What exactly are chemical peels?
Why are chemical peels so popular? Chemical peels are different types of solutions with various chemical agents. They clear out dead skin cells from your skin and also exfoliate all the weathered layers of damaged skin cells. This leaves the skin looking dewy and fresh! When applied correctly, by the instructions of a dermatologist, skin peels can help better your skin in many ways
What do such chemical peels do to your skin?
Many beauty influencers and “Instagram girlies” reveal that chemical peels are their secret weapon to achieve glowy, dewy skin. Now, let’s dive deeper into learning about what a chemical peel can do to your skin!
1. It brightens and lifts up pigmented areas of the skin
Chemical peels are made using strong components of exfoliates and acids that affect the discoloration of the skin. It helps in reducing dark spots. It helps the skin get back it’s natural tone after its usage.
2. It improves the complexion of the skin
Chemical peels destroy and pull all the flaky, dry and damaged skin cells and helps with the skin texture. After all the debris is out, it leaves the skin anew.
3. It helps prevent acne and clarifies the skin
Chemical peels usually are conformed of exfoliating acids like BHA and AHA that are the best acting agent for acne-prone skin. These acids penetrate deeper into the skin and work to unclog pores leaving the skin fresh, out of all the dirt.
4. It softens and smoothens rough skin.
Our skin has a dry layer on top that is formed by dead skin cells. By using Chemical peels, the skin is refreshed and helps any moisturizer seep in better and advances its effects on it.
So, do you want to attain your healthier looking skin too? Let’s get you knowing about all the different types of chemical peels, their benefits and how we can incorporate them into the routine! We all know, healthy skin takes a good amount of care and chemical peels are said to be effective in the long run. It gives us a brighter complexion!
Different types of Chemical Peels
1. Light Peels
This type of chemical peel focuses on the outermost layer of the skin, also called the Stratum Corneum. Light peels incorporate only mild acids in their solution. Thus, such peels are ideal for sensitive skin and beginner users of chemical peels. They’re also an amazing way to refresh the skin, light peels take just a short span for its usage, making it time-friendly for all you busy-bees!
2. Medium Peels
Medium peels, just like its name, focus their work on the middle layer of the skin. They are a lot more effective on the skin for removing dead and damaged skin cells in comparison to light peels. These peels have a usually lower pH to help it seep deep into the skin, thus, they are kept from the recommendation for first-time peel users. After usage, one may expect peeling for around 3 days to almost a week, so it’s highly advisable to not remain from exposure of the sun.
3. Deep Peels
Deep peels are the most intense, as they penetrate through the deepest layer of our skin. They focus on treating serious skin problems. These are used in processes that are only done by skin care experts or dermatologists and professionals. The effect of these peels lasts for more than 7 days, they’re the most effective ones!
Here’s How Can We Pick the Right Chemical Peel for Our Skin!
There are so many options in the market to pick your chemical peels from, but what is the most preferable for our skin type? This question can always be difficult as we do not know what’s best, however, certain peels are meant for certain skin types, tolerance levels and concerns. Let’s look at what’s best for you!
1.Glycolic Peel
These are medium peels. Their main target is to clear out hyperpigmentation. They also help with acne scars. They focus on the PIR for people who have some acid tolerance level. Many people also opt for this peel to treat sun damage on skin.
2. Lactic Peel
People who usually have dry skin type, or sensitive skin are advised to use this peel. It’s gentle and the best one out there for skin problems like hyperpigmentation and light acne scars.
3. Salicylic Peel
Salicylic peels are best to fight against clogged pores and acne. It is a medium peel. It seeps deep into the skin to fight away all the bacteria that causes acne. Dermatologists often recommend face washes with salicylic acid to people with acne thus, a peel also works wonders!
4. Mandelic Peel
If your skin has zero acid tolerance level then this chemical peel is the one for you! Mandelic peels work on fine lines and wrinkles. They are a few of the gentlest peels in the market.
5. TCA Peel
TCA chemical peels, acronym for Trichloroacetic peel is the most intense one. They help treat dark spots, discolouration, uneven skin tone and even freckles. After usage, one might live through discomfort as the treatment is extremely strong, thus only used by professionals. Aftercare for this peel is definitely suggested, and it’s the most crucial.
Here are Some After-care tips to Make Your Skin Happy
Regardless of whichever chemical peel treatment you’ve used, aftercare is a must! Here are a few tips to help your skin.
1. Repair your skin barrier
After exfoliation, the upper layer of the skin is removed, thus it is important to help build it back again and recover it. The skin’s healing process is enhanced when one uses fewer products rather than many. Try incorporating more skin-protecting products. Look for ingredients like ceramides, as they help in repairing the moisture of the skin, being the perfect choice for repair.
2. Make sunscreen your best friend
Our skin is the most sensitive after chemical treatments. Thus, it is more prone to sun damage. Using sunscreens with SPF of over 50-60 is the best choice for such skin. Apply sunscreen even if you’re staying at home or indoors at work. Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours if you’re in exposure to the sun. Try avoiding the sun as much as you can, however, you can also wear a cap when outdoors.
3. Keep from over-exfoliating
Since you’ve already had an intense exfoliating session, there’s no need to keep exfoliating often. Keep yourself from exfoliating and focus more on moisturizing and aftercare. Do not use harsh scrubs and acids on your skin. After chemical peels, your skin just needs protection, gentle cleansing, and pampering. And yes, sheet masks are your best friend!