Exfoliation is quite the buzzword in skincare. Basically, it’s removing the dead skin cells from your skin which makes the skin look fresh and radiant. But, is exfoliation important for skincare?
To answer the question, yes, it has great importance. A layer of dead skin cells on the skin can make it look dull and tired. Dead skin cells often can clog the pores on the skin leading to skin breakouts. Exfoliation helps to clear out the pores which in turn reduces the chances and risk of acne. Your amazing skin products won’t work their magic if there’s a layer of dead skin cells blocking their way into the skin. Exfoliating the skin clears out the pores, and dead skin cells and helps in better penetration of the products into the skin.
In exfoliation, there are 2 types; physical and chemical exfoliation. In physical exfoliation, the dead cells are removed physically by brushing or scrubbing the skin using solutions having scrubby particles.
Now, let’s dive into understanding chemical peels.
CHEMICAL PEELS
It is a method of chemical exfoliation that uses different acids to remove the top layer of the skin. Sounds scary? It’s not as scary as it sounds. Depending on the type of skin and indication to be treated, different types of acids having different strengths are used. Usually, multiple sessions of the treatment are required based on the skin type and condition. Chemical peels work wonders on your skin when done right. Hence, it is important to get the procedure done by a professional.
TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEELS
There are 3 types of chemical peels.
SUPERFICIAL
Superficial peels are great for regular exfoliation. These peels are mild and use acids that are gentle. These include salicylic, glycolic, lactic, or TCA. These mild peels treat conditions such as fine lines, mild sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and acne scars. Superficial chemical peels have a low downtime.
MEDIUM
Medium chemical peels penetrate deeper into the skin and hence use stronger acids like high-concentration TCA. They are effective in treating wrinkles and scars. However, they have a longer recovery period and it is advised to protect the skin from sun exposure as due to deeper peeling, the skin gets more sensitive to sun damage.
DEEP
Deep chemical peels are used in cases of severe skin issues. They create a controlled chemical injury to the skin. Deep chemical peels penetrate very deep into the skin and treat issues like severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, etc. They constitute a strong chemical solution and often contain phenols and TCA in higher concentrations. When it comes to the recovery period, it lasts several weeks and can cause redness and swelling.
ADVANTAGES OF CHEMICAL PEELS
SKIN TEXTURE
Removing dead skin cells leads to a smoother skin complexion and softer skin. It removes the rough skin patches and gives a smooth texture to the skin.
COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
The production of collagen is boosted by the chemical peels. This results in plump skin and gives a healthy glow.
REDUCED FINE LINES AND WRINKLES
The chemical peels shed the upper layer of the skin and stimulate collagen formation which helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
ACNE CONTROL
They clear out the pores and remove dead skin cells, so, there’s a very low chance of skin breakouts and acne.
EVEN SKIN TONE
Chemical Peels fade the dark spots and skin redness and give an even tone to the skin.
Proper care post-application of chemical peels is essential to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best results. A gentle non-comedogenic moisturizer and an iron-oxide-based physical sunscreen are a must after a chemical peel.
Exfoliation is a powerful tool in your journey towards smooth and radiant skin, and chemical peels are one of the ways to achieve it. Chemical peels take time to work and usually, multiple sessions are required. Consult a professional to determine which peel will best suit your skin for the indication you want to treat. Chemical peels are best when used in moderation and under professional guidance. If misused, it can damage the skin and can lead to redness and scarring of the skin. Chemical peels surely are a way to glowing skin!