Chemical Peels 101 with Kelly
Chemical peels are one of the best ways to refresh your skin when it’s feeling dull and rough. Depending on the kind of chemical peel you get, they can help fade dark marks, even out skin tone, improve fine lines, and treat sun damage.
Chemical peels are concentrated acidic solutions that exfoliate the outer layer of your skin, exposing the softer and smoother skin underneath. They are not necessary treatments, but they do give you results faster than, say, using a light alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) serum every night.
Some of the more common chemical peels include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and TCA peels (or trichloroacetic acid), ranging from 10% to 75% strength peels. Which percentage is right for you depends on what your doctor recommends, how your skin responds, what skin issues you are trying to treat, and whether you have gotten chemical peels before.
Depending on the type and strength of the peel you get, chemical peels can help improve light wrinkles, fade acne marks, reduce scarring and hyper-pigmentation, and improve overall skin tone. They can’t get rid of moles (try lasers for those) but they can help minimize the appearance of skin tags. Of course, all of this is dependent upon what kind of peel you get, the strength of the peel, how many times you get the peel done, how your skin reacts, and how you take care of your skin post-peel.
Chemical peels are generally used all over the face (except around the eyes) but you can also use them to spot treat other areas of your skin, such as your hands and neck. Keep in mind usually that more than one peel is necessary to get your desired results, so don’t expect a single peel to work any miracles. However, with proper and consistent use, chemical peels can keep your skin looking young and healthy
If you don’t peel, that doesn’t mean the peel wasn’t effective. This happens more with the lighter peels, but even when I don’t experience visible peeling, there is microscopic peeling happening. For instance, you might rub your forehead and notice some pilling of the skin roll off the surface, especially if you’re well moisturized. Don’t worry, it’s still working! Here at Luxe Day Spa Tampa we will determine which of these clinical treatments will best suit your needs and skincare concerns.
