What is a chemical peel and why should you get one?
The brightening results after just one peel at Open House Skin!
What is a chemical peel and why should I do one?
For those wanting a fast skin transformation or just needing a quick fix to dull, dehydrated skin, chemical peels come in all shapes and sizes to suit your skin needs. In recent years, at home peels and peel-pads have become household names but what is a professional chemical peel and how do they work?
Chemical peels are a type of advanced skin treatment that use chemical solutions such as Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids, Enzymes or Vitamin A to remove the top layers of dead skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy skin. They are performed by trained beauty therapists, dermal clinicians or dermatologists depending on the intensity and depth of the peel.
Although a deeper peel may technically bring the biggest results, at Open House Skin we strongly follow the treatment philosophy of “Progressive not Aggressive”, which is why we always start with a light enzyme or gentle acid peel that gives minimal redness and peeling. This allows us to see how the skin will react to a peel, that ingredient and gives you an opportunity to get used to the aftercare before we work up to the peels that pack a punch.
But why should I even get a peel in the first place? Well, some benefits of chemical peels include:
Improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Chemical peels can help to remove the top layers of dead skin cells, revealing smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Peels including Glycolic Acid or Retinol can help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to improve the structure and firmness of the skin.
Improving skin texture and tone: Chemical peels can help to even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Peels including Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid and other brightening ingredients will help to remove already pigmented skin cells and inhibit the production of new melanin.
Reducing acne and acne scarring: Chemical peels can unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne and acne scarring. Peels including Salicylic Acid can quickly cut through oily, congested skin and reduce inflammation caused by breakouts.
Brightening the skin: Chemical peels can help to brighten the skin, giving it a more radiant and refreshed appearance. Gentle lactic or enzyme peels will help to hydrate and smooth the skin, improving its luminosity.
Why should I get a professional chemical peel instead of using an at-home peel?
Put simply, there are strict rules and regulations restricting how strong at home products can be to ensure the safety of consumers. Skin therapists go through specialized training to use chemical peels to make sure they know who is suitable for a peel and which peel to use, how to prevent complications and what to do in the event something goes wrong.
Without this training and in depth knowledge of the product and its formulation, it’s dangerous to use peels purchased online on third-party retailers such as Amazon or Ebay as you have a high risk of doing damage to your skin, leaving it worse off.
Retail ‘at-home peels’ from brands such as The Ordinary also have restrictions on how much of certain ingredients they can legally include in their products. This is why the viral 30% peel from The Ordinary is not able to be sold in Australia, as well as the risks it poses for sensitizing the skin to harsh Australian sun exposure.
Other ingredients have restrictions on the percentage of exfoliating ingredients they can include, for example, the highest amount of Salicylic Acid that is able to be used in a retail product is 2%, whereas some professional peels can reach up to 20% - hence the importance of it only being used by trained professionals.
Overall, at home peels can be used under the direction of a skin therapist to maintain results delivered by professional peels, but they are not a substitute for clinical treatments.
Excited to try your first professional peel? Book in a consultation or Housewarming Facial to get started on your skin journey at Open House Skin or click here to read more on what you should know before and after a professional chemical peel!
