Chemical Peel Exfoliation FAQs

Chemical Peel Exfoliation

Is a Chemical Peel Exfoliation right for everyone?

Chemical Peel Exfoliations are found to be effective on a wide range of skin colors and types. Fair skinned clients are generally considered the ideal candidates for this treatment option, however darker skin types have also found good results. All areas of the body can get treated with peels with the most common areas being the face, neck, chest and hands. Chemical peels are often used to treat melasma, a skin condition characterized by irregularly shaped patches of brown skin commonly found on the face and neck from hormone issues, which are very common with women directly following pregnancy.

How is a Chemical Peel Exfoliation performed?

After a consultation and skin analysis by our esthetician you will begin your treatment by having your skin thoroughly cleansed to remove excess oils for better penetration results. Once the skin is properly cleansed, a solution is then carefully applied and is allowed to remain on the skin for a short amount of time in order to remove the layers of damaged skin. Under careful supervision, your skin will turn white, a frost-like effect. During the procedure, most clients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation that lasts a few minutes, followed by a tingling sensation. A fan is available to cool your skin and cool compresses may be applied to help alleviate the tingling feeling. Your skin may feel tight and sensitive, which is normal. Your skin will then be neutralized and cleansed. Finally, a specially formulated serum is applied to the skin to aid in healing as well as, a SPF immediately after your procedure. Light chemical peels have the benefit of not causing you any down time and irritation. They can achieve the same results as a stronger peel, but will have to be applied in series. Depending on the condition to be treated and skin type, weekly applications are recommended. A series of four to six peels will achieve a significant skin improvement.

What do I need to do before a Chemical Peel Exfoliation?

Before having a Chemical Peel Exfoliation your esthetician may ask you to discontinue the use of certain products. These products include: Retin-A, Renova, hydroquinone creams, alpha hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide. You should also avoid waxing or depilatories, cosmetic injections, laser treatments of all kinds and electrolysis for one week prior to your peel. It is also important to avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds while receiving treatments. gloTherapeutic Skin Care Products will enhance and extend the life of each treatment. For best results, begin using the appropriate skin care products recommended by your esthetician two weeks PRIOR to your first treatment. This will properly prepare your skin for more effective treatments and allow proper penetration of each advanced product.

What will happen after the Chemical Peel Exfoliation is completed?

The type of reaction you experience after a Chemical Peel Exfoliation will depend largely on the type of peel you receive. Your skin may look and feel dry, tight and have residual redness lasting one to 24 hours. Some clients may experience mild to moderate sloughing to promote new and healthy skin cell growth, as this is a normal process of a chemical exfoliation peel. The amount of sloughing varies, depending on the chemical exfoliation treatment, home care products used and skin conditions. When skin feels dry or tight, apply the appropriate moisturizer to increase hydration of the skin. It is recommended that you do not apply makeup after the treatment to allow your skin to rest overnight. However, makeup can be applied if necessary. Continuing the use of glotherapeutics skin care products throughout your treatments, will promote healthy cell growth and replenish the nutrients needed in your skin.

Are there any risks associated with Chemical Peel Exfoliations?

The risks involved are low, but do include the development of temporary or permanent color change in certain skin types. There is also a low risk of scarring for individuals who are more prone to scar. For clients with a history of herpes outbreaks, there is a slight risk of the reactivation of cold sores. It is important to inform your esthetician of your chemical peel history, including a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth) prior to having a Chemical Peel Exfoliation. Your esthetician can better inform you of the risks and treatments available as well as, your expected outcome.