It seems to me that the public has a ton of and is bombarded with information on chemical peels. However, from a trained aesthetician listening to clients, there is a lot of misconception – because you are getting it from Dermatologist, Plastic Surgeons, Medi-spas and the internet. Let’s break it down. Peels are exfoliants. Plain and simple. Scrubs are exfoliants. Scrubs are physical; peels are chemical. There you have it. Ok, that’s not quite enough info. Chemical peels are rated based on the pH level and range from light, to medium, to deep. Oh, and they also range in price from aesthetician to doctor (i.e., reasonably priced to expensive). The real question comes down to, “What do I need?”
Light Peel($$): Light peels are offered by aestheticians everywhere. Facials may or may not include a peel. Some basic facials only use a scrub with no chemical peel. If there is a chemical peel involved, there is still a range in strength. Ask the aesthetician specifics about peeling expectations. Light peels are a basic exfoliant. Some clients will experience no visible peeling; some may have some flaking. You shouldn’t see a “peeling” effect. Recommended for anyone every 4 to 6 weeks at your local, favorite spa (Lasting Looks!). Both relaxing and beneficial. No down time, but keep free of makeup for 24 hours.
Medium Peel($$$): Also can be administered by an aesthetician without a doctor’s supervision. These range in effect – some can get very much into “peeling” results of the epidermal layer of skin. These can be very strong enzyme peels or TCA and Jessner peels. The stronger effect is needed to affect/correct fine lines, sun damage and light acne scarring. Recommended once every 9 to 12 months, depending on skin condition. And here’s my beef: You do not need to pay outrageous physician prices to get medium peels! Some brand names are only offered by physicians, but you will pay for that brand name when it is the SAME CHEMICAL used by your aesthetician. Find an experienced aesthetician that you trust. Continue with regular light peel facials to maintain and prolong results. Be sure your spa choice insists on aftercare products for your best results and healing. About 5 to 7 days down time.
Deep Peels($$$$): Only administered by a doctor. Doctors use a combination of chemicals and physical scrapping to remove the entire epidermis and into the dermal layer of skin. Pink doesn’t describe it. RED. Lots of peeling. Topical anesthesia required. Painful. Recommended once every 3 to 5 years for deep wrinkles, deep sun damage, deep acne scarring. (Ice pick scarring requires surgery.) These can provide some very good results – but clearly NOT necessary for most skin conditions. Proceed with caution with a reputable doctor – I’d go to a plastic surgeon over a dermatologist. Up to a month down time.
Big Note: The above reflects the state regulations for Delaware. Some states do not allow aestheticians to perform medium peels. Be sure your spa is in compliance with state regulations.