What exactly is a chemical peel and what benefits does it offer?
A chemical peel is a procedure administered by a skin health professional that provides strong exfoliation to the top layer of the skin to enable skin’s natural process of healing and restoration. Peels can treat a range of skin health concerns, such as sun spots + uneven skin tone, lines and wrinkles, breakouts, and rough texture.Peels come in the form of an acid-based solution, consisting of ingredients like beta hydroxy acids and alpha hydroxy acids. The acid concentrations determine the peel’s strength and benefits.
Peels are available in varying strengths depending on the desired depth of skin penetration and desired results. Peels can be more superficial with minimal to no healing time, or they can be more corrective and require a longer recovery.
How do you know what type of peel is best for you?
The best way to find the right peel for you is to discuss your skin health concerns and goals with your skin health professional. Here, we offer two chemical peels through ZO Skin Health.
First, the ZO Stimulator Peel is a mild strength peel, perfect for all skin types, including first time peel patients. An effective blend of AHAs provides immediately healthier, glowing skin with no downtime. This peel is safe to perform up to once weekly.
Second, the ZO 3-Step Peel is a potent peel of trichloracetic, salicylic, and lactic acids that is suitable for all skin tones. It includes a powerful retinol cream that boosts skin renewal for more profound results. This peel does require preconditioning on skincare. Can be safely performed ~6 weeks apart and gives optimal results after 3-4 sessions.
Precondition Your Skin
Your skin health professional may recommend that you precondition your skin prior to your chemical peel. Preconditioning promotes skin’s renewal process for enhanced recovery and it maximizes peel penetration for optimum results. A typical preconditioning regimen starts several weeks before your peel. Pre-conditioning also helps to minimize complications and enhance overall results.
Cleanse, exfoliate and tone should be an important part of your preconditioning regimen. Preconditioning not only helps to maintain skin health, but it minimizes excess oil and removes dead skin cells, which improves peel absorption. Here, we utilize ZO Skin Health which is the Leading Physician-Dispensed Skincare Brand Founded by Dr. Zein Obagi.
Have Your Provider Provide Instructions Pre-Peel
Depending on the strength of the peel, your skin health professional may advise you to stop usage of the more aggressive skincare products in your regimen a few days before your peel. Follow your provider’s instructions to ensure your peel experience goes beautifully. Avoid the Sun.
Both leading up to and following your peel, you want to minimize your sun exposure. Wear clothes that cover your skin, reduce your time outdoors if possible and of course, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. All ZO® sunscreens are formulated with Triple-Spectrum Protection® which guard your skin against sun and light damage.
