9 Myths About Chemical Peels Debunked
Chemical peels have gained much popularity over the past couple of years and many have found that these treatments are a great way to keep skin looking youthful, smooth and glowing. However, despite being popular, many myths remain about what these treatments can do, how they work and what’s involved. We’ve decided to present you with the facts about chemical peels, in order to dispel some common myths. At World of Faces we believe that chemical peels are one of the best ways to clear out and refine pores, remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, reduce the signs of ageing and revitalise dull skin.
The way your skin reacts to a peel is dependent on numerous factors. These include - the type of peel, your skin type and tolerance. Before we recommend a chemical peel treatment we will first conduct a skin analysis and depending on the results, our skin aesthetician will advise you on the best treatment for your skin.
Chemical peel treatments vary in strength. Some peels have an extended period of downtime, while others are light and superficial, and your skin may be red and sensitive for a few hours. A superficial skin peel promotes even, controlled and accelerated exfoliation without pain or days of downtime.
Myth # 1: Chemical peels can only be done during the winter months
There are many different types of peels and your skin aesthetician will gladly advise you on which one is best for you skin type. Moreover, light or more superficial skin peels can be done throughout the year, but it is vital that you apply sunscreen daily and avoid spending hours in the sun.
Light peel: 4-6 sessions are recommended to start, thereafter one peel every 3 months is recommended for maintenance.
Medium depth: 1-4 sessions are required, thereafter one peel every 6 months for maintenance
Deep peel: 1 session is required, thereafter 1 peel every 6 months for maintenance.
Myth # 2: All chemical peels are the same
The term chemical peel is a general classification for numerous chemical peel treatments that exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Thus, they are not all the same. Some are stronger and others milder, the type of chemical peel used will vary depending on the results you’re after.
Myth # 3: A lot of downtime is needed
Downtime is the period of recovery that your skin needs post treatment and this is determined by the type and strength of the chemical peel. However, there are a number of peels that require hardly any or no downtime. Recovery time depends on the type and strength of peel you’ve had, but many don’t call for downtime. For example, the Mesopeel Melanoplus tran3x that we offer at World of Faces, requires little to no downtime. It renews the epidermal layers, while increasing thickness and lightening the skin. Or our Stimulator Peel, which is designed to exfoliate the skin by stimulating cellular turnover to improve skin tone, texture and clarity, and there is no downtime, peeling or redness after the treatment.
There are deeper peels such as TCA, this is a self-neutralising, medium-deep combined peel. Indicated for severe ageing (deep wrinkles, lack of skin density, dyschromia’s, and hyperpigmentation’s) and deep acne scars. This is stronger and may leave visible peeling and slight redness. This peel may require between 7-14 days downtime, depending on the intensity of the peel, and may also require that you stay out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time, for up to several months.
Myth # 4: Skin literally “peels off”
Most people seem to believe this to be a hard fact but contrary to popular belief, this is simply not true. No part of your facial skin actually peels off. The process includes a chemical solution which gets applied to the face, what this does, is dissolve the upper layers of the skin. As the tissue is dissolved, the body’s natural healing response is stimulated and new tissue starts to form. This new tissue now has an improved smother texture.
Myth # 5: Chemical peels are unhealthy
More than anything else, the word “chemical” is what perpetuates this myth. We simply can’t associated this word with our skin. However, when this treatment is done by a trusted professional, chemical peels are 100% safe and can be used to improve the health of your skin.
Moreover, not all chemicals are bad. Yes, it a chemical, but so is anything that you purchase from your local chemist, from ibuprofen to hydrogen peroxide. In actuality the active acids in most chemical peels are natural. The three main ingredients are derived from nature; glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane, lactic acid from sour milk and salicylic acid from wintergreen. These products are safe to use as long as all risks and possible contraindications are assessed before the treatment. Also the word "acid" can have negative connotations.
Myth # 6: Chemical peels hurt
During some peels (a TCA for example), the chemicals act as an anaesthetic so pain is minimal. During the milder peels, the only sensation is a slight stinging during the treatment.
Myth # 7: It is only suitable for problem skin
While there are chemical peels that specifically target acne, acne scarring or sun spots, the most popular use of chemical peels is for facial skin rejuvenation, and they’re ideal for anyone who wants to improve their skin.
Chemical peels can be beneficial for most skin types including sensitive skin. These treatments not only treat problem skin but can be preventative as well. The normal rate of skin cell turnover is between 21-28 days. Depending on the amount of damage to our skin, this rate tends to slow down dramatically, usually starting in our late 20's. If you have very mild skin peel treatments done, this will help increase cellular turnover to stimulate healthy cell growth while exfoliating dead cells. Prevention can only occur however, if proper skin care products are used and sun protection measures implemented.
Myth # 8: Anyone can perform a chemical peel
Chemical peels are often performed at spas, but they might not be as knowledgeable or experienced as required and this will probably lead to an undesirable outcome. It is important that skin treatments be performed either by or under the guidance of a board certified physician with the knowledge and know how required to achieve the best results.
Myth # 9: They take a long time
A chemical peel, typically takes about 20 minutes. The skin is cleansed and a chemical solution is applied. The specific amount of time your treatment takes will depend on the type and strength of the peel, but the actual procedure is not usually a lengthy one.
Final word
If you’ve been looking for an effective way to rejuvenate and refresh your skin, going for a chemical peel treatment might just be answer you’ve been looking for. At World of Faces we believe you should love the skin you’re in and what better way to do so than with a glowing flawless complexion. Forget the myths and focus on the facts when deciding whether a chemical peel is right for you.
