Thankfully long gone are the days when a facial was seen as a once in a blue moon treat or something we did for a special occasion like a wedding. And luckily, most people now recognise that a “fluffy facial”, as I like to call them, won’t change the skin. Don’t get me wrong, for self-care, de-stressing, and a pamper, “fluffy facials” have their place, but results-driven skin treatments are the way forward to make a real change to your skin.
It has always blown my mind that people will get their nails, lashes, and brows maintained regularly but have neglected the canvas… their skin! There has been a growing realisation that our skin, the largest organ in our body, also needs consistent commitment and attention. And as it is an organ, results are not immediate. You wouldn’t expect a heart issue to be resolved in one treatment, and our skin is the same – it’s a process! Achieving that healthy glow takes a holistic approach, proper skincare, and regularly scheduled clinic treatments. By holistic, I mean that quite often, skin issues can occur due to hormone issues, poor gut health, stress and lifestyle. So to achieve the results we want, we sometimes need to address some or all of these areas. Proper skin care is also an essential component. I have written another blog on this, so please take a read for a more in-depth explanation but essentially, over the counter skincare cannot penetrate the skin; therefore, it cannot change the skin. Getting the proper skincare routine in place, with medical-grade/cosmeceutical skincare, gives the best foundation for achieving your skin goals. However, skincare alone cannot reach the levels of the skin we sometimes need to reach or make all the changes we want to see. And that is where clinic treatments shine. Chemical peels are one of the most effective clinic treatments for our skin, and this is what I wanted to focus on here.
One complete skin cycle is the time it takes for new cells to be born at the deepest layer of the epidermis (the skin’s outer layer) and mature as they rise to the surface of the skin and then ultimately be shed off. On average, a skin cycle is 5-6 weeks. At the age of 19-21, the process can take 14-21 days compared to a middle-aged adult, which is estimated to be 28 days. As we grow older, this skin cycle slows to about 45-60 days in our 40’s and 50’s. It can further delay to about 60-90 days in our 50’s and 60’s. This can mean that our dead skin is hanging around for up to three months! This makes our skin appear dull, sallow and makes any fine lines and wrinkles appear deeper. Who wants that????!!!!! The solution? Regular chemical peels.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a treatment used to improve skin texture and tone. An acid is applied to the skin to lower the pH, which loosens the connections between dead skin cells. This process causes superficial layers of dead skin to peel off, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion. Used regularly, chemical peels help thicken the epidermis over time, leading to better hydration, reduced lines and wrinkles, and increased collagen production. They can reduce sun damage and pigmentation and help control acne and even rosacea.
Are chemical peels safe?
Some people still get scared about the thought of a chemical peel. I had had people relay the story in “Sex and the City” when Samantha had one, and her skin was shedding like a snake! Please be reassured that this does not happen. At Ultimate Bodyworks, I use AlumierMD chemical peels which follow the latest research on the effects of acids on the skin. It is now generally accepted that using strong acids which reach the deepest layers of the skin and result in shedding like Samantha causes more trauma than good to the skin. It is much more effective and skin-friendly to have regular peels with a light to medium depth on the skin. This avoids any harsh side effects or downtime. So, in short, yes, chemical peels are safe. Of course, this is as long as they are carried out by a trained and qualified skin professional who will select the right chemical peel for your skin concerns and that any pre and post-care advice is followed correctly.
What will happen after a peel?
When the chemical peel is applied, you may feel some tingling; this is the bonds between the dead skin cells breaking up. Your skin may also go a little pink or red, but this usually disappears within a few hours. Every skin is different, but it is unlikely there will be any visibly shedding from a Radiant Peel. This is a little more likely to happen with a Glow Peel, as this is a medium depth peel. However, any shedding from a Glow Peel is light and hardly noticeable. The Recovery Balm and Sheer Hydration SPF given to you in your post-procedure kit will help keep your skin moisturised, so any peeling will be minimal and last a couple of days. Then you are left with beautiful, hydrated, fresh, glowing skin!
