Ongoing advancements in dermatology and medical knowledge point towards a realization that many of us knew all along: Skincare isn’t just a cosmetic practice; it’s an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it’s smart to adapt your skincare routine to ensure it covers all the bases. Whether that’s by taking skincare vitamins and supplements or checking in with a dermatologist or aesthetician for some pro tips, you never want to fall into complacency—especially when it comes to something as critical as maintaining healthy skin.
Are chemical peels part of your skincare routine? If the answer is “no,” you certainly aren’t alone. That said, you should know that chemical peels are the most effective method for preserving skin appearance and health. But don’t rush ahead: Before you hop on Google and search “chemical peel near me,” you’ll want to learn more about them. Keep reading for all the important details.
What are Chemical Peels?
“Chemical peel” isn’t a term that conjures up pleasant images, especially when on the skin, but chemical peels are nothing to fear. Put simply; they’re a cosmetic treatment intended to improve the skin’s appearance, texture, and overall health. They work by applying a specially formulated chemical solution to the skin, which peels off the outer layer, allowing the smooth skin underneath to rise to the surface.
There are a few different types of chemical peels, and which one you use depends on your specific skin concerns and your desired results. These chemical peel categories vary in their skin penetration depth and the chemical solution's strength: Most commonly, skincare specialists will recommend superficial or light peels, medium peels, and deep peels.
Chemical Peel Benefits
So what do chemical peels do for you? We’ve mentioned that they remove the outer damaged layer of skin, promoting new skin cell growth. Chemical peels also exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells from the surface, which helps to unclog pores, reduce acne breakouts, and improve skin texture. The exfoliation process also targets the excess melanin responsible for hyperpigmentation, eliminating dark patches and leading to a more even skin tone.
Acne sufferers rejoice: Chemical peel for acne scars is one of the most effective treatments. In addition to improving the appearance of acne scars, they also unclog pores, reduce oil production, and carry all the expected chemical peel benefits, like clearing up the skin and preserving a youthful, glowing complexion.
Putting it to the Test: Chemical Peel Before and After
The scientific method isn’t limited to laboratory experiments: If you still aren’t convinced that chemical peels are all they’re cracked up to be, why not test them? First of all, it’s best to determine your current skin concerns—e.g., acne scars, wrinkles, etc.—then consult with a dermatologist or esthetician to decide whether chemical peels are the optimal treatment for you.
Assuming you opt for chemical peel treatments, here’s a rough idea of what to expect: During the chemical peel procedure, the skincare specialist will apply the chemical mentioned above solution to your skin, which will likely cause some tingling. The outer skin layer may not peel off until a few days later—the exact timeline depends on the strength of the treatment.
Regardless, may need to undergo multiple chemical peels before you notice any impact.
After the treatment kicks in, your skin's texture becomes smoother and softer as the outer layer’s dead skin cells peel off, and the new layer stimulates collagen production. Chemical peels smooth over wrinkles and fill in fine lines, leading to a more youthful appearance. Acne scars, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation fade, and the skin tone evens.
So, have we convinced you? Are chemical peels a worthy addition to your skincare routine? If so, know that while you have many choices for skincare specialists, it’s best to choose someone trained at a respected esthetician school like the Cortiva Institute. And should you decide to get training yourself, just submit a request form to start the process.