Peel season is FINALLY AMONGST US!
Fall is one of my favorite seasons because I loveee me a good pumpkin coffee, specifically a chai latte with pumpkin cream cold foam from Starbucks. And, it also means it's the start of peel season! As we transition into fall, so many of us are transitioning back into our routines, and recovering from the time we spent outside with heat, sweat, sun exposure, and often times, less consistency with our skincare routine.
National First Day of Peel Season is today, September 7th, and was founded by Morgan Cameron, one of the many, but few, estheticians I aspire to be like one day.
But what exactly is peel season?
Fall and winter can be an ideal time for corrective treatments because we typically have less sun exposure and lower UV levels. That said, SPF still has no off-season. We still need to be applying our sunscreen in the fall, winter, and even if you work indoors, and especially after a chemical peel.
If you’ve been curious about chemical peels or wondering if one is right for you, this guide was made just for you.
First: What Exactly is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is professional exfoliation that helps dead skin cells slough off, and allows healthy, brighter, new skin underneath to come through. Chemical peels contain specific active ingredients to trigger your skin's natural repair response improving skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, or fine lines and wrinkles.
Should I Be Afraid of Chemical Peels?
The short answer is, no! Chemical peels aren't something to be afraid of. I know the words “chemical peel” can sound intimidating, and you may immediately picture a bright, red face that peels for days. But, that's not what every chemical peel looks like!
There are different types and strengths of chemical peels, and some are gentler on the skin. Depending on your skin and goals, a peel may be used to support concerns like acne, pigmentation, fine lines, or uneven texture.
This is why I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I choose a peel based on what your skin is showing me, what you’re looking to improve, and most importantly, what your skin is ready for.
And remember, your skin doesn’t need to shed like a snake for a peel to be effective.
The goal isn’t to give your skin the strongest peel. It is to give your skin the right peel.
What Does a Chemical Peel Feel Like?
The truth is, there really is no one answer to this. It can vary. Every person's skin and every peel are different. Depending on your skin and the chemical peel, you may feel very little to almost nothing, or you may notice some warmth or tingling while the peel is working.
Afterward, your skin may have a little temporary pinkness, or you may simply leave with a fresh post-treatment glow and no noticeable redness at all. Again, this varies from person to person and the peel. And everyone's skin is so different.
I will walk you through what you're feeling and make sure you're comfortable. If you do experience a little warmth or tingly, I also like to offer you a fan to help keep you comfortable.
Considerations I Make as a Provider
When I’m considering someone for a chemical peel, it always starts with getting to know your skin first. I take into account your skin health, goals, concerns, home care, and Fitzpatrick type (how much pigment or melanin your skin has and how it responds to sun exposure).
If your skin barrier is compromised from over-exfoliating, doing too much, or not properly moisturizing, a chemical peel can actually set your skin back. Your skin barrier helps keep moisture in and irritants out, so we want it healthy before introducing anything corrective.
Depending on the person, I like to work our way up. We don’t need to push the gas pedal or rush the process. I want results that support your skin, last, and contribute to long-term skin health. That means making sure your home care is hydrating and supportive and that you’re consistent with SPF first.
This is my client's skin just 18 days apart, only with home care and SPF, and no in-person treatments yet. Yes, eighteen days. You read that correctly.
Results happen with the work you do at home. In-person treatments help accelerate and support those results.
Seven weeks later, after staying consistent with home care and SPF and completing just two in-person treatments, this was her skin:
I was truly ECSTATIC for her. Her complexion looks brighter and more even, her skin appears smoother and more hydrated, and there is a visible improvement in the appearance of her fine lines. And can we talk about her neck?!
This is with no Botox, no filler, and just the right home care and treatment to support her skin goals, and this progress came from consistency, the right home care for her skin, and treatments chosen intentionally around her individual goals.
Sometimes this means we spend a few weeks together supporting your skin with hydrating and nourishing products, and really building that routine and consistency with home care and SPF. Other times, we may start with a light chemical peel.
Your skin will tell us what it is ready for.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Chemical Peel
Getting a chemical peel isn't just about what happens during your appointment. I can give you all the treatments in the world, but if you're not consistent with your home care, it is much harder to give you the results you're looking for.
I always tell people it is 80% of what you do at home and 20% in-person. In-person treatments help support and accelerate the results you’re creating at home.
And to be honest, I can give someone meaningful changes in their skin, with the right home care, and without even touching it.
That's why what you do at home is the most important.
If you’re interested in working on your skin from home, I also offer a Virtual Acne Program where we can create a personalized home care plan and work together on your skin goals from anywhere.
Click here to learn more or book your Virtual Program.
Whether we’re working together virtually or in-person, what you do before and after your treatment matters just as much.
Before your peel, the goal is to keep your skin happy, hydrated, and prepared. Follow your pre-care recommendations, stay consistent with SPF, and avoid introducing new products or over-exfoliating leading up to your appointment.
After your peel, one of the biggest things I emphasize is getting enough sleep. Sleep is when your body goes into healing and repair mode, and your skin is no different.
Follow your home care recommendations, stay consistent with your SPF, keep your skin hydrated, and please don’t pick, peel, or exfoliate afterward! If you experience mild flaking or peeling, let your skin shed naturally and do it's thing!
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, chemical peels don't have to be scary and aren't something to be afraid of! Chemical peels aren't a quick fix and they are just one piece to the puzzle. When used appropriately, they can be a great addition to your skincare routine and help accelerate and support the results from your home care.
And we don't need to rush the process, go as strong as possible, or make you peel for days for it to be effective and see results. We just need to listen to your skin, give it what it needs, support it after the treatment, and trust the process.
If you're ready to take the next steps or are interested in a chemical peel, start with the Barefaced Blueprint or Customized Enzyme Facial to begin your skin journey.
Here's to peel season my friends!!! And of course, those pumpkin spice lattes!!
Until next time,
Stay Barefaced
Providing customized facial treatments for acne, pigmentation, anti-aging, and bridal skin prep designed to deeply cleanse, clarify, decongest pores, reduce inflammation, and support healthier, more radiant looking skin throughout the Shrewsbury, MA community, including neighbors in Town Center, Lake Quinsigamond, Spring Street, Calvin Coolidge Road, Prospect Hill, Green Street Estates, and Edgemere.
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