Does your skin need a reset after being out in the hot sun all summer? One of our favorite things about fall is that it’s also peel season! Now that the UV index is lower, it’s the perfect time to try a chemical peel at Dandle Spa. For some, a chemical peel is just part of their skincare regimen. If that’s not you, and you’re scared to admit that you’re picturing yourself as a molting lizard, that’s okay! We want to share why we love peels so much and why they don’t have to be scary at ALL.
Basically, a peel is just intense exfoliation. Exfoliation is an important part of a good skincare routine, but you have to do it correctly. Many of us are guilty of scrubbing our faces with a washcloth or using face washes with those exfoliating microbeads. However, we now have research that shows physically exfoliating your face actually damages your skin barrier. Your skin barrier produces important oils that protect your skin and keep it healthy, and scrubbing destroys its delicate balance. Chemical exfoliants are a much better alternative; they work more slowly but also more gently, evenly, and effectively. Solutions with acids and/or enzymes can deeply penetrate the skin and give lasting results that leave you smooth and radiant. Now that you know the basics, let’s unpack why we love our peels so much!
Do I Really Have to Exfoliate?
Before you get into chemical peels, you should definitely be incorporating routine exfoliation. While it’s not necessary like brushing your teeth or washing your hands, exfoliating regularly has many benefits! Most importantly, exfoliation removes dead skin cells to reveal the healthy skin and your glowing complexion underneath! Dead skin can also build up in your pores and cause acne, so exfoliating reduces your chance of breaking out. Another benefit of exfoliation is that it stimulates skin cell growth and elasticity, minimizing the appearance and development of wrinkles. This stimulation of skin cell turnover also evens out your skin tone and texture, including fading sun damage and scarring. Exfoliation allows your skincare to more deeply penetrate your skin, too, which means your products will be more effective! Hopefully you’re starting to see why peels are a big deal to us; they make skincare goals much more attainable!
If this makes you want to try exfoliating, you can easily and safely incorporate it into your routine! This starts with knowing what exfoliant is best for your skin type. Dandle has three options, and there’s more out there, so don’t be afraid to phone a friend (aka us)! For oily or acne-prone skin, formulas with stronger ingredients like salicylic acid (BHA) are best to control oil production. For dry/sensitive skin, try gentler exfoliants like lactic acid (AHA) or enzymes since they’re less likely to cause irritation. Those with normal/combination skin can try a formula with a blend of exfoliating ingredients. Once you’ve picked, slowly introduce the exfoliant to your routine, starting with once or twice a week and building gradually. Our estheticians typically recommend exfoliating 2-4 times a week depending on your skin type. The oilier your skin is, the more often you can exfoliate!
How is a Chemical Peel Different?
A chemical peel is a professional skincare treatment that uses a specially formulated solution stronger than regular over-the-counter exfoliants. Peels are simply strong chemical exfoliants that an esthetician skillfully applies. Chemical peels have similar benefits to regular exfoliation, but they remove the top layer of dead and damaged skin! This reaps those benefits much quicker and maintains them for longer! Peels can also help those with stubborn scarring or sunspots that routine exfoliation may not be able to fade as much. Like routine exfoliation, peels work best when you do them regularly, not just once! However, they should be spaced apart by at least a month or so. Also, the aftercare is strict but absolutely necessary, so you have to be 100% sure before starting the peel journey.
While you can regularly exfoliate at home, an esthetician should do a chemical peel on you in the spa! Your esthetician will begin by assessing your skin and selecting the right peel for your needs. We have one formula that targets skin texture and acne, and another gentler one that targets hyperpigmentation. Your esthetician will cleanse your face then apply a layer of solution. They can apply up to 4 layers of solution, depending on your skin’s reaction and your own comfort level. The peel itself is usually 30-40 minutes and may have a tingling or warming sensation as it works its magic. Your esthetician will make sure to communicate with you throughout the procedure on what they’re doing and how you’re feeling. While relaxation isn’t the priority in a peel, we still want to care for you every step of the way.
What to Expect Afterwards
After a chemical peel, your skin may be pink and feel tight, like a sunburn almost! Over the next few days, you may experience light peeling and flakiness. As I mentioned, aftercare is key for the health of your skin and the efficacy of your peel. Before you leave, your esthetician will explain everything and give you a skincare kit to use for the next week! In the kit is a gentle face cleanser, a soothing moisturizer, and a hydrating sunscreen. We recommend using only these products until your skin returns to normal!
While we do give you a sheet to take home with all the instructions, here are the main things to know. First, avoid sun exposure for the following two weeks. Your skin will be extra sensitive and prone to sun damage. Second, you’ll want to slather that moisturizer all over your face; don’t be shy with it! Just make sure you always apply skincare with clean hands. Third, let your skin peel naturally. This means no picking, no matter how satisfying it may be! Again, your skin will be extra sensitive and delicate, so pulling at it is more likely to result in scarring. Sticking to your aftercare kit with these guidelines will help your peel have the best possible results!
Why We Love Peels at Dandle
We are proud of our chemical peels for several reasons! One is that they come from Image skincare, a company dedicated to using cleaner ingredients while delivering clinical-grade results. Also, we love the esthis behind the peels! One of our estheticians that is a chemical peel wizard is Shannon. She has the most experience with our chemical peels, and her knowledge on them is extensive! She loves helping clients work towards their skincare goals by building them a full skincare regimen, including chemical peels. Shannon has great skill at helping clients both look and feel their best! We are so grateful for her and her dedication to everyone on her table.
Chemical peels are suitable for most skin types, but our estheticians can guide you to the best treatment for you. Whether you're new to peels or a seasoned skincare enthusiast, there's a peel that we can tailor to your needs. We want the best for you and your skin, so there’s no need to be afraid to try something new! Chemical peels are a great tool for your skincare arsenal. If you’re ready to discover the radiant skin you have hidden away, book a chemical peel with us! You can either book online here or give us a call. As always, we can’t wait to serve you.