True: You Don’t Have To “Peel” With A Chemical Peel

A woman is looking at herself in the mirror.

About Face Skin Care gets phone calls asking about chemical peeling all the time, especially since the introduction of our SkinMedica peels — “My skin never peeled, did the treatment work?”

Although it may be counter-intuitive when you’re dealing with a skin treatment called a peel, the happy truth is that scientific advancements in the beauty world have gifted us with new kinds of chemical peels that are formulated so that the same skin-glowing results are achieved without the sun-burn-like peeling process.

If you’ve never had a chemical peel facial or haven’t undergone one in a long time, then that might sound hard to believe. However, this cosmetic process has improved greatly over the years and has been proven to be an effective method of treating various skin conditions. To learn more about them and why you won’t have to “peel,” let’s go through the chemical peel process and the benefits of doing so.

How Chemical Peels Have Improved

Early versions of chemical peels definitely made the skin peel due to the extremely concentrated ingredients used. Newer versions, however, are more elegantly created so that the same results are attained without the dramatic peeling aspect. In addition, the subsequent downtime following the procedure is significantly reduced depending on the types of chemical peels. Nowadays, you can get a chemical peel facial on your lunch break and experience little to no downtime.

These newer chemical peels still make the skin peel, just in a different way than it did previously. Instead of using one highly concentrated acid (such as the chemical peels of yore), there is now a combination of acids at play. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are commonly used in the process, along with other chemicals. However, compared to older chemical peels, these acids are used at lower strengths. This results in the same skin improvement as before but with more subtle peeling.

It is important to remember that just because the naked eye doesn’t see peeling, it doesn’t mean your treatment didn’t work or that you won’t get results.

The Effects of Chemical Peel Facials

The effects of properly administered acids on the skin are undeniable, and you can’t argue with the proven science. During chemical peel facials, the various acids work together to trigger a controlled injury on the skin. On a molecular level, alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic, lactic, and citric) and beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic) loosen the hold dead cells have on new cells, forcing them to fall away. As a result, the new top layer of skin underneath is revealed, which is smoother and brighter.

However, chemical peeling accomplishes more than just getting rid of your old skin. In addition to the advanced exfoliating component, these acids also cause the creation of new collagen and hyaluronic acid. Collagen is an important protein that serves as a building block, promoting the structure and elasticity of your skin and other parts of the body. Meanwhile, the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid helps encourage skin flexibility and can also accelerate the healing of wounds. As a result, chemical peel facials will increase the overall thickness and youthfulness of your skin by helping its natural growth.

If you don’t notice any significant changes to your skin following a chemical peeling procedure, then there’s no need to worry. These molecular changes are so small that they are impossible to see with the naked eye. A close comparison could be made to planting flowers — each change and phase cannot be quantified exactly as it is occurring. However, once nature has had a chance to take its course, the final outcome of beauty is undeniable.

Why Receive Chemical Peel Facials?

Wondering why people go through the chemical peel process, to begin with? It’s more than just rejuvenating skin for the sake of beauty — there is a wide range of skin conditions out there that can be treated or mitigated with the help of chemical peeling. If you’ve experienced any of the following skin problems, then you’ll be a good candidate for a chemical peel facial:

  • Specific acne problems
  • Melasma
  • Wrinkles around facial features caused by aging or sun damage
  • Sun and age spots
  • Uneven skin coloring and hyperpigmentation
  • Uneven textures
  • And more

It’s worth noting that depending on the type of peel, you may need to have more than one treatment to see any improvements. Also, some skin conditions, such as fine lines and wrinkles, can return over time because of aging. In other words, while chemical peel facials are certainly effective at treating skin conditions, they are not always permanent solutions.

For Chemical Peel Facials and More, Call About Face Skin Care Today

Are you searching for a rosacea specialist in Philadelphia? Want to learn how much is a Fraxel treatment? Then you’ve come to the right place. In addition to offering professional chemical peel facials, About Face Skin Care performs a variety of other high-quality cosmetic procedures to help you look your very best. For more information on our many services and to schedule your appointment, give us a call today!