Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Everything you wanted to know about Chemical Peels but were afraid to ask

 What Exactly is a Chemical Peel?
 A chemical Peel is a solution applied to the skin, this solution helps smooth the surface by removing damaged layers of skin.Chemical peels are also Great for treating scarring,acne, pigmentation problems and fine lines and wrinkles.


Will I end up looking like Samantha from Sex and the City?
Ha Ha. No.



As an Esthetician I only perform "light" Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels   which only effects the very top layer of the skin so there is no downtime, your in and out within the hour. With continued sessions medium depth is reached but that's as far as I can go.  For stronger peels(like Samantha's here) one must visit their dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

How much does this cost?
This really varies from anywhere from 50-200. At the spa I work at we charge on the lower end of the spectrum around 50.00 a session with a recommended 4-6 sessions.


Does this hurt?
Well its not the most comfortable feeling.. but its not that bad. Some clients don't feel anything at all while most feel a hot itching prickling sensation .



Will you see results after the first time?
 Yes you will! You will notice a tighter and more toned face with a beautiful glow. You also might notice tighter pores and reduction of some fine lines.  For specific problems such as acne, scarring, and  light wrinkles you will need several sessions to see results.


Whats the difference between this and Microdermabrasion?
 Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel work almost the same way. Micro uses medical grade crystals to slough off that first layer of dead skin cells in case doing everything a chemical peel can do except for treating acne. Please make sure your Esthetician has been properly trained in Microdermabrasion because an unproperly trained technician CAN remove live skin cells from the surface causing scrapes and scabbing on the skin. With chemical peels, the acids ONLY remove dead skin cells, so you wont have to worry about this.  It is really a matter of personal preference on which procedure you choose. My choice personally though is the Chemical Peel because I can choose the proper strength and proper acid for dealing with certain skin conditions.


What kind of peel is best for me?

LACTIC
Lactic is Great for dry skin,damaged, and aging skin. I  ALWAYS recommend this peel this peel for 50 + due to the moisturizing effects, it actually draws moisture to the surface! Lactic Acid also helps stimulate and speed up skin cell turnover on the surface layer of your skin. In the deeper layers of skin, new collagen and elastin will be stimulated and your skin will love for it, as this will result in thicker and  firmer skin!
Fact:Lactic Acid is derived from Sour Milk.
 Great for : Acne,Acne Scars, Dry Skin, Fine lines and wrinkles, Age Spots, Hyperpigmentation ,Eczema, Large   
Pores and Elasticity

Glycolic

Glycolic is probably my most  favorite and used peel. Glycolic is great on all skin types and for all sorts of problems EXCEPT for sensitive skin. Reason- Glycolic acid's molecular structure is VERY tiny.. therefore this penetrates your skin hard and fast! (thats what she said) OK all joking aside, by doing this, glycolic acid boasts the fastest collagen stimulation of any AHA. Which can just be too much for Sensitve skin types but great for Everyone eles!

 Fact:  Glycolic derived from Sugar Cane
Great for: Acne, Acne Scars, Blackheads/Whiteheads, Sun-damaged Skin,  Pigmentation Problems, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Elasticity Problems, Large Pores, Bumps, Age Spots



Salicylic

Salicylic is known for treating Acne and unlike our Lactic and Glycolic Acids it  is our only Beta Hydroxy acid. Basically meaning this acid is more soluble in oil as opposed to water as the Lactic and Glycolic .This allows it to penetrate into clogged pores and unplug oil and dirt. Making it an AWESOME peel for extremely oily and Acne prone skin.
Fact: Salicylic is from the bark of the Willow tree

What happens after a chemical peel?

Your skin might show some signs of redness or have a flushed appearance after receiving a chemical peel. Your Esthetician will apply a moisturizer with spf to your skin. STAY OUT OF THE SUN for the next few days as your skin will be extra sensitive to its rays. If you have to go out make sure you wear sunblock with atleast an spf of 15. (You should be doing this ALL the time anyways!!!!!) Immediately after a chemical peel you should also stay away from strenuous activities that will cause you to get hot or sweat because you can reactivate the chemicals that remained deep in your pores. If this happens lay down with a cool compress.

Who should Avoid Chemical Peels?

Pregnant Women
Anyone with Herpes
History of Sun allergies
Accutane and Retin-A users
Undergoing Radiation Treatments
 Anyone with a Sunburn
 


Ok Ladies and Gents. If I left anything out or you would like to know more feel free to ask questions or leave your comments below! Or better yet make an appointment with me today so we can discuss any problems you have been having with your skin and find a solution that's right for you! 

Happy Peeling :)

xoxoxo
k

No comments: