By Renata Block, MMS, PA-C
Are you ready to improve the appearance and texture of your skin? Well, now is the season to get glowing. Welcoming the Fall season is not only perfect with a pumpkin spice latte but a series of chemical peels. It is officially Chemical Peel Season, so get ready to glow and give your skin the boost it needs to so!
Think of chemical peels as putting your current skin routine into overdrive, an amazing boost to help tone and texture, as well as working on skin pigmentation and signs of photoaging. Go from dull to GLOW in just a series of few.
There are various chemical peels and strengths of each out on the market. First, I recommend you always see a professional and never attempt these peels at home. Sorry Amazon, love you, but not this time! There is a difference between Aesthetician grade and Medical grade peels, and it may always be wise to start at a lower concentration and work your way up to a medical-grade version. There are certain rules and regulations regarding preparing your skin for any peel, so make sure you get the instructions before you go in.
Chemical peels accelerate skin turnover, which can result in “skin purging.” The skin is constantly making oils, harboring bacteria (aka Cutibacterium acnes) and dead skin cells. These accumulate and get released with an agent that promotes cellular turnover, such as chemical peels. Typically, you will see flares in areas that you are prone to get acne. Don’t fret and allow the body to “clean house” and purge the closets. Scheduling your peel with a Board Certified Dermatologist such as Advanced Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine can give you the RX tools to help minimize and control those flares.
Here are some in-office chemical peels available out there. Remember, there are OTC variations of these, but never in the concentrated strength you will get from your aesthetician or healthcare provider.
Superficial Depth Chemical Peels
Mandelic Acid AHA – Gently exfoliates & brightens – Most mild AHA. Lactic Acid AHA: Gently exfoliates & brightens -More aggressive than Mandelic, but not as powerful as glycolic. Middle strength AHA.
Glycolic Acid AHA – Exfoliates & brightens, great for Acne-prone skin – Most aggressive AHA.
Beta Hydroxy Acid BHA: Anti-inflammatory that exfoliates and unclogs the pores.
Medium Depth – Medical Grade
Jessner – A mixture of TCA, Glycolic Acid, and other AHAs. Great for Acne, scarring, pigmentation. TCA – Great for Scarring and pigmentation – Not ideal for everyone.
What better way to fix all the damage done throughout the summer months and clean out the “pore” closets than with a chemical peel. In general, peels can increase your sensitivity to products and UV radiation, so make sure you are using the appropriate products and wearing SPF. Getting the correct guidance for aftercare is important to protect your chemical peel investment. Schedule your appointment today, and get glowing!
Diva Tip: Chemical peels are great for your skin texture, clogged pores, discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles. They give your skin the ultimate glowing boost it needs.
Renata Block is the creator of Savvy Derm Diva and is a Dermatology Physician Assistant practicing at Advanced Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine, LLC in Chicago. Derm Detective is a monthly column exploring ingredients, procedures, and diagnosis of all things skin. Follow her on IG, Twitter, and FB @savvydermdiva
