When I was younger, I would look at the models on the covers of magazines and wish more than anything that I had a helmet like theirs. For years, I’ve had hormonal breakouts, headaches, migraines, and fine lines. I would wear full coverage foundation in an attempt to cover my skin care concerns, which made them worse. When I’m not covering my face in makeup, I’m packing a DIY face mask, scrubbing blemishes with zit cream, and applying wrinkle cream wherever I can.
My lack of confidence eventually led me into the world of beauty, where I spent hours researching products that would transform my skin. Although I have found a small number of reliable moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and others, I am not getting the results I want. Because of that, I decided to look into treatments—rather than products—to see if I could reverse the damage to my skin completely, as opposed to just overcoming it.
That’s when I discovered chemical peels. The word itself made me wary, and I didn’t know if I wanted such a strong treatment. However, after struggling with my skin for years, I was willing to do whatever it took to achieve a magazine-worthy look—and I’m so glad I did.
Ahead, learn more about chemical peels and how they can transform skin in a week.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin (usually on the face) to remove the top layer of skin. As Medical Esthetician and Shafer Hospital Lucia Miranda, “Chemical peels provide exfoliation to promote cell turnover, remove dead skin cells, for a brighter, smoother, and even appearance.” Basically, these types of treatments are fine-tuned, targeted and treat wrinkles, discoloration, scars and uneven texture. Peels can range in depth, from light peels where the skin is completely absorbed to deep peels where multiple layers of skin are exposed.
When I got my first bite, I realized it was like a snake shedding its skin. A day after I got the peel, my face shrunk a bit. Two days later, the visible noise was happening around my mouth and on my chin. Three days later, my cheeks and forehead started to itch. On the 4th and 5th day, my mouth and chin were cut. Finally, after seven full days, my whole face was clear and made the skin fresh and bright.
(Note: Although the name itself sounds a little annoying—and the fact that the process literally peels off the skin—chemical peels are not painful at all. applying it, the skin can be soothed.)
My Experience with Chemical Peels
Before we get into it, I want to give you an idea of what my journey with chemical peels has been like. In 2020, I got my first peel. I wanted to look at the redness, acne, and fine lines on my face. I opted for a TCA peel (more on that later), and within two days, my skin had started to peel. After seven days, my skin has completely changed and looks better than it has in years. Dark spots are faded and fine lines are softened. After that, I was changed. I’ve had three chemical peels since then, and each time I’m amazed by the results.
Recently, I got a Glo Skin Beauty chemical peel. The specific type of peel, offered at a dermatologist’s office, is my favorite treatment. For starters, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Six different peels are offered. The type of peel you get depends exactly on your skin, your skin care concerns, and the results you want to achieve. I want to address a few acne scars and general hyperpigmentation. Because of this, it was recommended that I get the Beta-Clarity AHA Clarifying Peel. (This is a picture of my skin one day before the treatment.)
Additionally, just because this is a bee, doesn’t mean you have to do it of course cut However, you will still see the same result. This is my favorite part of the cut since there is almost no downtime. I saw a small glow, but it wasn’t anything the liquid couldn’t cover.
In addition, peels cause all the spots on the surface. I have a zit on my chin, which bee can focus on and look at. Although the zit remains dark for a few days during the treatment, it eventually fades and leaves little sign of hyperpigmentation.
Finally, these peels produce good results. My acne scars are less noticeable, as is hyperpigmentation on my face. This page also helped remove blemishes, making my skin look smoother. I also noticed that the smile lines at the corners of my mouth were smoother. My skin is still a little dry after the peel (especially around my chin), but it’s nothing a little moisturizer can’t fix.
The results I got are so good, I don’t wear foundation or CC cream anymore – which is saying a lot, coming from someone who relies on a full coverage formula.
Answer, answer the question, cut your Chemical
What types of chemical peels are offered?
Four main types of chemical peels are offered at dermatologist offices. There are AHA peels, BHA peels, TCA peels, and phenol peels. AHA and BHA peels are the easiest of the peels. With an AHA or BHA peel, patients can expect lightening. TCA peels, on the other hand, are deep peels, in which patients can expect to completely peel off the surface of their skin. These types of peels are great for anyone with severe hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Finally, Phenol peels are deep peels that patients will need about two weeks of downtime.
No matter what type of cut you get, protecting your skin both during and after treatment is very important. This means always wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher, and limiting your time in the sun. In addition, moisturizes are very important since the skin’s barrier will be weak when it is removed.
Who can benefit from a chemical peel?
Anyone suffering from dark spots, acne, breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture can benefit from getting a chemical peel. Skin care quickly and efficiently removes the top layer of skin to reveal soft, smooth and radiant skin.
Is a chemical peel good for the skin?
In general, yes, chemical peels are good for the skin. “They are useful to address any skin concern and skin type including those looking to find acne, sun spots/melasma, hyperpigmentation, aging skin, and scars,” Miranda explains. It’s worth noting that chemical peels can dry out the skin, so people with dry skin should be careful. However, applying wet clothes can make the skin moist.
What’s wrong with getting a chemical peel?
The downsides of chemical peels are limited. “Peel treatments can cause redness, itching, peeling, and sloughing of the skin for three to seven days after treatment,” Miranda says. However, there is nothing wrong with the process. According to my experience, my skin is always brighter, healthier and smoother than before. I have to say that my skin feels a little tighter after cleansing, so hydration is key.
How long do the results of a chemical peel last?
Chemical peel results last for months. The skin is rejuvenated and revitalized after the treatment. Because the new color of the skin is exposed, it is very important to wear (and reapply!) sunscreen every day. Depending on people’s skin concerns, they can get a chemical peel every three months.
Are chemical peels worth the money?
In my experience, chemical peels are worth every penny. These treatments can focus on changing color, scars, uneven texture, and many other things at the same time. In addition, results can last for months. It’s worth noting that chemical peels can range from $150 to $600+ depending on the treatment you get. Even though they are expensive, they have changed my skin more than any product ever has.
