As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, it’s the ideal time to start thinking about rejuvenating your skin and shedding the damage of summer sun. One of the best ways to refresh and revitalize your complexion is with a chemical peel. If you’re looking to “shed the dead” and reveal glowing, healthy skin, a chemical peel this October could be just what you need and XO Aesthetics is ready to “scare” away summer damage!
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing treatment that uses acids to exfoliate the top layers of the skin. The goal is to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate collagen production, leaving you with smoother, brighter skin. Depending on the strength of the peel, it can target fine lines, uneven skin tone, sun damage, and acne scars.
Chemical peels come in varying strengths, from light to deep, and each has its own level of downtime and recovery. Here are some of the most popular types of chemical peels offered at XO Aesthetics in Shelby Township:
- Mandelic Chemical Peel by Glytone: This peel is perfect for sensitive skin and first-time peelers. Mandelic acid is derived from almonds and works gently to exfoliate, leaving the skin refreshed without irritation. It’s especially great for oily or acne-prone skin. If you struggle with redness, this is the perfect peel for you!
- Jessner Chemical Peel by Glytone: This medium-depth peel combines lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol to target acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. It’s a more intense treatment than the mandelic peel and is great for those seeking a little more peeling.
- Triple Bright Chemical Peel by Glytone: Designed for those with hyperpigmentation or dark spots, this peel is a brightening powerhouse. It’s a great option for evening out skin tone and restoring radiance. This is more intense than the mandelic or Jessner peel due to the trichloroacetic acid, lactic acid and kojic acid blend.
- BioRePeel: This unique peel stimulates cell turnover while nourishing the skin with vitamins and amino acids. It’s a no-peel peel, meaning you’ll get the benefits of a traditional chemical peel without the downtime. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a gentle, yet effective treatment with little recovery time.
Why October?
Fall is the perfect time to “shed the dead” because the sun’s intensity starts to decrease. After a chemical peel, your skin is more sensitive to UV rays, so scheduling a peel in October, when you’re not as exposed to strong sunlight, can help protect your skin and optimize results.
October is also the start of party season, with holiday gatherings just around the corner. Starting a chemical peel regimen now gives your skin the time it needs to heal, so you’ll be glowing by Thanksgiving and into the New Year.
What to Expect: Downtime and Aftercare
The downtime for a chemical peel can vary depending on the strength of the treatment. Light peels like the mandelic peel have minimal downtime; you may experience some flaking or mild redness, but nothing that will keep you from your daily routine. Medium-depth peels, like the Jessner peel, often require a few days of recovery and Triple Bright may require a few days to a week torecover, where your skin may visibly peel and shed.
Regardless of the type of peel, proper aftercare is essential. Follow these tips to ensure optimal results:
- Hydrate: After a peel, your skin may feel dry and tight. Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin nourished. We love ZO Skin Health’s Hydrating Crème and Alastin Skincare’s Ultra Light Moisturizer.
- SPF: Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun, so make sure to apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher daily. We have beautiful, tinted sunscreen options at XO Aesthetics!
- Avoid Picking: As your skin sheds and peels, resist the urge to pick or peel the skin yourself. Let it naturally shed for the best results.
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser, and avoid any exfoliants until your skin has fully healed. ZO Skin Health’s Hydrating Cleanser is our favorite.
- No Heavy Makeup: Keep your makeup light and minimal during the healing process to avoid clogging pores. If makeup is a must, grab some Colorescience Color Balm and Total Eye 3-in-1 to give a put together look in less than 5 minutes! The best part? They are sunscreen products to protect your healing skin.
One Treatment is Great, But a Series is Better
While one chemical peel can certainly refresh your skin, most people need a series of treatments to achieve their desired results. For issues like fine lines, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation, your skin will benefit from repeated treatments over time. A series of 3-6 peels, spaced a few weeks apart, is often recommended for the best results.
Ready to Shed the Dead?
If you’re ready to renew your skin and start the holiday season with a glow, XO Aesthetics in Shelby Township is here to help! Book your consultation today and let our team customize the perfect peel for your skin type and goals. Don’t wait—October is the perfect time to shed the dead and reveal your most radiant complexion yet!