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Writer's pictureJill Stetson

Is a chemical peel right for you?


Woman with a chemical peel

Having radiant young-looking skin isn’t a modern obsession. It’s a legacy handed down by the ancients, who used chemical peels to rejuvenate the skin. Egyptian royalty, in fact, applied sour milk - which has lactic acid - to brighten sallow complexions


During the Crusades, old wine with tartaric acid became popular among royalty. Then, sugar cane-serviced acids gained favor in the late 1800s among people in Polynesia and the Caribbean. These agents contained alpha hydroxy acids; the active ingredients responsible for skin exfoliation.


Moving into the modern world there are many types of peels - lactic acid, salicylic acid, TCA, blended peels and more. Peels can work at various levels in your skin - very superficial, medium depth or deep peels. Selecting a provider with experience and training with peels in critical. Deep peels should only be provided by a physician.


What peels do?


Chemical peels can provide mild to drastic results, while managing a variety of skin concerns and are often more effective than other clinical treatments. Usually chemical peels are a series of treatments based on how they work in the skin for the best results. Whether you want to improve a condition or maintain healthy skin, peels will improve the quality, texture and color of your skin while stimulating new cell and collagen production Chemical peels effectively:


  • Improve texture, scarring and pore size

  • Reduce fine lines & wrinkles

  • Reduce age spots (discoloration or brown spots) melisma and redness from break outs

  • Strengthen skin, keeping it active and youthful

  • Improve most grades of acne

  • Improve rosacea and sensitive skin

  • Firm and hydrate skin

  • Keeps skin in good shape giving you a youthful appearance


The major drawback of a chemical peel is the peeling or really flaking that occurs as the skin goes through the healing process. Everyone is different relative to the amount of flaking they may experience in the week following the peel application. This is based on the products used beforehand and the condition of the skin. Either way the peel is still effective, but you have to plan for the worse case, which means you may peel a lot.


When to get a peel


The best time of the year for a peel or series is from October to June. During this time there is not as much outdoor activity therefore reduced sun exposure


Peel Alternative


For people concerned about how their skin is aging, but do not want to flake or peel there is an alternative called the SWICH, a treatment from Circadia. Your skin cells are gently and safely revitalized for fresher, younger looking skin restoring your optimal appearance with no peeling.

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