Your Guide to Chemical Peels
Do you have keratinized skin? Are your fine lines and/or wrinkles aging you? Do you have hormonal or cystic acne? Breakouts? Is your skin hyperpigmented from old acne scars or melasma? Does the texture of your skin or pore size bother you? If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, a chemical peel could be the perfect treatment for you!
At Smoothe, we take a progressive rather than aggressive approach to skincare and we are excited to tell you about chemical peels and the packages that we offer.
If you were missing the girls August 17-20, the Smoothe team was at an in-depth, hands-on skincare training in Arizona that was hosted by Skin Script – one of our favorite product lines. Lindsey and Erin took two all-day classes and learned from the director of education and public relations at Skin Script, Dave Waggoner. The first day was an extensive product knowledge course while the second day was a deep dive into chemical peels that included lots of hands-on training. Lindsey and Erin cannot wait to introduce you to the wonderful world of chemical peels from Skin Script.
Not All Peels are Created the Same
We use a professional-grade peel line, not a medical-grade peel line. The big difference in these two types of peels is that professional-grade lines are not as strong, therefore your face will generally not peel off all at once, in a sheet. In fact, you may not see physical flaking at all with our peels. As we mentioned before, we take a progressive not an aggressive approach to skincare. We will never perform a big bang treatment on a first-time client. It is too risky for your skin. We take our time analyzing your skin, discussing your skincare issues, expectations, and homecare protocol. For our clients, we recommend doing a six-part peel series in conjunction with our homecare kit. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect at our appointments, the benefits of a chemical peel, and more.
The Benefits of a Chemical Peel
The point of the chemical peel is to bring out impurities and create skin cell turnover exposing beautiful skin. If you have fine lines or wrinkles, it promotes collagen and elastin production, softening fine lines and wrinkles.
If you have breakouts, acne, or hyperpigmentation issues, a chemical peel can lessen the appearance and clear up unwanted textured skin. If you have acne impactions or are an acneic client – it will soften the keratinocytes/stratum corneum, closed comedones, papules, and pustules, and it will sloth off dead skin to bring impurities to the surface and clear out bacteria.
If you are looking for anti-aging treatments and want to work on texture and fine lines, a peel is perfect because it dissolves desmosenes – these are the cells that bind your skin together like glue.
With a peel, your products will penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective.
With a chemical peel, your skin will purge for four to six weeks. All client cell cycles are not the same. A younger client’s skin might show results quicker because of their increased cellular turnover time. As we age, cell turnover naturally decreases. There are specific products as you age that can be used to help promote faster turnover. When used properly, in conjunction with homecare and peels, mature clients may see more timely results.
When NOT to Get a Chemical Peel
- When you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time. Fall and winter are great times for a chemical peel because you are spending less time in the sun.
- If you are on Accutane.
- If you are using Retin-A.
- If you are on certain antibiotics.
- If you are pregnant.
- If you are lactating.
- If you are undergoing any surgeries.
- If you are prone to cold sores.
What to Expect During Your Chemical Peel Six-Part Series
**In the pictures above, Lindsey’s skin is purging being she is in her first four to six weeks of the peel series. Her skin is bringing out the impurities. We will update you with her result photos in October.
First Appointment: At your first appointment, you and your esthetician from Smoothe will decide on a treatment plan that is right for you. We will discuss your issues and expectations. You will receive a Smoothe “Clinical” Facial that is required before we start our chemical peel treatment series. This facial includes a double cleanse, enzyme, skin scrubber, tone, and hydrate/protect. You will also be given your homecare kit at this time.
You must be on homecare for one week prior to your peel. The rest of your appointments will be scheduled at this time and will occur once every seven to 10 days unless noted otherwise by your esthetician. Your first appointment will be about an hour-long but the following appointments will only last about 30 minutes. Minimal to no downtime.
Second Appointment: In-office treatment starting with the peel of estheticians choice. Minimal to no downtime.
Third Appointment:– In-office treatment with the peel of estheticians choice. Minimal to no downtime.
Fourth Appointment: In-office treatment with the peel of estheticians choice. Minimal to no downtime.
After your fourth appointment, we will allow your skin to rest for two weeks. You will continue your home care as directed during this time.
Fifth Appointment: In-office treatment with the peel of estheticians choice. Minimal to no downtime.
Sixth Appointment: In-office treatment with the peel of estheticians choice. Minimal to no downtime.
**Canceled or missed appointments that are stretched longer than two to three weeks can affect your desired results. If you are peeling excessively, your esthetician may change the timeline of your peels to ensure the skin is healed properly in between appointments.
Why Do You Need Homecare?
Before you start our chemical peel series, your skin needs to be hydrated and healthy. During a peel series, is it not about what is coming off (peeling, flaking) it is about the hydration going into the skin.
You need to prep the skin with our suggested homecare ATLEAST one week prior to your first chemical peel. Your skin will perform better when it is prepped appropriately. You also lower the risk of hyperpigmentation and side effects.
Maintenance After Your Chemical Peel
After a peel series, your skin will need to rest. You can continue to get regular facials in your homecare during the rest period. Your skin may react to the treatments for a short time. Do not apply makeup for 24 hours. Follow all of the homecare directions that are given to you at the first appointment. The only products you should apply are the ones your esthetician provides. Here is more information on what to avoid after your appointment. As always, make sure you apply SPF every day!
You can repeat our professional six-part peel series every six months, however, you can get a single peel during the six month rest period.
What Can Occur
Do not be alarmed if you have any of the following side effects. Talk to your esthetician and they will let you know the best course of action.
- Blanching – Sometimes after a chemical peel, you will see tiny blisters or vesicles. This is called blanching and it means that the peel has penetrated deeply into the specific area that you are seeing the blanching. It usually occurs in areas that are susceptible to breakouts in the past or areas of the skin that have had trauma in the past. You may continue to be extra dry, flaky, or even scabby in these areas.
- Frosting – Frosting looks like white cake frosting on the skin. You will normally see this around breakouts and the perioral (nose and mouth area). Frosting will not wipe off. Do not try to wipe it off as this will only aggravate the skin. This will generally go away within an hour of your treatment. You may continue to be extra flaky in this area. Do not peel or pick at your skin.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
We are excited to offer chemical peels for our clients at Smoothe. Call 919-561-0565 to schedule your Smoothe Peel Series appointment.
Appointments cannot be made online for chemical peels. You must pay in full at your first appointment. All series appointments will be scheduled at the first appointment. No refunds are available. Homecare kit is non-negotiable and must be purchased at first appointment.