Get a Facial Peel Ahead of Valentine’s Day?
Facial peels are one of the simplest, safest, and most cost-effective ways to literally peel away dulling old skin layers to reveal fresh, new, smooth skin underneath. Not only do peels make your skin look better, they improve its health by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin.
However, as with any aesthetic treatment that enhances your skin’s rebuilding process, it takes a little time to see your optimal results. Depending on what type of peel you have, you may need to book your treatment weeks in advance of Valentine’s Day.
At Beacon Dermatology, a premier medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology practice in Asheville, North Carolina, our board-certified dermatologist Michael Rains, MD, FAAD offers a variety of facial peels. Following are some options you might consider so you can put your best face forward this Valentine’s Day.
Go deep to resolve scars, damage, and creases
Dr. Rains and our aesthetic team recommend varying strengths of chemical peels based on your needs. If you want to dramatically improve the clarity, texture, and vibrancy of your skin, a deep facial peel is best for you.
As with all chemical peels, a deep peel is composed of special acids. A deep peel uses trichloroacetic or carbolic acid to literally remove dead skin and reveal fresher skin underneath. Directly after application, the surface of your skin turns white as the acid penetrates.
Unlike light and medium peels, a deep peel goes far beneath the surface of the epidermis to penetrate fully into the dermis. A deep peel improves or removes:
- Deep wrinkles
- Deep creases
- Shallow scars, including acne scars
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Precancerous lesions
After your peel, your face will look sunburned and swollen. You may also develop scabs and flakes. You need to follow a strict skin healing protocol for several days in the acute healing phase. This skin healing protocol includes keeping your face moisturized with a protective emollient salve several times a day and avoiding the sun as your skin heals and starts to regenerate itself. Since the healing process takes the longest and is crucial to have an optimal result, make sure you discuss with the Beacon Dermatology staff prior to scheduling a deep chemical peel.
You may return for follow-up visits after your deep peel so we can be sure you’re healing well. This peel takes the longest to heal. You may not see optimal results for several months.
Find a whole new skin with a medium peel
If you don’t want to go through the lengthy healing period required for a deep chemical peel, but still want a dramatic improvement, a medium peel could be right for you. A medium peel consists of modified Jessner’s and/or trichloroacetic acid.
The acid penetrates the epidermis as well as the top layer of the dermis, where it removes damaged cells. Use a medium peel to improve or resolve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Light freckles
- Age spots
- Moderate skin discoloration
- Rough skin
- Actinic keratosis
You may be red-faced and swollen and experience some scabbing for up to two weeks before your fresh, smooth new skin is fully revealed. Book now to be ready by Valentine’s Day.
Treat your skin lightly
If you don’t have severe skin damage and you’d rather not wear a red face during your healing period, a light peel may be the best choice for you. A light peel is sometimes called a “lunchtime peel” because you can have it done during your lunch hour and go straight back to normal activities.
Light peels usually use alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids (AHA/BHA) to remove dead cells and dulling buildup from your epidermis. A light peel improves:
- Texture
- Clarity
- Radiance
Light peels don’t redden your face significantly. Although you may need to wear an emollient directly after your treatment, you can start wearing makeup again by the next day. It takes anywhere from 1-7 days to heal from a light peel. Light peels are safe to have on a regular basis.