Now that we are transitioning into Fall, it’s time to consider repairing any damage your skin may have sustained during the Summer months and prepare your skin for cooler weather. A chemical peel is a great way to achieve both of these goals.

How a Chemical Peel Works–

All chemical peels work by removing the outer layers of skin. The depth of peeling is determined by the chemical agent used and the concentration, among other skin factors. This can range from very light, to create faster sloughing of the stratum corneum, on to deeper peeling, causing cell necrosis and inflammation in the epidermis, papillary, or reticular dermis.

Following a chemical peel, the deeper layers of the skin will respond by regenerating new skin and by increasing the production of collagen. The result is a look that’s smoother and more youthful.

What to Expect Following the Chemical Peel–

• Immediately After:
  • Outer layers of the skin have been removed. The skin is tender to touch, heat like sensations, tightness.
• 72 Hours Post Peel:
  • Re-epithelialization begins, and changes in the skin are noticeable. The peeling process has already begun. The skin may be darker around areas of pigmentation issues, dry, flaky or peeling.
• Post Peel:
  • Peeling could take 1-5 Days to begin. This is usually complete in 5-10 days; depending on the peel depth this may take longer. Home care is critical with deeper peeling.
  • Hydration and protection is KEY for proper healing.

Chemical Peel Effectiveness Depends on–

• Skin Health
  • Most important factor; a healthy barrier is just that – a barrier. It will prevent unwanted penetration into the living dermis. Compromised epidermal barriers (this includes dehydrated skin), enables a deeper penetration which can lead to inflammation and premature aging. Never perform a peel on someone with barrier deficiencies, such as someone with active psoriasis or eczema, as the inflammation can trigger a flare-up.
• Peeling Agents
  • Type and strength of each peeling agent used affects how deeply the agent will penetrate and the outcome. With AHAs and BHAs, the pH of the solution is more important than the concentration of an acid. For example, an acid with a solution of 30% at a pH of 5 is not nearly as “active” as an acid solution of 10% at a pH of 2. Simply, lower pH – more acidic – further penetration.
• Number of Layers
  • Some formulations allow chemical agents to be layered on the skin. This will increase the depth of peeling. If the product does have the ability to layer, it is important that you follow the recommended number of layers and time to avoid over-peeling and potentially damaging the skin.
• How the Peel is Applied
  • Tools and techniques can determine absorption depth and permeability. Gauze will absorb the peeling agent less and allow for more solution to be applied to the skin. A fan brush absorbs more solution between the bristles – even more than a cotton swab.
• Where the Peel is Applied
  • The skin has different levels of thickness all over the body. The eye area is very thin compared to the cheek or forehead area. The skin on the neck is even thinner than the facial area. Thicker skin will be more resilient to sensation or absorption. When a client begins to peel, it usually begins at the nose and around the mouth.
• How the Skin is Prepped
  • You will want to make sure the client’s skin is thoroughly double cleansed and degreased to ensure effective penetration of the peeling agent. Skipping this step or not thoroughly degreasing could lead to an uneven absorption of actives, therefore a less effective chemical peel.
• How the Skin is Primed
  • Many clients will need preliminary skin treatments or products prior to receiving a chemical peel. This is to ensure that the skin can tolerate the high activity of a peel and to minimize adverse effects such as hyperpigmentation. While not all clients will require preliminary skin treatments or a full priming regimen, some form of priming is ideal. This could be hydrating skin that is showing signs of dehydration. A client who has primed skin will recover faster without adverse reactions compared to a client who is dehydrated or doesn’t have a good home-care routine.

What to Look for During the Chemical Peel–

• Erythema
  • Redness due to capillary dilation. Most often concentrated from the nose outward. This is normal for peels.
• Precipitation
  • Occurs when high levels of Salicylic Acid are present. The acid is swooping in and out of the follicle, bringing oil back out with it. This is normal for peels containing Salicylic Acid and can be wiped away.
• Frosting
  • Frosting looks similar to precipitation but cannot be wiped away. Whitening of the skin caused by cell death. Stop peel or do not layer more in that area.

Ready to schedule your chemical peel? Book here at: Online Portal (envisiongo.com)

We invite you to discover our welcoming and fresh approach to self-care. Xhale Salon-Spa provides a truly Kentucky kind of experience, located in the heart of downtown Louisville. Our exclusive Bourbon Infused treatments were voted by CNN Travel as one of the top 10 treatments spiked with booze. Visit us at Home – Xhale Salon – Spa, Downtown Louisville, Kentucky.