No Need to Fear - Peels are Just Here to Boost Your Glow!
It's September 1st and pumpkin spice season is already in full swing, which means peel season is just a few weeks away! But, if you're like many people, just hearing the word "peels" might make you a little nervous.
Let's be real, peels sound kind of scary thanks to their name. And that episode of Sex and the City didn't really help (you know, the episode where Samantha unveils her lobster-red face at Carrie's book signing?).
But are peels really as scary as they seem? Not at all!! Peels are actually one of my favorite treatments for clients and for my own skin because they have SO many skin benefits.
And depending on the type of peel done, they can be extremely gentle with no downtime and no peeling.
So let's dispel the fear by talking about this super misunderstood treatment.
So what exactly are peels?
Peels help your skin do what it naturally does… but better!
Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells and replaces them with new ones in a continuous cycle. But, factors like age, sun exposure, and environmental factors can slow down this process. The result? Dull, uneven skin tone, fine lines, breakouts, and other skin concerns.
The good news is, peels speed up and enhance this natural exfoliation process!
Peels gently remove dead skin cells and speed up our skin’s renewal process, revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath.
What skin concerns can a peel treat?
Peels are a powerful skincare multi-tasker that can help:
Reduce Breakouts
Unclog and minimize pores
Soften Fine lines/Wrinkles
Improve skin tone
Fade Hyperpigmentation
Promote Collagen Production
For the best results, we recommend a series of 6 peels spaced 2-3 weeks apart.
Is my skin going to shed after a peel? I don’t want to go to work with skin falling off my face.
Getting a peel doesn’t have to involve shedding skin! At Levitate Beauty & Skin Studio, we like to work progressively with our peels (not aggressively). Which means we start slow and work our way up to higher strength peels over time (if we feel it’s the right choice for your skin). This ensures that our peel process is always safe and comfortable for you.
Our Skin Refresh Peel Enhancement and our Level 1 “No Downtime” peels are our gentlest and they don’t cause your skin to visibly shed. You might experience some redness immediately after a peel, but it should subside by the following day.
Our Level 2 “Advanced Peels” can sometimes cause visible skin shedding in the days following a peel, although this isn’t the case for everyone!
I'm nervous about peels! What should I expect?
During a peel, your esthetician will apply a peel solution to your skin. This solution may contain ingredients like:
AHAs (Mandelic acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, etc.)
BHAs (Salicylic acid)
Enzymes (Papaya enzymes, pineapple enzymes, etc.)
These ingredients help to gently exfoliate and speed up your skin cell turnover. Your peel may also contain other ingredients to further brighten, hydrate, soothe, or stimulate collagen production (such as kojic acid, aloe, or retinol).
A peel can feel different depending on the person and the type of peel used! Some people feel tingling, itching, or a little bit of heat. Others may not feel any sensation at all. The good news is, your esthetician will be right there with you to monitor your skin and make sure everything is feeling comfortable for you!
Immediately after your peel, you might experience some rosiness which normally goes down within a few hours. Your skin may also be a bit more sensitive in the days following a peel, so be sure to be very gentle with your skin.
Pro tip: Booking an Omega Green Calming Treatment along with your peel is a great way to soothe and reduce redness after a peel!
Ok, I’m ready for my peel! How should I prep for it?
During your first peel appointment, your esthetician will provide an in-depth consultation and will give you specific instructions for prepping your skin as you progress through your peel series.
But if you’re like me and like to be mentally prepared for everything, here are some general Do’s and Don’t before (and after) a peel!
Prep with the products recommended by your esthetician: Your esthetician may recommend using specific products in your routine in the days or weeks before receiving a peel to ensure you get the very best results from your peel.
Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least a week (and wear sunscreen daily).
Keep things gentle! Skip exfoliating (AHAs, BHAs, Scrubs, etc.) and retinol for one week before your peel.
Avoid waxing or laser treatments for a week before your peel.
Check in with your doctor or dermatologist if you’re using any topical medications: Topical medications should be discontinued for one week before your peel and for another week after your peel. It’s important to check in with your doctor to see if it’s safe to discontinue your medication for this length of time.
Plan ahead for post-treatment: After a peel, you’ll want to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. You’ll also want to avoid excess sun exposure and products like exfoliants and retinols for at least 7 days post-peel. So be sure to plan accordingly!
And in the weeks following your completed peel series? Get ready for benefits like brighter, smoother skin, fewer breakouts, and a healthy glow!
I hope this helped to clear up any fears about peels! They’re truly one of my favorite treatments because they can make a huge difference in your skin.