Chemical peels are a great way to refresh and rejuvenate the skin. However, with so many different peels available on the market and everyone from salons to board certified dermatologists offering peels, picking the right peel for your individual needs can be difficult. Before choosing a chemical peel it’s important to understand how its formulation and strength will affect your skin.
WHICH PEEL IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Chemical peels are the go-to treatment to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Whether you’ve just decided to make your skin a priority, having noticed the changes from years of photo-damage (UV radiation exposure) or have always kept to a good regimen, chemical peels are a safe, proven and effective means of visibly improving many skin concerns without resorting to more extreme (and much costlier) alternatives. Even cosmetic surgeons agree that face lifts and other invasive techniques can’t improve the appearance of skin that is not being maintained daily with professional skin care products and regular peels.
Choosing the right peel for your individual needs can be difficult without consulting an expert. Before choosing a chemical peel it’s important to understand how its formulation and strength will affect your skin.
CHEMICAL PEELS 101
Chemical peels are topically applied formulations that revitalize the skin surface by creating an even and controlled resurfacing of the epidermal layer. This allows new layers to be exposed, creating a fresh appearance and smoother texture to the skin surface.
A chemical peel can improve sun damage, acne scarring, blotchy pigmentation, fine lines and early pre-cancerous skin lesions. A peel can also improve acne-prone skin and clogged pores.
The level of skin cell removal and depth of penetration is dependent on the type of peel used, its level of strength and the duration of the treatment.
Chemical peels are often categorized as superficial, medium and deep depending on their percentage of active ingredients and PH level.
GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL
Improving the texture of the skin through pore refinement, this peel enhances the light-reflecting quality of the skin and reduces blemishes while softening fine lines.
Superficial peels are the most gentle type of chemical peel. These peels are usually made from alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids, known as AHAs and BHAs but can also include glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid. These peels can be accelerated to produce more visible results when infused with enzymes (Jan Marini Green Papaya Enzyme) or 1% Retinol.
Our Jan Marini 40% Glycolic Peel is an alpha hydrodxy acid (AHA) based treatment formulated to exfoliate the skin, refine pores, and reduce the visible signs of photodamage by accelerating the cell renewal process. This peel uses unbuffered and un-neutralized acids at a low pH level making it ideal for dry, combination, or sensitive skin types.
I recommend this type of peel for individuals with typical signs of aging, sun damage and acne scaring. A one-time peel is excellent to acclimate the skin to AHA activity, or to enhance a facial since the actives used in serums, masks and during massage will penetrate more deeply and give longer term benefits. This peel is recommended for most any skin type, except for extremely delicate, sensitive or reactive skin. A consultation can help determine if this is the peel for you.
Many people notice significant improvements in their skin after undergoing multiple peels over several weeks. For this reason, I recommend a series of peels spread over several weeks for more noticeable results, and to boost the skin’s collagen layer for general rejuvenation.
Glycolic Peels are absolutely painless with most clients reporting little more than a slight itching or tingling. The benefit for many of a glycolic series is the “zero-downtime” effect, avoiding peeling or redness so common to intense clinical peels administered in doctors’ offices. This is why glycolic peels have been referred to as the “lunch-time” peel, allowing my clients to resume their daily activities. We naturally apply sunscreen and recommend adequate protection for 24-48 hours post-peel.
REFINE PEELS
If you have had a Glycolic Peel or a series of Glycolic Peels, your skin will be acclimated to this more intense version of BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) peel, accelerating the results for even more visible improvement , specifically resurfacing moderate wrinkles, lines and sun damage and stimulating hyper pigmentation release when paired with our Jan Marini lightening product, Luminate Lotion.
Skin will be significantly smoother with even tone and softened lines. The Jan Marini Refine Peel produces a more dramatic result compared to a Glycolic Acid Peel.
Most clients who choose a Refine or Clarify Peel report feeling slight to moderate discomfort, usually in the form of temporary (3-4 minutes) of “heat”. Refine peels also produce more peeling of the skin to achieve the results after treatment. Clients should expect 3 to 5 days of visible peeling that can be minimized with the application of daily Papaya Enzyme (Skinzyme Mask).Generally, full recovery takes about one week from treatment.
Refine Peels are recommended in a series of 3, every 3-4 weeks. Home care following the peel in the form of Retinol and Regeneration Booster work synergistically with the peel’s activity to significantly improve the appearance of the skin.
CLARIFY ACNE PEEL
The CLARIFY Acne Peel uses patented high concentrations of stabilized, self-neutralizing beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) to reduce acne while also improving blotchiness, texture issues, and uneven skin tone.This peel is ideal for combination, oily, or acneic skin with moderate post-inflammatory pigmentation.
As with the REFINE PEEL, above, discomfort is minimal, peeling can last for several days, and with consistent Retinol application, skin becomes clear.
We offer customized skincare consultations
At A French Touch Salon, you can be assured that we partner with you to design home care protocols that really fit your lifestyle, budget, and skin concerns. Our products are clinically formulated and proven to do more than just hydrate or moisturize. With over 20 years of experience and training with leading skincare lines and treatment options, I look forward to meeting with you individually to assess your needs, recommend options and schedule your treatments for the most beautiful skin you deserve~
