If you avoided chemical peels all summer, the wait is over! Unless you are heading to the sun-drenched desert for the winter months, now is a great time to refresh and repair sun damaged skin with a series of chemical peels. Winter can be a great time for chemical peels. This time of year UV levels are lower and people are more inclined to stay indoors for several days after the peel to minimize their exposure to UV light.
Many people become apprehensive when they hear “chemical peel”, because they have seen pictures of peels gone wrong. However, chemical peels have come a long way from the days of red, raw, peeling skin. The goal now isn’t so much to cause visible peeling as it is to infuse the skin with ingredients that diminish lines, build collagen, and improve tone. They are low risk and highly customizable, which makes them suitable for all skin types.
Here are some great reasons to consider a chemical peel or chemical peel series:
- Improves the texture of your skin, making it more smooth
- Makes your skin more dewy and luminous
- Increases the cell turnover rate of your skin
- Helps your skin produce more collagen
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Decreases hyperpigmentation, improving skin tone
- Improves minor scarring
- Makes your skin care products work more effectively
I generally recommend a series of 3 to 6 peels at about 3 week intervals to achieve maximum results while preserving the integrity of the skin. And there are a few key recommendations to ensure the best results.
Having your skin in great shape before the peel will improve the outcome. At your initial consultation your skin therapist will evaluate your skin and make recommendations for your specific skin to get it peel-ready.
Aftercare is critical to restoring optimal skin health. Skin wounding is part of the peel process. In this case, the wounding is ‘controlled wounding’ with the goal of stimulating the healing responses that cause skin to produce more collagen and turn over new, more vibrant cells. And during that phase how you care for your skin at home is of utmost importance. For the first few days after your peel a specific protocol will be prescribed and you will go home with a post peel kit.
Another key to a successful outcome is to limit sun exposure. This is critical since your skin will be more predisposed to UV damage after a chemical peel. It is recommended that you wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every day anyway, but is absolutely essential after a chemical peel. Sunlight acts as a trigger for the biochemical reactions that lead to photo-aging and the formation of age spots and fine lines, so sunscreen is always your best defense against premature aging.
After a chemical peel the skin is more receptive than ever to anti-aging and hydrating ingredients because the buildup of dead cells isn’t interfering with absorption. A customized at home regimen will be prescribed by your skin therapist to help you maintain your beautiful results and keep your skin in optimal health.
To schedule a Consultation with Mary-Brooke call 360-378-4250 or email mb@mirabellaskincare.com