Chemical peels: Are they worth the hype? Which should you pick?

Chemical peels: Are they worth the hype? Which should you pick?

  • By Romita Mazumdar
Which type of chemical peel is best for your skin? Read this detailed guide on everything there is to prepare yourself for your next chemical peeling session.

Are you on the road to clearer and brighter-looking skin? Then you need to know about chemical peels and incorporate them into your skincare routine. The secret to beautiful skin is taking care of it. And with time, chemical peels have been proven effective in revealing a glowing and fresh complexion. Keep on scrolling to know about this amazing discovery!

What are chemical peels?

If you’ve heard this buzzword ‘chemical peels’ around lately and are wondering what this does to your skin, we’ve got you covered. A chemical peel is a solution that contains different types of chemical agents that draws out dead and unwanted skin cells from your skin. It is great to exfoliate away weathered layers of dead and damaged skin cells to reveal fresh, glowy skin. The term chemical peel might seem spooky, but when done correctly either by a dermatologist or at home, can really transform your skin.

What do chemical peels do for your skin?

Several people vouch for chemical peels as their secret to glowing, radiant skin. But what does chemical peels exactly do to your skin? Let’s find out.

  • Improves complexion & overall skin texture

Chemical peels on the uppermost as well as the innermost layer of your skin. This takes away all the damaged skin cells and flakiness and improves the overall skin texture.

  • Brightens your skin & lighten pigmented areas

Chemical peels have a strong concentration of exfoliating acids that work on skin discolouration and dark spots. This allows the pigmented areas to get back to their natural colour.

  • Smooths & softens rough skin

The top layer that consists of dead and damaged skin cells is removed with the help of chemical peels. This reveals fresh, baby-soft skin which makes any product applied to it work better.

  • Clarifies the skin & prevents acne

Chemical peels that consist of exfoliating acids such as BHA are great for acne-prone skin. They penetrate deeper into the skin, unclogs pores, and clarify the skin.

Different types of chemical peels

1.Light peels

Light or superficial peels target the topmost/outermost layer of your skin known as the Stratum corneum. They incorporate within them very mild acids that are perfect for beginners or even sensitive skin types. These are great as a refresher that requires little to no downtime.

2.Medium peels

Medium peels, as the name suggests, target the middle part of the skin. These are much more effective for removing damaged skin cells than light peels. Since these peels use lower pH to reach deep into the skin, they are not recommended for first-timers. You may expect peeling for 3-6 days so it’s advisable to not expose yourself to the sun.

3.Deep peels

Deep peels are very intense and they penetrate the deepest layer of your skin. These peels are targeted to treat serious skin issues and conditions. These are only to be done by professionals and experts. They have the longest downtime of more than 7 days.

How to pick the right chemical peel for your skin

With different varieties of chemical peels available to you, it can get difficult to pick the right one for your skin. A chemical peel should be chosen based on your skin type, concern, and tolerance level. This is how to get started:

Lactic peel

If you have a sensitive/dry skin type with little acid tolerance level, go for a lactic acid peel. This is a light peel that is perfect for skin concerns such as light acne scars and hyperpigmentation.

Mandelic peel

If you have zero acid tolerance level and want to target fine lines and wrinkles, the mandelic acid peel is for you. It is one of the most gentle peels.

Glycolic peel

Glycolic peel is a medium peel targeted to work on acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and PIH for those who have some acid tolerance level. It is a popular treatment for sun damage as well.

Salicylic peel

If you suffer from acne and clogged pores, the salicylic acid peel is perfect for you. It is a medium peel that goes deep into the skin and fights acne-causing bacteria.

TCA peel

One of the most intense and deep peels that work on dark spots, freckles, uneven skin tone, and discoloration is TCA or Trichloroacetic peel. You will experience discomfort if you’ve had TCA peel so aftercare is extremely important.

Some after-care tips

No matter what type of chemical peel you’ve had, here are a few things you must follow to not ruin your skin:

  • Repair your skin barrier like no one’s business

Since you have just exfoliated your skin and the top layer of skin cells is removed, it is important to recover it. The healing process is increased if you use fewer products, focusing more on skin protection. Hence, a barrier repair moisturizer with ingredients such as Ceramides is the right choice. Our Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer is just the thing you need. It is a lightweight, non-comedogenic cream that locks in moisture and reduces dryness or irritation.

  • Use sunscreen now, more than ever

After chemical peeling, your skin is more prone to sun damage. This is why a broad-spectrum sunscreen like our Cover Up Sunscreen with an SPF of more than 50 has to be applied even if you stay indoors. If you go out, reapply it every 2 hours. However, we recommend avoiding sun exposure as much as possible.

  • Don’t over-exfoliate

Patience is key when it comes to aftercare for your skin after chemical peeling. Do not go overboard and use harsh scrubs or other acids. All you need is a simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting.

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