Chemical peels are nothing new in the industry. Here at Brigit Filmer Aesthetics, we make daily use of peels to help resolve an assortment of skin concerns, including improving skin texture, treating acne, slowing down the effects of ageing, reducing pigmentation and sun damage as well, and helping hydrate the skin. The phrase “peel” speaks to the core performance of the treatment. Peels exfoliate the skin, stimulate cellular turnover, and rejuvenate healthy skin cells.
But despite the popularity of peels, many myths remain about what they can do, how they work and what they entail. We’re stepping in to present the facts and clear up misconceptions. Peels have evolved drastically over the past several years and have proven highly recommended and viable treatment options.
So now, let’s bust some myths!
Myth # 1: Chemical Peels Are Only For Winter
Not true! There are many different types of peels, all with varying restrictions. Light peels can be done all year round, so long as you are not actively tanning and apply at least a Factor 50 SPF. You should be doing the latter 365 in any case!
Myth # 2: All Chemical Peels Are The Same
Hello Alice – are you in Wonderland? The phrase “chemical peel” is a general classification for several chemical treatments used to tackle various concerns and rejuvenate the skin. Some are stronger than others, and they provide varying results.
Light peels often require a series of sessions initially, while medium-depth peels may require fewer sessions. With a deep peel, often only a single session is required. In all instances, your therapist will recommend a maintenance program to sustain your results.
Myth # 3: Getting A Chemical Peel Means Lots Of Downtime
No way, Jose! Post-peel recovery time depends on the type and strength of peel you have had, and many peels don’t require any downtime. Some peels, like alpha-hydroxy and glycolic acid peels, have little or no recovery time. Some deeper peels, like TCA, are more robust and may leave visible peeling and slight redness.
Your therapist is best positioned to guide you on the right peel for your ski that accommodates your lifestyle needs.
Myth # 4: Chemical Peels Hurt
Let’s not forget we’re talking about the gender that has periods and undergoes childbirth! The chemicals act as an anaesthetic during some peels, like a Phenol peel, so pain is minimal. With some milder peels, the only feeling is a slight tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment.
Myth # 5: You Should Only Have A Peel Treatment For Skin Problems
Well, well– who’s been living under a rock? Some chemical peels specifically target skin concerns like acne, scarring, hyperpigmentation or sun spots. But here at Brigit Filmer Aesthetics, we do chemical peels for all round rejuvenation and prevention and tailor the peel to suit your skin concern.
Myth # 6: People With Sensitive Skin Cannot Receive Chemical Peels
Untrue! There are several types of peels specifically formulated for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. These formulas include active ingredients that help to calm inflammation associated with sensitive skin and strengthen capillary walls to reduce redness and the visibility of broken capillaries.
Myth # 7: One Chemical Peel Will Resolve My Skin Issues
This is not La La Land! Sadly, there is no silver bullet regarding typical skin concerns, especially as we keep going around the sun and having birthdays. Initial treatments will deliver marginal results, but for the most part, a series of treatments spaced over weeks will yield optimal results.
Myth # 8: I Should Expect To Experience The Same Outcome And Response Each Time I Receive A Peel
Again, incorrect. It is not uncommon for a patient to experience different responses to the same peel throughout their treatment series. Given that your skin is in a constant state of flux and subject to many influences, a patient’s response to a peel can depend on several different factors, including weather, time of year, the condition or health of the patient’s skin, a patient’s overall skin tolerance, the frequency of peel treatments, and a client’s skin care regimen. These factors can impact whether a patient’s reaction is mild or more intense.
Myth # 9: If I Break Out After A Peel, It Is An Indication That I Am Having A Reaction Or My Therapist Did Something Wrong
Nope—not at all! It is not uncommon to experience a breakout after a peel, as peels, by nature, often bring impurities to the skin’s surface and cause a purging of the pores. This situation is usually temporary but necessary to achieve the desired results.
Myth #10: My Skin Care Regimen Does Not Affect My Skin’s Response To A Chemical Peel
Wrong again! Your at-home skin care regimen has everything to do with your skin health and, therefore, directly affects your skin’s response to a peel and the level of results achieved. Let your therapist advise you on a recommended at-home regimen to optimise and sustain the best results from your chemical peel treatments.
Remember, your therapist has intimate knowledge of your skin. Discuss any concerns you may have and she will advise you on the most suitable peel for it, factoring in all considerations, including your budget and lifestyle.