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During a daily conversation with my cousin, she stumped me with the question, “Guess what I did today?” Being that we are both stay-at-home-moms, the possibilities of answers were endless.
Ten minutes of quiet time? The luxury of eating a warm meal? A morning shower? After several wrong guesses, she finally told me. It was a chemical peel.
I had to hear more about her experience. I was scared to death of anything that had “chemical” and “peel” in the same sentence, especially if it had something to do with my face. Here is an inside look of what you could experience if you are considering this type of treatment.
I would like to mention that this is one women's experience and each person's skin can have different levels of skin sensitivity. Others may have different experiences. This is only one story.
It was different than the expectation in the sense that it was not the relaxation and pampering that you experience during a facial in a spa. It was not unpleasant, just purely clinical. This treatment was done in a medical clinic setting. There were no fluffy robes, no bubbling fountains and no peaceful music but the application was easy.
The skin is washed with a gentle cleanser before the initial application. Next, a sponge-type brush was used to apply the solution that felt like the consistency of a serum. It was applied all over the face, avoiding only the eye area. There were three layers of the solution that were applied on top of one another.
It was not washed off or removed. It dissolved into the skin and began to do its thing. As it was being applied, there was a warm and tingling feeling when the skin began to feel the effects of the chemical peel.
Upon leaving, the skin felt clean and firm. The appearance of the skin was pinkish where the solution had been applied and the complexion and skin tone looked even.
Four hours later, the skin still felt clean and firm and remained pinkish in color as the skin cells began to regenerate. Sunscreen and moisturizer was recommended for the next few days since the new skin cells could be sensitive. Only mild cleansing was suggested, along with plenty of moisturizer for the next couple of day as well.
Within two days, the dry and dead skin could begin to flake off. The true results of brighter and more vibrant skin could be expected within a week.
My cousin was pleased with the experience but I think her skin already looked great. Aren’t we always our own worst critic? I think if she is happy with the results, that is what matters most.
Edited by Jody Smith
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I can understand your cousins interest in this procedure. I have an annual peel, performed by a doctor, to maintain the clarity of my complexion (I have suffered from mild adult acne for years). It sounds to me like her procedure was a 'low level' peel that wouldn't cause too much disruption to her everyday life. To me this seems like a good option as the peels I have make me look pretty shocking for a few days - the total down time is a week but the results are stunning (people comment on the improvement and I love knowing that my peel has had such a dramatic effect at improving my skin). I love returning to work after my 'holiday' peel!
January 19, 2012 - 5:37pmFrom experience I would recommend the stronger procedure I have be performed by a doctor/dermatologist, perhaps the type who runs a medi-spa, so that you know your face is in safe hands (I'm a teacher so I can't risk making a real mess of my face). It should also be noted that you must treat your skin really carefully after the procedure (no pulling off the dead skin) and apply LOTS of sunscreen after (and for good if you want to stay young looking). So, yes, it's not for the feint hearted but trust me 'chemical' and 'peel' are not to be feared if you choose the clinic you attend carefully. I reckon word of mouth is the best way to choose. Ask your friends and you may just be surprised how many have had a peel.
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