Peel APPEAL
What beauty are you hiding under there?
The term “chemical peel” may strike fear into the hearts of some ( Samantha from
SexandtheCity’s red, raw result, anyone?), but modern versions are quick and pain-free, and generally have minimal downtime. Bryony Nixon from The Face Place talks us through the ins and outs of today’s chemical peel.
What are peels and how do they work?
They are treatments that increase cell turnover by breaking down the bonds between the cells. Peels rid the skin of dull build-up, increasing the absorption of any home care and follow-up treatments.
Are there different types of peels?
Facial peeling is an art and science all of its own. There is a wide range of peels that penetrate to different depths, and all have separate effects in terms of discomfort, downtime and results. For example, a lactic peel is a mild one that helps to gently exfoliate, hydrate and brighten the skin, while a vitamin A peel feeds the skin. There are also deep TCA and Phenol peels, which induce dramatic trauma to the skin and can take weeks to recover from – but we don’t offer those at The Face Place.
What kinds of skin concerns can we address with a peel?
The lighter nutritional peels that have minimal downtime, if any, can be used to improve cell turnover and increase hydration, which is essential for cell function. These reveal a brighter, more even skin tone underneath. Vitamin A peels can be helpful with pigmentation, acne and the softening of fine lines.
Is there always downtime involved?
It depends on the depth of the peel and how you respond to each one. Many of the lighter peels have no to minimal downtime, while medium peels may give you flaking or shedding skin for a week.
How do you look after your post-peel skin?
Peels can temporarily dehydrate the skin, so an occlusive barrier is needed to prevent moisture loss. We recommend avoiding active ingredients at home until the skin has returned to normal, which usually takes three to five days. It’s important to use a high SPF as your “healthier skin” is a lot closer to the surface and more easily damaged post-peel. Due to the mild inflammation caused by the peel, a client should always avoid excessive heat within the first 48 hours.