Facial peeling is a popular skincare treatment designed to rejuvenate the skin by removing dead cells, promoting new cell growth, and addressing various skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and acne. As part of a regular skincare routine, facial peels can enhance the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance.
This blog post from Sano Studios explores the transformative potential of facial peeling, highlighting its types, benefits, and the importance of professional guidance.
What is a Facial Peel?
A facial peel involves applying a professional-grade product to the skin’s surface, exfoliating dead skin cells, and encouraging regeneration. Professional peels offer deeper exfoliation than at-home treatments, targeting specific concerns like scarring, pigmentation, and signs of ageing. They are particularly effective when integrated into a tailored skincare plan.
Types of Facial Peels
Mechanical Peels
Mechanical exfoliation, often used as a preparatory step for chemical peels, involves physically buffing away dead skin with scrubs or tools. This process smooths the skin’s surface and enhances the efficacy of subsequent treatments.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use active ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to address various skin issues. Types of chemical peels include:
- Enzymatic Peels: Combining AHAs and fruit enzymes, these peels gently exfoliate and promote skin renewal.
- AHAs: Mild acids like lactic acid improve texture and brightness by exfoliating the surface layer.
- BHAs: Salicylic acid penetrates deeper into the pores, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
- TCA Peels: Used for more intensive skin concerns such as deep scarring and wrinkles, these peels require careful professional application.
Benefits of Facial Peeling
Facial peels offer a wide range of benefits:
- Minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Address hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
- Improve skin texture by smoothing rough patches.
- Reduce acne and scarring.
- Promote a more even skin tone.
- Enhance the effectiveness of skincare products by preparing the skin for deeper absorption.
- Stimulate natural collagen production, supporting long-term skin health.
Preparing for a Chemical Peel
To maximise the benefits of a chemical peel, it is essential to prepare your skin:
- Avoid sun exposure, exfoliation, and harsh skincare products for at least seven days before treatment.
- Discontinue retinoids, acne medications, or tanning products within the same timeframe.
- Inform your practitioner of any allergies, medications, or skin sensitivities.
Post-Treatment Care
Following a peel, protecting your skin is crucial to ensuring optimal results.
- Use a high-SPF sunscreen daily.
- Avoid makeup, intense sun exposure, and excessive heat for a few days.
- Refrain from exfoliating or using active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs for three to five days.
Some redness and peeling may occur as the skin regenerates, but this is temporary and part of the process. Visible improvements are typically noticeable within one to two weeks.
Professional vs. At-Home Peels
While at-home peels can be useful for mild exfoliation, professional treatments deliver deeper and more lasting results. Customised to your unique skin concerns, professional peels provide significant improvements and are a valuable addition to any skincare regimen.
Facial peeling remains an effective method for achieving healthy, radiant skin when done correctly and under professional guidance.
