What is Chemical Peel and Types?

chemical peel is been placed on the forehead of a woman while she has her head wrapped up in a towel

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel, also known as chemical exfoliation or derma peeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes trauma or injury to your skin’s layers. The skin doesn't always peel off but it lightens revealing more youthful skin. The new skin reveals a more smoother, brighter, youthful complexion.

What conditions does a chemical peel treat?

Chemical peels are used to treat certain skin conditions or to improve your appearance by improving the tone and texture of your skin.

Chemical peels are most commonly performed on your face, neck or hands. They can help reduce or improve:

  • Fine lines under your eyes or around your mouth and wrinkling caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors.
  • Certain types of acne.
  • Mild scarring.
  • Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin coloring.
  • Precancerous scaly spots called actinic keratosis
  • Rough skin, scaly patches, dull complexion.
  • Dark patches melasma due to pregnancy or birth control pills

You will work with your aesthetician to determine the depth of your peel. This joint decision can vary depending upon the condition of your skin and the objectives of treatment.

You’ve got quite a few answers and options for face peels, depending on what your needs are and how sensitive your skin is, this will be determine by your aesthetician during your session. Skin care recommendations should not be taken lightly, as following orders from your aesthetician will help to achieve your desire results especially after your peel.

To help jumpstart your research, check out this quick guide on the different types of chemical peels and how they help.

1. Glycolic Chemical Peel

Out of all the peels available, the glycolic peel is the most gentle of all chemical exfoliants and yet so effective. Glycolic acid helps to gently remove dead skin while hydrating the skin due to its small molecular structure which helps to penetrate in the skin. It’s also good for bringing a healthy glow back to aging skin. Glycolic acid is used to dissolve and allow dead skin cells to slough off. Perfect for all skin types!

2. Lactic Peel 

If your skin is sensitive, some of the peels on this list may irritate it. You may want to look into a light chemical peel, such as a lactic peel. As the name suggests, lactic peels come from milk. It’s not only gentle on easily irritated skin but also moisturizes dry skin.

3. Anti-Blemish Control Peel

Acne can be embarrassing and annoying to deal with. If you have a bunch of problem breakouts, a beta peel will be able to help you. It contains salicylic acid which is great for exfoliation and oil control and citric acid exfoliating the upper layer of dead skin cells to help clean pores, even skin tone and soften and smooth the skin. Salicylic acid also takes care of the bacteria that cause acne breakouts to give you the relief that you’ve been searching for.

4. Mandelic Peel

Mandelic acid is a go-to anti-aging ingredient in the world of skin care. It works to accelerate cell turnover by dissolving the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together, helping to remove dead skin on the surface of the skin that can lead to dull complexions as well as fine lines. It also strengthens collagen, one of the building blocks of the skin’s support network that gives it a youthful firmness. Mandelic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids generally soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture.

5. Anti-age Peel

If you’ve never had a chemical peel before, the anti-age peel is a good place to start because there is no peeling involved with it. It uses citric acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and retinol to lighten your skin’s pigmentation and improve its overall quality.

What percentage is best for me? 

We carry 15% & 20% chemical peel for our lighter chemical peel sessions found in the facial Deluxe Glow Personalized Facial. Best for those who are looking to get a chemical peel for the first time.

Chemical peels at 40% are much stronger and best for those who are experienced with having chemical peels and need a higher percentage to maximize results. These chemical peels are provided in our Ultimate Chemical Peel Facial.

How many sessions do I need to see results?

Between 3-6 sessions minimum are required to achieve long lasting results. This will be determine during your skin consultation.

Will my skin peel off?

Our Chemical Peels by Diego Dalla Palma professional line have been created to be very effective without the peeling, which makes it the most preferred chemical peel for clients who are concern with peeling. There is no downtime and no redness.

When is best time to get a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are best to be perform starting in the fall to early spring as there is less direct sun exposure.

Prior Your Session

You will need to stop the use of any BHA, AHA and Retinol for at least 2 weeks. No microdermabrasion for at least 4 weeks. No shaving for at least 24 hours.

After Care

This is the most important steps to follow and a skincare recommendation will be given which are a must to achieve safe and effective results.

  1. No Gym for 24 hours
  2. No sauna for 24 hours
  3. No makeup for 24 hours
  4. No swimming for 24 hours
  5. No direct sunlight for 48 hours
  6. No going on vacation somewhere tropical for 1 month
  7. No exfoliation for 1 week
  8. No microdermabrasion for 1 month
  9. No microneedling for 1 month
  10. Use polypeptides and skincare boosters daily 
  11. Must use mineral sunscreen 
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