Is Chemical Exfoliation Right For You?

Exfoliation is important for everyone!

Shedding our skin (cell renewal) to reveal new skin is a natural part of growth for all living things. After personally struggling with acne most of my life, I learned a lot about what did not work for me, and found a few things that did. For people like me with acneic skin that is also hyper sensitive, chemical exfoliation can work wonders. Don’t let the commonly used term “Chemical Peel” scare you, I know the idea of your face peeling off sounds gross and scary. That is not what I am talking about. Sometimes chemical exfoliation means a peel, but it can also refer to an enzyme treatment, and many cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers contain chemical exfoliants. Most chemical peels and enzymes cause an internal sloughing off of skin, which means you don’t even see the skin falling off or notice anything during the process other then dry skin for a few days. You skin is always shedding on its own every day, the rate at which it renews is known as cell renewal factor. Just like you breathe without even thinking about it, your skin is constantly renewing itself. Chemical Exfoliation simply speeds up this process, and usually without pain or discomfort. As we age our skin naturally renews less frequently, that is why as we age we notice more fine lines, or dull looking skin, and sometimes hormonal acne that may just be starting in our 30’s. 

The below chart shows the frequency of the skins cell renewal factor based on age:

Because our skin renews less frequently on its own as we age it’s extremely important for us to help it along by manually exfoliating our skin, and I do not mean with those harsh drug store scrubs with walnuts and apricots (I'm not saying any names, but you know who you are and what im talking about, run don’t walk away from those products!)

Although the term “Chemical Peel” makes it sound a bit harsh, chemical forms of exfoliation are actually way more gentler than their “scrub” or “mechanical” exfoliation counterparts. Chemical Peels actually contain very little to no chemicals, and are mostly made up of natural enzymes and acids derived from fruits and vegetables. Many are Gluten free and vegan (but not all). 

Some commonly used chemical peeling ingredients are outlined on the below chart:

Is peeling right for you? If you have any of the following skin concerns, chemical peeling might be worth exploring:

1. Acne
2. Acne Scarring
3. Hyperpigmentation
4. Fine Lines and wrinkles
5. Dry Skin
6. Dull Skin
7. Blackheads
8. Oily Skin
9. Sun Damage
10. Scars

However, chemical exfoliation is contraindicated for some people. If you are experiencing any of the following, you will not be able to chemical peel:

1. Pregnancy
2. Use of certain medications
3. Sunburn
4. History of cold sores
5. Rosacea (although you cannot do a peel, some enzymes are safe for persons with rosacea)
6. Keloid Scarring

The process of a chemical peeling treatment at Old Mechanicsville Health Spa includes, a cleansing of the face, followed by peel prep, then peel, application of rescue mask to soothe, followed by aloe toner to restore skin’s PH, calming serum, moisturizer application, sunscreen protection.

An Enzyme treatment can be added to any facial for only $10, and a chemical peel is performed as a stand alone service or as a series of 6 starting at $200.

I personally do a series of 6 chemical peels, 2 weeks apart once per year to keep my skin youthful and glowy. Email me if your ready to come up with a long term plan for living in and loving your best skin. Brandi@OldMechanicsvilleHealthSpa.com

With Love, Brandi

P.S Click here to check out our online shop! As a special thanks for reading my blog, use code BLOG for 15% off your online product purchase!

P.S. Check out our online store here! As a special thanks for reading my blog, use code BLOG for 15% off your online product purchase!