What's The Deal with Peels

What's the deal with chemical peels?

A chemical peel involves applying a chemical solution (acid) to skin of the face to remove and exfoliate the outer layers of skin so that a clearer, more evenly pigmented, glowing layer of skin can appear. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. It is also instrumental in the stimulation of fibroblasts and creating new collagen. The new skin also is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so daily use of sunscreen is a must. Depending on the type of peel, they are often repeated every 1-6 weeks to achieve the desired results.

They are beneficial for:

  • Acne
  • Acne scars and post-breakout marks
  • Sun damage
  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Large pores
  • Freckles
  • Age spots
  • Skin in need of smoothing
  • Anti-aging

What are the different types of peels?

Light peels:

Often called “lunch-time peels”, Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s such as glycolic), betahydroxy acids (BHA’s such as lactic) in 10%-30% formulas, enzymes (using ingredients such as cranberry), and Vitamin C peels provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can’t spare the time to recover from deeper peels. The skin may turn pink, and usually only minimal peeling and flaking occurs. You can use makeup to hide any redness until it fades. These peels do not require down-time from life/work, since they are on the milder side and offer milder side effects. You can have light peels performed as often as every two weeks. They are also commonly used in conjunction with a facial.

Medium peels:

Often called “weekend peels”, TCA (trichloroacetic acid), 30%-70% glycolic peels and Vitamin A peels provide a deeper and more aggressive peeling. The skin can turn reddish brown in 2 to 3 days, become crusty, and then flake and peel over the next 7 days. There may be some swelling, especially around the eye area. Some people will take a few days off from life/work to let the skin heal.

Deep peels:

Phenol peels are the strongest of the chemical solutions and can cause a second-degree burn of the skin giving the skin long-lasting and a dramatic result in the reduction of facial wrinkles and acne scarring. Phenol peels are increasingly becoming an outdated procedure due to lengthy down-time and unpredictable results associated with uneven and loss of pigment changes. Recovery may be slow and complete healing of the skin may take 1-2 months.

Can chemical peels replace a face lift?

No. Although peels can create a firming effect, sagging of the skin (loss of elasticity) does require a surgical procedure to get a true “lift”.

*Note:

Chronic irritation can cause your skin to age faster.

There have been a lot of studies indicating that inflammation, caused from sunburns, too many chemical peels, strong detergent based products and “glycolic overload” all break down the skins lipid barrier leaving it exposed and vulnerable to irritation and the production of free radicals. If the skin is irritated all of the time, it is an indication of free radical damage which can change the DNA of the cells and age your skin even faster. Chemical peels are high in demand now, but you don’t want to be exfoliating and peeling all the time. Exfoliation is important to stimulate fibroblasts and create new collagen, as well as stimulate cellular turnover to fool your skin into behaving young.

The goal with your skin is to exfoliate as much as possible, with minimal irritation.

The skin likes little boosts of exfoliation but not all the time.

At Renée Rouleau, we believe in gentle peels performed more often, rather than one strong peel. It’s similar to weight loss. Small changes in your eating habits and exercise every day can lead to long term success, rather than one “crash” diet that can stress your system.

Here are two chemical peel programs offered at the Renée Rouleau Skin Care Spas.

Skin Repair Program (Ideal for anti-aging)

This innovative approach to skin repair uses advanced peels and anti-aging treatments, performed once a week for six weeks, to give immediate results in texture, clarity, smoothness and skin health, without being harsh and irritating.

Weeks 1, 3, 5: Multi-Acid Peel and ultrasonic provide effective exfoliation to break down damaged skin cells.

Weeks 2, 4, 6: Skin Repair using customized ingredients delivered deep into the skin to build up new and healthy cells.

Acne Repair Program (Ideal for teenagers or adult acne)

This innovative approach to acne repair uses the most advanced peels and skin purifying treatments available. Just once a week for six weeks will deliver clearer, smoother and more even-toned skin with a reduction of breakouts.

Weeks 1, 3, 5: Salicylic Peel and ultrasonic provide effective exfoliation to disinfect and heal stubborn breakouts.

Weeks 2, 4, 6: Acne Repair with a focus on deep pore cleansing, exfoliation, skin repair and smoothing.

Which products are right for your skin? Check out our nine skin types.

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Information courtesy of www.reneerouleau.com, a website with useful skin tips and advice from Renée Rouleau, a trusted skin care expert and esthetician in Dallas, Texas. Her exclusive skin care line is based on nine skin types, rather than only dry, normal and oily, and has a loyal following of celebrities.