Say Goodbye To Acne Scars And Other Skin Issues With Chemical Peels

By marzia begum December 09, 2021

Moonskyn Blog

Say Goodbye To Acne Scars And Other Skin Issues With Chemical Peels

what chemical peels do and advice on how to get one.

Chemical peels are proven to be effective treatments in improving the overall look, feel and health of skin. While there are various levels of strength available to treat different skin conditions, chemical peels can help address a number of skin concerns including acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, dullness and more.

With a wide variety of peel options including very superficial to medium depth peeling each one helps you with your skin goals.

A chemical peel is an intentional injury to the skin that stimulates a wound healing response.

This wound healing response initiates:

Cellular turnover
Increased production of inner cellular hydration and growth factors
Increased cellular metabolism and increased energy within the cells

Increased fibroblast activity to increase collagen and elastin production

Why chemical peel?

Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
Strengthens the skin to keep it active and youthful
Improves skin texture and scarring
Helps treat all grades of acne
Reduces hyperpigmentation including sun damage, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) work from the inside out by detaching the lower layers of the stratum corneum first by dissolving the corneocyte cohesion. AHAs also provide nutrition to the skin.

As a result, the immediate results from an AHA peel will be different from a BHA acid peel. BHA peels including Salicylic Acid peels have more of an immediate peeling effect that can last for up to a week depending on the client’s skin. These acids are highly keratolytic and work by dissolving the stratum corneum layer by layer from the outside in.

Whereas, AHA peels will produce more subtle or some flaking. Another difference between the BHA and AHA acid peels is that BHA acids are dose dependent; the greater the number of layers, the deeper the peel. AHA peels are timed-dependent; the longer they remain on the skin, the greater their efficacy.

What to expect during a chemical peel

Tightness
Tingling
Possible tenderness and sensitivity
Itching, prickling or heat sensation
Slight swelling or flushing

Before getting a chemical peel the skin should be properly prepared by using a proper home care routine the aesthetician provides you. This increases the effectiveness of a peel and reduces the possibility of post peel complications including post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and promotes healthier healing times.

Key ingredients in a homecare routine:

Tyrosinase inhibitors
Vitamin c
Hyaluronic acid
Ceramides and peptides
Retinol
AHAs- Glycolic acid & lactic acid
SPF!

What to do after your chemical peel

Avoid sun exposure
Avoid working out or sweating for 48-72 hours
Avoid applying makeup for 48-72 hours
Avoid touching your skin or pinching/itching it (it will cause scarring)
Avoid active ingredients for the next 3-5 days
Avoid hot water on your face
Do not get a waxed or laser hair removal
Always make sure your skin is moisturized using hydrants and face oils
Its normal for skin to darken until the peeling has finished

Chemical peel depths

Very superficial:

Removes the outer layer of the stratum corneum. This peel has no downtime and can be performed just before an event. These peels are great for clients who are beginners or clients who have finished their peels and want to maintain their results.

Superficial peels

This is perfect for a client who has been prepared and is ready for more. This peel will provide tingling/ itching and some heat sensations. Depending on the client there may be slight flaking or just flushing and heat sensations.

Medium depth peels

Goes through all layers of the dermis. This is the greatest depth peel. Clients will flake/shed, deep desquamation of the skin, and some itching, burning sensations. Clients must use pre and post home care products for this peel. It is recommended for clients with acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging skin.

What are AHAs

AHA are natural acids found in food including sour milk, apples, sugar cane, tomatoes, and grapes. AHA works by shedding the top layer of the skin and increasing the skin's thickness and firmness, improving the skin's barriers, texture, and hydration. Other benefits include; reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma, pih, increase collagen, and controlling acne.

Glycolic acid

Derived from sugarcane. Glycolic acid thickens the stratum corneum- where excess dead skin cells build up and encourage cellular turnover. It has a smaller molecular size so it works by penetrating the skin quicker than lactic acid.

Lactic acid

Derived from sour milk and tomatoes. Lactic acid is a natural tyrosinase inhibitor and is naturally found in your body. Lactic acid naturally moisturizes your skin and retains water. Lactic acid works slower in the skin therefore, it is safer to use for sensitive skin. It benefits the skin by brightening, smoothing, hydrating, and antiaging.

What are BHAs

Salycilic acid is a form of BHA which comes from willow bark. It dissolves dead skin cells while penetrating further into the follicle to dissolve oil and debris that often lead to acne. It breaks down blackheads and white heads,

Salicylic acid and Jessner's peel

They are great for oily, acne and congested skin types. Mainly performed on oily skin types.

What are TCA peel

This peel provides peeling and is recommended to treat acne, aging and hyperpigmentation. TCA peels are safe for all skin tones and provides a shedding peel post treatment. Clients who are properly prepared for this peel are able to receive it.

There are many types of chemical peels; from superficial to medium to deep chemical. Each type helps in deepening the treatment, but all are equally effective in controlling skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You are required to follow a home care routine to ensure safe and healthy healing for your skin. With consistent treatments and proper skincare routine at home your skin will glow and you will reach your skin goals in no time!