Clinical Facial Peels

Stacey Boscoe Zinnanti, Licensed Clinical Aesthetician at BodyLab Med Spa

Why have Clinical Facial Chemical Peels?

Three reasons why to get a chemical facial peel

Chemical peels are highly sought after to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, acne, and other signs of aging and sun damage. There is a good reason for this. Chemical peels with ingredients such as retinol or AHAs like glycolic acid or lactic acid, Salicylic acid (BHA) and Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), are safe treatments with little down time. They are more affordable than many other med spa treatments and can be used safely across a range of skin types.

The Meaning of Chemical Peel

The term “chemical peel” can sound creepy if you have never experienced one. So, it’s important to understand how and why a chemical peel works, how it differs from other treatments, and what the effects might be. The chemical peel starts with the process of removing the top layer of the skin. This process is called exfoliation and encourages normal cell turnover.

Skin Cell Turnover Cycle

Cellular turnover is crucial for maintaining the health and luminosity of the skin. It is a natural process of the body where new cells are formed. These cells are called keratinocytes and are constantly reproduced in the deepest layers of the epidermis. During their short life cycle, they then travel upward through the other layers of the skin. These old cells shed from the skin at the same rate as the new baby cells being made in the deepest layers. In early adulthood, this entire process will take approximately 28 days. But, as we get older, the cellular turnover slows down. This process can take from 40 to 80 days if you’re 50 or older. There are other variables that can contribute to this slowing process such as sun damage, daily stress, and diet.

Unbalanced Old Cells

When the rate of cell turnover becomes unbalanced and the old cells are not sloughing off at the rate they should, your skin can look dull as the old cells accumulate. This hides the younger healthier cells underneath. It can cause the skin to look wrinkled and discolored with lack of tone and elasticity.

Role of the Peel

Skin peeling on chin

How does a peel help with diminishing the signs of aging? Well, when it exfoliates, it breaks down the bonds between the dead cells that accumulate on the outermost layers of the skin and the baby cells underneath. This allows the old dead cells to slough off more efficiently than they do on their own. It also stimulates the natural cell turnover process, allowing the fresher baby cells to rise to the surface more quickly, resulting in less fine lines and wrinkles. This whole process makes the skin plumper with less visible discoloration. It immediately reveals the smoother, brighter complexion below.

These chemical peels work in the epidermis, and they work gradually. They are mainly given in a series to achieve optimal results, with 4 weeks between each treatment. Contact us at BodyLab Med Spa for a complimentary skin consultation.