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Peel Season Is Upon Us

Posted October 17, 2022 in CHEMICAL PEELS

Written by Candace Zumbach

5 Minute Read:

Fall is finally here! The leaves are changing, mums are covering doorsteps and, yes, I’ve been drinking a pumpkin spice latte daily! My name is Candace Zumbach and I’m the medical aesthetician at Specialists In Plastic Surgery. Located in Raleigh, NC, we are finally experiencing the cooler temperatures that come with the fall season.

With the change in weather, many patients have asked me for the best skin treatments to do in the fall and winter months. My top recommendation for skin treatments during this time of year is…chemical peels! 

Fall is known as “Peel Season” in the beauty industry!  I thought this would be an opportune time to discuss the peels we offer and how they differ from each other. Chemical peels are excellent for facial rejuvenation and each peel we offer targets specific concerns. 

Before and after image showing the results of a chemical peel.
*Actual patient

What Is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels work by applying a chemical solution to the top layer of the skin. This removes dead skin on the surface and improves discoloration, wrinkles, or other imperfections. Chemical peels treat many conditions including: acne, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, and sunspots. 

Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the skin and they come in many concentrations. We offer peels that contain alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid all at varying strength levels.

What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are typically classified into three categories – light, medium and deep. A light peel treats mild skin imperfections on the epidermis. A medium peel smooths lines and fades acne scars that extend beyond the surface. Deep peels are the strongest and they combat discoloration and deep wrinkles. No matter your skin type, there is an appropriate chemical peel to suit your needs!

Chemical Peels Offered at Specialists in Plastic Surgery

  • SkinMedica: Illuminize, Vitalize, or Rejuvenize
  • SkinCeuticals: MicroPeel Sensitive, MicroPeel 20, MicroPeel 30, MicroPeel Plus 30, and the Advanced Corrective Peel
  • ZO Skin Health: Stimulator, 3-Step

Chemical Peel Breakdown – Lightest to Strongest

Illuminize Peel

This gentle SkinMedica Peel is for first-time, chemical peel patients. It’s appropriate for patients who have mild skin imperfections or are looking for brighter, more radiant skin. There is no downtime.

Stimulator Peel

Specifically for dull skin and brightening, this enzyme peel contains AHA and BHA. It reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, acne and pore size and helps fade sunspots. This is great for skin that feels rough or looks dull.

Micro Peel

This non-invasive treatment targets acne, mild scarring, hyper-pigmentation, blackheads, and sun damage. It incorporates both physical and chemical exfoliation and removes dead skin cells.

Micropeel Plus

This peel is more aggressive than other superficial chemical peels. It is a skin savior for acne sufferers and those who have signs of aging due to environmental damage. It uses salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) in concentrations of 20% or 30%. This peel will reveal a healthier complexion, firmer and tighter skin and a more even skin tone.

Vitalize Peel

Targets anti-aging, melasma, sun damage, and acne. It is appropriate for all Fitzpatrick skin types. It contains a proprietary blend of ingredients to help rejuvenate the skin. You will see improvement after one treatment. Optimal results are achieved after a series of treatments.

Advanced Corrective Peel

The Advanced Corrective Peel diminishes the appearance of discoloration and helps smooth the texture of the skin. It refines the appearance of pores to restore a brighter, more even skin tone. Light flaking or “sheet peeling” may occur and can last for 2-6 days depending on the skin type. This is a fantastic option for patients seeking restored radiance to the appearance and texture of their skin.

Rejuvenize Peel

This peel penetrates deep into the surface layers of the skin and begins working almost instantly. It delivers radical exfoliation and exposes fresh, radiant, baby skin. This peel addresses fine lines and wrinkles, acne, textured skin, sun-damage, and acne scars.

3-Step Peel

A revolutionary treatment that targets a multitude of skin concerns. These include melasma, sun damage, aging, uneven texture, and acne. The peel consists of a blend of lactic, salicylic, and trichloroacetic acid. After this peel you’ll notice brighter, more radiant looking skin.

Which Chemical Peel Is Right for Me?

All peels require a complimentary consultation before receiving treatment. This is so I can assess your skin in person and listen to your concerns and goals that you have. From this assessment, I will select the chemical peel that is best suited for your skincare concerns. This will ensure you have the best results possible.

Is there Any downtime After a Chemical Peel?

The healing time depends on the type of peel used during the treatment. Most patients begin to peel 2-4 days after the procedure. Shedding of the skin typically lasts for 3-4 days. You should be able to return to work the same day with light and medium peels. After a deep peel you may choose to take a couple days off work or work from home if you’re able.

Image of a woman's skin peeling after a chemical peel.
*Actual patient during recovery

When Can I Expect Results?

After the healing process your skin will be rejuvenated and, let me tell you, it will be GLOWING! For optimal results, I recommend completing a series of three chemical peels spaced four to six weeks apart.

Risks with Chemical Peels

It is very important to avoid the sun after receiving a chemical peel. I encourage you to be diligent with your sunscreen application. There is always a change for minimal side effects after a chemical peel. These symptoms are redness, itching, stinging, mild swelling, flaking, and peeling. Any irritation usually subsides within a few days after the peel.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation 

Rejuvenate your skin with a facial treatment at Specialists in Plastic Surgery located in Raleigh, NC. Call us today at 919-785-0505 to schedule your complimentary consultation! I look forward to helping you restore your skin’s youthful radiance. 

**Also! We are running a chemical peel special for the month of October that you can learn about here!