‘Tis the season! The chemical peel season, that is.
Now is the right time to treat your skin to a little something special: a chemical peel. Because right now, it’s chemical peel season. Local Profile spoke with Woodhouse Spa Services Spa Coordinator Erica Thomas about chemical peel season, which for most people runs during the fall and winter.
What Is Chemical Peel Season
The best time of year for chemical peels depends on your skin type, the type of peel and your local climate, but typically, the colder months are considered ideal for chemical peels.
“Fall and winter are considered the best times considering its cooler and less direct sunlight,” said Thomas. “Spring is good as well, however clients would need to be careful about the increase of sun exposure.”
During the summer season, guests should be diligent about using sunscreen and appropriate protective gear. This time of year is generally not ideal for skin peels.
What To Expect
Before the peel, you'll have a consultation to choose the best peel for your skin type and get instructions to prepare. These might include avoiding sun exposure, stopping certain skincare products like retinoids or exfoliating acids a few days before and skipping waxing or hair removal on the treated area. Your skin will be cleaned and prepped before the peel begins.
During the treatment:
- A chemical solution is applied to the skin in passes, lasting about 10–20 minutes. You may feel tingling or itching, and your skin will then be neutralized with a solution.
- A soothing mask is then applied. Your skin may look slightly red or feel like a mild sunburn, which usually fades within a few hours to a day. Tightness or dryness in the treated area is normal and will improve as your skin adjusts.
- For lighter peels, visible peeling may not start immediately but could appear as light flaking within a few days.
- Common products used for peels are a cleanser, peel, cooling/calming mask, hydrating serum, moisturizer and SPF.
“A first-time chemical peel is simple and usually causes mild to moderate discomfort during and right after the treatment,” Thompson said. “The most important part is following aftercare instructions carefully to get the best results and minimize the risk of side effects."
What To Ask For
In winter, Thompson recommends gentle peels like glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid, which are great for most skin types, while medium peels like TCA or Jessner’s can help with deeper concerns. Make sure to keep your skin well-hydrated during this season. Glycolic or lactic acid peels are ideal for dry, flaky skin, as they exfoliate and add moisture. Salicylic acid peels can clear congestion and prevent breakouts. For sun damage or fine lines, TCA or Jessner’s peels are more effective, and winter is the perfect time for these deeper treatments.
Benefits Of Peels
- Smoother Skin: Chemical peels remove dead skin cells and promote new cell turnover, leading to a smoother, more refined skin texture.
- Even Skin Tone: Regular exfoliation helps to fade hyperpigmentation, sun spots, melasma and acne scars, leaving the skin with a more even tone.
- Reduced Acne and Pore Size: Many chemical peels help to clear clogged pores and reduce acne, resulting in fewer breakouts and smaller-looking pores.
- Youthful Appearance: By stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture, chemical peels can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging, contributing to a more youthful look.
- Brighter Complexion: Peels remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh skin, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion.
- Improved Skin Health: By speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process, chemical peels can keep skin healthy, preventing the buildup of dead skin cells that can lead to dullness, acne and uneven texture.
Other Popular Services This Time Of Year
Why stop here? Your skin does many things for you every day, so a little extra pampering may be necessary. Other facial services recommended for this time of year are hydrafacial, glacial gloss/glide and microdermabrasion.
To see the best results, Thompson recommends a peel 4-6 weeks after previous treatment.
To learn more about chemical peels or other spa services, click here.
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