cause hypopigmentation on darker complexions. Phenol peels are used to lighten the skin for clients with UV damage and severe acne scarring, which is why you should avoid receiving one of these if you are darker than a Fitzpatrick type II. Most professionals will start you out on a lighter-depth peel for them to see how your skin reacts to it and to determine how many sessions you may need to achieve your skin goals.
Chemical peels have several benefits and can be used on not only the face but the entire body too. When it comes to acne and acne scarring, chemical peels help to kill off bacteria and reduce inflammation, while creating new collagen fibers that repair and restore any lesions that have been created. This ultimately helps to reduce or get rid of any scarring of the skin. If you suffer from unwanted acne on the face, chest, and or back, then this might be the right treatment for you. For aging and sun-damaged skin, chemical peels can be super beneficial because they help to trigger the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, leaving you with stronger and more youthful-looking skin. Another plus to getting a chemical peel is that there is not much downtime afterward. Depending on which peel you receive, you can normally go back to your normal daily routine as early as 5-7 days and have fresh and glowing skin once you fully heal.
If you’re interested in finding out if you’re a good candidate to receive a chemical peel, reach out to a local licensed professional and discuss what your skin concerns and goals are with them. Like any other medical treatment, not everyone is going to be a potential candidate, but with the help of a professional, you can find the right treatment plan for you and your skin regardless of if you can receive the chemical peel or not.
Kaylee Evett (Kaylee.aboutfaceaesthetics@gmail.com) is a licensed esthetician at About Face Aesthetics & Wellness, a spa in Union, SC.
