What’s the key to having beautiful skin? For most, the trick to getting flawless skin is to have healthy, well-balanced skin – but there are factors in our daily lives, like stress, pollution, aging, and diet, that can make it difficult to balance skin with only at-home products. If you’re looking for a more effective treatment to promote skin health and beauty, then you may want to consider chemical peels at Bentley Skincare & Wellness & Wellness in Springfield, MO.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are some of the oldest beauty treatments in the world – in fact, the first documented peel dates back to Ancient Egypt when Cleopatra used sour milk (and the lactic acid in it) on her skin to promote her infamous beauty. Since then, peels have been updated to use finely-tailored chemical compounds to resurface the skin and increase processes for better skin health.
The benefits of regular chemical peels are numerous. For example, a peel can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, from dark spots and hyperpigmentation to acne to fine lines and wrinkles. Peels are highly customizable, so these treatments are also ideal for all skin types, skin tones, and skin goals. Some specific benefits include:
Skin Regulation
Poor skin regulation is the cause of many superficial concerns. Specifically, irregular cellular turnover can make the skin appear dull, dry, or uneven in tone and texture. Your natural skin cell turnover cycle can be irregular for several reasons, including aging, hormones, skin conditions, and more. For many, the key to having brighter, healthier, more even-toned skin is simply by regularly exfoliating the skin.
However, while exfoliation is good, over-exfoliation can be detrimental. Many people try to use at-home exfoliants to promote better skin, but at-home exfoliants can either be too rough on the skin or the products used are applied too often, which is also harsh on the skin and won’t do your skin any favors. For the most effective exfoliation, professional exfoliation techniques are most beneficial.
Acne Treatment
Those who have acne can also benefit from regular peel treatments. One of the primary causes of acne is dead skin cells that linger on the surface of the skin and trap dirt, oil, and bacteria in the pores, so it’s easy to see how regular chemical exfoliation can be beneficial. But what many don’t realize is that some peels can also kill acne-causing bacteria and regulate oil production so the skin is healthier overall and breakouts are more controlled.
Additionally, when your skin is properly exfoliated, your at-home acne products like benzoyl peroxide or prescription retinoids for acne can be more effective since the products will be able to penetrate deeper layers of skin. Peels are also beneficial for reducing the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and some types of shallow acne scars.
Aging and Scarring
Speaking of scars, a peel can also treat other types of surface scarring, such as facial injuries or plastic surgery scars. The reason peels can so effectively treat scars is the same reason why peels can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – it’s because some peels can promote collagen production. By increasing collagen production, the appearance of scars can match the rest of the skin and essentially disappear. Exfoliating dead skin cells can also make the appearance of scars and wrinkles softer or less noticeable.
Chemical Peel 101
A chemical peel is a simple facial treatment that involves cleansing the skin, applying a chemical or acid to the skin for 10 to 20 minutes, and then neutralizing this chemical as it is removed, usually followed by a moisturizer or skin-soothing serum, as well as SPF to protect the skin. Peels can be part of your regular skincare treatment and some people like to schedule peels every month or every two months to maintain their desired results.
Chemical peels come in three forms: light, medium, and deep. Light peels are the gentlest and can be done the most often because they only remove the surface layer of skin cells. Medium peels offer deeper exfoliation and can be performed every few months to maintain results. Deep peels are typically reserved for severe signs of aging or medical purposes, such as precancerous lesions.
How Soon Do You See Results?
Most people will see the results of a peel within a few days. Your initial results may include some minor skin peeling, which will naturally slough off in a few days. Some people may not have any visible peeling at all, particularly for those who regularly exfoliate the skin. You may see visible results about five to seven days after your treatment and your results will last for a few weeks for most peel treatments.
What Should You Do After Your Peel?
As important as it is to prepare correctly for your peel treatment by discontinuing exfoliating skincare products at least a week before your appointment, it’s even more important to treat your skin well after your treatment. After a peel, your skin will be especially vulnerable to damage from the sun, so it’s strongly recommended that you wear SPF 40 every day for at least two weeks after your treatment. You should also avoid hot water, make-up, or harsh skincare products for at least 24 hours.
Our Peel Options
So, now that you know the basics of chemical peel treatments, it’s time to explore your treatment options. At Bentley Skincare & Wellness & Wellness, we offer over a dozen peel treatments that are tailored to your precise skin concerns. From classic MD peels to retinoid peels to therapeutic peels, we offer several products that can be combined or used independently to ensure each of your skin concerns is met.
PCA Peels
PCA Peels are typically lighter strength peel that gently exfoliates the skin and promotes better skin health. Our Hydroquinone Free and Hydroquinone peels are both ideals for those who have acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation, and minor sun damage.
TCA Peels
TCA Peels are usually medium-strength peels that exfoliate the skin more deeply but are still gentle enough for sensitive skin. Our MD Peel uses physician-grade chemicals to improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The Sensi Peel, Ultra Peel, and Smoothing Body Peel are all TCA peels that target visible signs of aging.
Retinoid Peels
You’ve probably heard about retinoid products used at home to promote younger-looking skin, but for those who want to make a greater impact on the appearance of their skin, retinoid peels may be a better alternative. We offer Pure Retinol Peels at 4% and 6% strengths to increase cellular turnover, diffuse radical damage, and promote better-looking skin. We also have an Advanced Treatment Booster that is appropriate for all skin types to enhance the overall health of the skin.
Combination Products
We also have several products that can be combined with any type of PCA peel to fine-tune your treatment to your skincare goals and your skin needs. Adding additional products to your peel treatment will ensure each facial addresses important aspects of your skin health. Based on the initial peel you use, adding additional masks, enzyme treatments, or antioxidants can enhance your desired results.
Our detox treatments can purify the skin to promote cleaner, smaller-looking pores, while our enzyme treatments calm the skin with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe the skin. You can deeply hydrate your skin with masks formulated with humectants and essential fatty acids, or you can revitalize the skin with nutrient-rich acids that brighten the tone of the skin.
Which Peel Is Best for You?
Selecting the right peel for you ultimately comes down to finding the treatment that is best for your skin type, tone, and treatment goals. If you have acne-prone skin or acne scarring, then regular light peels may be the most appropriate option for you. For those who want to reduce visible signs of aging, then TCA peels or Retinoid Peels are generally the best options. Our skin experts will help you select the ideal treatment for your skincare needs during your consultation.
Chemical Peels Unlock Healthier Skin
The number one barrier to healthy, beautiful, even-toned skin is dead skin cells that sit on the surface of the skin and trap oil, bacteria, and other pollutants on the skin. If you want to have better-looking skin, then regular exfoliation treatments with chemical peels may be a good option for you. Contact us at Bentley Skincare & Wellness & Wellness in Springfield, MO to schedule your consultation appointment today.