Are you looking to achieve a brighter complexion, smooth wrinkles, or clear breakouts? You may benefit from a chemical peel. There are many types of chemical peels, from medium to deep chemical peels performed by a dermatologist to light chemical peels given by your esthetician. There are also superficial peel options you can perform from the comfort of your own home and still reap all the wonderful benefits of a chemical peel for healthy skin. Let’s dive in and see how you can achieve radiant results.
What Is a Chemical Peel
While the word “chemical” may sound a little scary…simply put, a chemical peel is the use of an alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acid solution to resurface the skin. By removing the top layer of damaged or dead skin, new healthy skin cells are able to surface, revealing a brighter, refreshed complexion. Chemical peels are used to address a variety of skin concerns, including uneven skin tone, rough skin texture, sun damage, melasma, acne scarring, and more.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
- Exfoliates
- Boosts cell turnover
- Encourages collagen production
- Fades hyperpigmentation
- Clears acne
- Smooths wrinkles
- Improves overall tone and texture
Let’s delve a little deeper into the main benefits of a chemical peel.
Exfoliation
Chemical peels work by exfoliating the skin. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells and buildup from the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. While this occurs naturally, chemical exfoliation breaks down the intercellular “glue,” allowing the buildup to slough off more quickly than it would naturally. This speeds up cellular turnover and reveals an instantly brighter complexion.
AHA VS. BHA
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Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – water-soluble acids coming from fruits, sugar cane, or milk that help dissolve dead skin cells and resurface the skin. Best for those with aging skin concerns. Common AHA chemical solutions: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) – oil-soluble acids that can get below the skin’s surface and provide antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. Best for those with oily-skin types or who are acne-prone. Common BHA chemical solutions: Salicylic Acid
Increased Cell Turnover
Our skin cells have a life cycle that lasts several weeks. As the top layer of skin cells die, they begin to shed and make way for new cells. This process is known as cellular turnover. While a typical adult cycle takes an average of 28 days, it dramatically slows down as we age. Once you reach 50, this process can take anywhere from 40 days up to 80+ days. One of the main benefits of a chemical peel is exfoliating to speed up the natural sloughing process and boost cellular turnover. Increased cellular turnover encourages collagen production, resulting in more plump, firm, and strengthened skin over time.
Chemical Peel Results
So, what are the final results you can enjoy after having a chemical peel? Due to the deeper exfoliation, you will enjoy an instantly brighter, smoother complexion. Because exfoliation, in turn, increases the rate of cell turnover and encourages collagen production, you will see a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, plumpness, and a more even skin tone. Pores are also cleared of buildup and bacteria, leading to reduced breakouts. Overall, properly exfoliated skin is able to better absorb all your fabulous skincare products, allowing them to work more effectively. The result—healthy, renewed, glowing skin!
AOS Favorite At-Home Peels
- iS Clinical Active Peel System – is a progressive peel system, combining AHAs and BHAs to refresh and hydrate skin, that leads to very little or no actual flaking with zero downtime. Consists of 15 treatments to be used over a 30-day period.
- Sorella Apothecary Cherry Pepper Peel – is a stimulating antioxidant-rich botanical peel solution that gently resurfaces the skin to instantly brighten and smooth texture.
- Sorella Apothecary Vitamin C & Ferulic Peel Pads – are a two-step system to exfoliate and even skin tone while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Sorella Apothecary Mandelic & Willow Bark Peel Pads – are a two-step system to gently exfoliate and clarify pores, reduce breakouts, balance oil, and minimize dark spots.
- HOP+ PLLA Pro MicroPeel – is a weekly peel treatment featuring AHAs and BHAs, along with poly-lactic acid for the ultimate plumping benefits with zero downtime.
When using any exfoliating product, it is extra important to reduce sun exposure and use your sunscreen daily to prevent further damage and skin discoloration.
