Is a Chemical Peel the right Exfoliation for you?
by Angelia Heringer Licenced Medical EstheticanOver the past decade science and skin care ideology has changed so much. In the 90's over exfoliation was the "in" thing. We all wanted to exfoliate almost til we erased our face. Microdermabrasion with crystals and Diamond Microderm are too popular skin care treatments that most people are familiar with at this point. Many people are so fond of Microdermabrasion that they swear that it is the best facial for all skin types. I will not start a debate on this issue because that is a controversial enough issue on it's own. Often when I meet a client/patient for the first time and we are doing our consult I can tell right away that certain Chemical acid or enzyme peels are what they would see the most benefit from.
Only when I ask them if they have ever thought about trying any chemical exfoliation, they have visions from some episode of " SEX IN THE CITY" when one of the main characters had a deep peel maybe even gone wrong. Or maybe they have a friend/acquaintance that has had a bad experience with a Peel. Not every one has had the proper training in the ph of different peel treatments, the difference between AHA, or BHA, or the way the different Chemical Peels react with different types of skin on the Fitzgerald scale. Any one can rub some products all over your face and call it a facial, but when it comes to Chemical Peels ( and more) it is amazingly important that you find an esthetican who has knowledge and experience in this area. Chemical Peels are one of my favorite treatments. They offer so much more that many mechanical exfoliation's. Lots of estheticians that I have worked with and let apprentice under me are terrified of all chemical peels. They should and they shouldn't be.
Even though I have rigorously studied the science of how and why the different peels work and on whom they work best for, I probably have learned the most from experience. And yes, that means in my early years there were some scares of scarring. That is another reason I think all estheticans no matter how fancy and expensive there education, should work along side another or more estheticans when they are right out of school.
If you ever try to decide to get a chemical peel here are a few helpful hints if there is one right for your skin.
1) Do not try any Chemical Peeling if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
2) Glycolic acid comes from sugar, Lactic acid is derived from milk , both of these are Alpha Hydroxy Acids and fairly natural, they are using more of a dis solvent effect and you probably will not actually PEEL from these unless they are combined with boosting ingredients. So they are a nice place to start.
3) Do not use Salicylic acid if you have an allergy to Aspirin.
4) If you do try a Chemical Peel that is going to produce an actual PEELING of the skin. It is of most important that you do no and I mean DO NOT pick and try to prematurely pull the dead skin off.
5) Be sure to tell your esthetican if your are using any prescription topical or medicine from your dermatologist. If you had even been using Accutane any in the last 4-6 months, it is highly recommended that you stay away from any Chemical Peels.
I do know that there is a safe and effective way to keep your skin looking it's best using Chemical Peels correctly and in regular routine. Most people with often stick with Chemical Peeling in the Fall and Winter as they are less likely to be in the sun. You can safely get Peels in the Spring and Summer though. Ask your esthetician what Chemical or even Enzyme Peel would be most beneficial for you. Also, ALWAYS wear your sunscreen. And if your make up has spf15. That doesn't really count.
Angelia Heringer
