Basic Guide to Peels
Are you exfoliating? If not – you need to start doing it, because without removing dead skin cells on a regular basis, any expensive or good cream won’t be efficient due to lack of absorption, your complexion eventually will stop glowing, and pores get clogged. While scrubs and grammages are great for weekly use, and you may easily do this exercise at home, a regular skin peel, especially if done by a skincare therapist, will get your skin to the next level of healthy, glowing look.
- deep exfoliation and clearing upper layer of skin;
- create a smoother looking appearance;
- decongest pores;
- reduce the presence of dullness;
- encourage revitalized skin;
- diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
But what you don’t hear about as much (but should) are some of the dangerous and unappealing side effects. These include:
- Immediate skin irritation due to allergy to this particular peel product, of which you did not know;
- redness that can last for several months;
- bacterial or fungal infections;
- scarring;
- changes in skin colour/tone;
- more serious - potential heart, kidney, and liver damage.
Moreover, according to the skin experts after conducting certain medical research, chemical peels cannot technically reduce pore size or eliminate extremely deep scars or wrinkles.
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If you are not very much aware of the peels or just want to refresh your knowledge, I would like to bring out a summary of basic facts, you may keep as your manual, about the world of peels, which can, besides, be natural and chemical types, and help you understand why natural peels are just as effective as chemical, the differences between them two, various options available, and how to choose the best one for your skin.
Added bonus: Skincare therapist will do all the dirty work for you so that you will save time, energy, and money avoiding unnecessary experiments and trials.
What types of peels are there?
NATURAL PEELS.
Unlike chemical peels that require a visit to a doctor and done by a skincare therapist, natural peels can be bought as a ready product or, prepared at home as a DIY natural peel!
Enzymes are naturally derived active ingredients that have a role of a trigger to start a process of chemical reaction in the human body. They are the most effective inside the body, while on the outside the enzymatic process is evident on the skin in a much lesser extent. Enzyme peel can strengthen the process and make it more powerful, thus reducing the dullness and adding natural glow to the skin. In general, the aim of enzyme peels is to revitalize mature skin and promote the kick in of revitalization process. Also enzymes are good to combat large pores, hence, minimizing the their obvious presence on the skin. Since enzymes are found only natural food, they are widely found in fruits, such as pomegranate, pumpkin, papaya, kiwi, pineapple, figs, avocado, Japanese mushrooms, ginger, also in honey are among these fruits with the highest content of enzymes.
Enzymes are potent but non-abrasive exfoliant for all skin types. They are not as powerful as chemical peels and are perfect for removing only dead cells from the skin, allowing it to glow again. Enzymes work best at body temperature, hence professional therapists never conduct a facial treatment with application of the enzyme peel under steam. They are great to be used once, maximum twice a week, for a session up to half an hour.
HERBAL PEELS
While enzyme peels are great, sometimes they aren’t strong enough to see the results you may be seeking. That’s where an herbal/green peel comes in and plus to that, it has a longer-lasting effect on your skin. It’s stronger than an enzyme peel, yet it’s still a safer option than going the chemical route. A chemical peel, though, will show its result immediately as it is more powerful and effective than natural peel, however using herbal peel you do not need to visit your skincare therapist or a local Beauty salon.
Herbal peel is made of a natural combination of ingredients, such as enzymes vitamins, mineral salts, tannins, proteins and trace elements. No chemicals, synthetic binders, abrasives, or all sorts of artificial ingredients are used. When applied, microparticles from the herbs are absorbed into the skin and remain operative for an extended period of time, which is why the results last so long.
Herbal peel bring glow and radiance back to your look with little downtime and without considerable discomfort. If you’re receiving professional treatment in a Beauty Salon, you may opt (or get recommended to opt) for a lesser-strength peel once a week, however, your maintenance peel, which tends to be stronger in ingredients, should only be performed once a month
ORGANIC CHEMICAL AND ENZYME PEELS
An enzyme peel is technically a form of an organic peel, as it is 100% natural product that you may use at home on a weekly basis. Stronger versions of Organic peels, however, are Chemical peels, as they contain natural ingredients that exfoliate the top skin layer, such as lactic, salicylic, glycolic, and alpha-hydroxy acids. By removing the top old layer, skin is encouraged to reveal fresh, younger-looking, brighter skin layer! Not only that, but chemical peels also improve the skin's colour, clarity, tone, and texture, hence making the skin equal and smooth.
