A chemical peel is a professional resurfacing procedure that removes the top layer of the skin to reveal smooth skin, free of blemishes and other skin imperfections. Chemical peels are deep exfoliating procedures that help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, blemishes, uneven skin tones, scars, sun damage, and more. While the effects of a chemical peel can be transformative for the skin and require very little time or effort from the person receiving the treatment, you will want to know how to prepare for this cosmetic resurfacing. Having your skin prepped and ready and knowing what is required of you before the treatment will optimize your results for firmer, smoother skin.
1. Don’t Exfoliate
Since a chemical peel is essentially a deep exfoliation, you shouldn’t exfoliate your skin for about a week leading up to your chemical peel. Other than avoiding products specifically for exfoliation, check your other skin care products to see if they have exfoliating effects and avoid those leading up to the chemical peel. You should also avoid exfoliants after the chemical peel. There will be natural peeling 3 to 5 days after the treatment that is similar to a peeling sunburn and trying to remove this or exfoliate it may irritate the skin.
2. Stay Hydrated
Keeping your skin hydrated right before your chemical peel will help yield the best results. You can do this both internally and externally by using gentle moisturizers and avoiding products that dry out the skin as well as drinking plenty of water on the day of your appointment.
3. Avoid Other Cosmetic Procedures
Wherever on your body you are getting your chemical peel, make sure you have a week where that area does not undergo, or is near to, cosmetic treatments that may impact the skin. Stop using any cosmetic treatments such as electrolysis or depilatories for hair removal as well as hair dying treatments, permanent wave or hair-straightening treatments, facial masks, or tanning. You should also avoid shaving for 24 hours before your chemical peel.
4. Give Yourself Time
Some recovery time will be needed after your chemical peel as the dead skin cells peel off. If you have any big events coming up, either plan to get your chemical peel well in advance or wait until after the event.
5. Discuss With A Skin Care Specialist
The most important thing you can do when preparing for a chemical peel is to consult with a professional. There is more than one type of chemical peel and determining which one is right for you and your skin needs will require the advice of a trained professional skin care expert. Each person has different skin care needs so your chemical peel should be customized to your skin type, the results you’re looking for, your skin sensitivity, and more. When you go for a consultation for your chemical peel, your skin care specialist will ask about your medical history, including any prescriptions you are on or any cosmetic procedures you have had in the past, so prepare a list with all of that information if you need. Your skin care specialist will also conduct a physical exam where they inspect your skin in the area you want treated and they will make recommendations about the type of chemical peel to get based on this information and a discussion about what results you expect. You should ask how long treatment may take, how long you may need to heal, and what results you can expect.
Chemical peels are a quick, non-invasive way to even out skin tone, reduce blemishes, and refresh the skin. While this cosmetic treatment is commonly used on the face, it can also be used on other parts of the body, such as the chest and back. To decide if a chemical peel is the solution to your skin imperfections and to create a customized skin care plan, discuss with one of the skin care specialists at Glo-Skin and Med-Spa in Edmonton. Our staff is always excited to educate our clients about their skin and to create customized solutions for each person. To book a complimentary consultation for your chemical peel in Edmonton, contact Glo-Skin and Medspa at 1-780-481-9772 or fill in the online contact form.
Q: How many chemical peel treatments will I need?
A: Although you are able to get just one treatment and you will see some improvement from the initial session, multiple treatments will create the best results. 3 treatments are recommended, with 4 to 6 weeks in between each treatment to give the skin time to heal.
Q: Are chemical peels painful?
A: No, the procedure isn’t painful. However, you may experience some tingling and discomfort for a few minutes when the solution is first applied. These sensations will dissipate by the time you leave the clinic. We do our best throughout the treatment to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible, which may involve fanning you!
Q: Do I have to go to a med-spa or can I do a chemical peel at home?
A: While there are at-home chemical peel kits available, they are less intensive and will give the skin a pleasant glow but will not reduce scarring, uneven skin tones, or other, deeper skin irregularities. If you do attempt an at-home chemical peel, you also risk using a kit that is not appropriate for your skin type, which can cause mild burns or irritation. The safest and most effective way to get a chemical peel is by booking with one of Glo-Skin’s trusted skin care specialists.