Chemical peels, used in Beauty Salons, as it was said above, are more aggressive, hence more powerful, you can do your own DIY version at home using gentle and natural peeling agents.
Organic peels contain two common acids: alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), plus a professional peel solution would contain additional good elements such as vitamins, hyaluronic acid (for moisture), and various extracts to help target specific skin concerns. Even though both, AHA and BHA sound like purely synthetic substances, both acids are easily sourced from natural ingredients, such as fruits: papaya, lemon, pineapple, apple, grape, and grapefruit. Organic peel won’t contain any GMO ingredients, Gluten, Parabens, Petroleum, Phthalates, Silicones, Sulfates, Urea, Artificial Fragrances, Artificial Colours, Mineral Oils, or potentially cancer-causing ingredients.
Two acids, used in a peel solution as the principle component have their own benefits:
AHAs are mild exfoliating acids such as glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acid. These acids work on the top most layers of the skin to remove dead skin cells, lighten blemishes, clear pores. AHAs have been known to increase blood flow to the skin and stimulate the production of collagen. As we know collagen helps fight fine lines and wrinkles. Hence AHA-based chemical peels are especially effective on the ageing skin.
BHAs are oil-soluble acids, which are more powerful and aggressive type of acids, naturally represented as salicylic acid. BHAs can penetrate oily skin deeper than AHAs, that is why they are powerful in treating blackheads, acne, and problematic skin. As a bonus, BHAs antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can actually help to reduce the frequency of breakouts.
Unlike green peels, you can find several organic peels for home use. There are beauty salons that use professional-strength versions as well. In terms of how the skin reacts (and how frequently you can use the product), it really depends on the strength and ingredient makeup of the peel. Over-the-counter peels are typically safe enough to use once a week for about 15-25 minutes, while professional-grade would need to be determined between you and your skincare therapist.
PEEL PRECAUTIONS
If you wish to do peel treatment at home, it is important to conduct a patch test to see if you are allergic or develop any negative reaction to the product, exactly the same as you would do with a hair colour you are about to apply to your hair. If you do experience excessive redness, skin irritation and / or discomfort, immediately wash the product off your skin. Use a cold, wet washcloth as a compress if necessary. Unfortunately, the peel product you were planning to apply, is a no- no for you. It is always a safer option, though, to have a visit to a Beauty Salon for a professionally conducted one under control of a skincare therapist. Skincare therapist Dana in Richmond is skilled and does peels treatments to her clientele on a regular basis.
POST PEEL CARE
Always follow-up any peel with a decent moisturizer and sunscreen if you’re going outdoors. It’s a good idea to avoid direct sunlight for approximately 72 hours. This is because your skin will be more sensitive and susceptible to burning. Skip the makeup as it can possibly irritate the skin and/or cause an infection. Don’t even think about exfoliating for several days (or more) as you just removed an abundance of dead skin cells. Any form of physical exercise should be avoided for at least 24 hours as body heat can exasperate the results of the peel.
Lastly, if you’re taking any type of medication, speak to your doctor about your peel plans. Some meds can have an adverse reaction to certain ingredients in the formula.
EXERCISE CAUTION
There is a golden rule – if you are not aware of the product and cannot predict the reaction of your skin, better not experiment at home and visit a professional Skincare therapist!
Natural peels are safe to use at home, however, the reaction will be adequately mild. Chemical peels are more aggressive treatments, hence they should be tried by a professional Skincare therapist in a licensed Beauty Salon.
It is always recommended to use natural, safe facial peel products. At Beauty Salon by Dana in Richmond, Aesthetician Dana offers organic face peels by CASMARA, DCL, Hyalual and Dermalogica, all exclusively natural, organic peel products for professional use. Read more about Chemical peels facial in Face section.
For organic chemical and enzyme facial peels in Richmond, 92 Sheen Road, TW9, call Skincare Therapist Dana at 079 17 67 8982 to book an appointment today!
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