If brighter, fresher, flawless skin is your goal, a chemical peel might just be for you. We sat down with La Suite Founder and Expert Aesthetician Rhea Souhleris Grous to learn all about one of our most requested treatments, Chemical Peels. Read on to learn about what they are, who should get them, recovery time, and our newest must-have treatment for summer, The Illuminating Summer Peel.

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that improves the appearance of skin. It consists of a solution designed to penetrate into the epidermis, remove the upper layers of dead and damaged skin, and encourage skin cell regeneration.

A chemical peel’s efficacy relies on the specific acids contained and the strength depends on the pH AND percentage of the solution. 

Typical ingredients are AHA’s such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid. Other acids such as BHA (aka salicylic acid) and TCA (aka Trichloroacetic acid) are very effective. These ingredients, along with other actives, can be cocktailed together for maximum efficacy.

WHAT SKIN TYPES CAN GET A CHEMICAL PEEL?

All skin types can benefit from chemical peels and there are peels for every skin type and condition. For example, sensitive rosacea conditions can benefit from peels as well. While peels and rosacea may seem counterintuitive, aestheticians can actually strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and reduce inflammation by using gentle specific acids and alternating strengths.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GETTING A CHEMICAL PEEL?

Chemical peels can gently (or aggressively) address skin concerns ranging from pigment changes, mild sun damage, texture, fine lines and wrinkles to acne and more. A chemical peel stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, which is essential for healthy, beautiful skin. It also turbo-charges your skincare routine by removing the dead cells, allowing for a more efficient product penetration.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHEMICAL PEELS?

Yes. Just as each client has unique skin conditions, there are a variety of chemical peels available to address them. Chemical peels can vary depending on which acids are used, their strength, pH, and length of time on the skin, to achieve the specific goals of the treatment. For example, lactic acid peels strengthen the skin's natural moisture factor so they are perfect for dehydrated skin or colder, drier weather. Salicylic acid is an oil soluble acid that helps regulate sebum production, reduce harmful bacteria while exfoliating the surface and the pores, therefore ideal for oily skin types.  

“Fun fact, all acids help with exfoliating, brightening of the skin, and stimulating healthy collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production.”

WHAT IS THE PROCESS, STEP BY STEP, OF GETTING A CHEMICAL PEEL?

This treatment starts with a thorough cleansing of the skin, followed by de-greasing the skin to ensure an even application and then occluding tender areas, such as lips/corners of the mouth, around the eyes, corners of the nose, corners of the ear lobes.

The time on the skin depends on the choice and the depth of the peel.

Typically, a light chemical peel consists of the solution applied and left on the skin for a short amount of time and then neutralized.

After a peel it is important to moisturize the skin and finish with an SPF.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER?

Recovery will depend on the type, strength, and goal of the specific chemical peel. Lighter peels have zero downtime without any significant peeling, however, can sometimes cause some flaking. More intense peels can involve some skin shedding and visible peeling for up to 5-7 days. Wearing sunscreen daily is a post-peel must.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET CHEMICAL PEELS? HOW MANY SHOULD YOU DO TO GET RESULTS?

Frequency is determined by your skin care professional and is based on the strength of acid used for the individual’s skin conditions and goals. A single treatment will visibly improve moderate hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles and rough skin texture.  

Lighter peels (many times referred to as infusions) can cause some flaking (or not), and can be performed as close as 1-2 weeks apart. For best results, if targeting a specific skin issue, 3-6 visits a week apart will do the trick.  

Medium to deep peels that cause shedding (in sheets) should be a month apart allowing the skin to recover.    

HOW DOES A CHEMICAL PEEL COMPARE TO OTHER EXFOLIATING PROCEDURES LIKE MICRODERMABRASION?

The key difference between chemical peels and microdermabrasion is the method of exfoliating the skin. Chemical peels use an application of an acid solution to exfoliate via penetration whereas microdermabrasion uses a mechanical process to exfoliate and has no penetration power.

A chemical peel is a chemical exfoliation in which acids do the work of removing dead skin cells as well as delivering specific benefits like brightening or hydrating, depending on the goals of the treatment.

Microdermabrasion is a form of physical exfoliation in which the skin is mechanically exfoliated to remove dead skin cells. 

A seasoned skincare professional can combine these treatments and produce beautiful results.   

MEET THE ILLUMINATING SUMMER PEEL:

Our newest treatment for megawatt brightening and staving off sun damage.

What it is:

Brighten your complexion and keep summer sun damage at bay. This 30-minute, no downtime treatment combines 2 Peels to brighten and hydrate and 2 high-tech modalities for maximum efficacy.

Results:

• After 1 treatment, skin will look brighter, more luminous, and glowing. 
• A series of 6 targets hyperpigmentation and visibly evens the skin tone for more radiant, youthful skin. 

How Often:

• For best results, book a series of 6 treatments, 1-2 weeks apart. 

What to Expect:

• No downtime, peeling, or skin shedding; only brighter, illuminated skin. 

BEFORE AND AFTER INSTRUCTIONS

Before:

• Do not use Retinol for 24 hours prior to your appointment.

After:

• Do not use Retinol for 24 hours after your appointment.
• Wear a physical SPF 30+ every day. Avoid direct sun exposure. Wear a chic hat.

AT HOME CARE

Daily: 

• 20% Active Vitamin C Serum - daily brightening and antioxidant protection
• Niacinamide Hydrating Cream - daily brightening and hydration
• SPF - for daily UV protection - a post-Peel must
• Retinol Serum - the powerhouse behind your whole routine, use as directed by your skincare professional

Weekly: 

• Illuminating Peel Pads - use weekly in between appointments to enhance results

Illuminating Summer Peel Series:

• 6 Illuminating Summer Peels
• Illuminating Peel Pads at-home maintenance
• Sheer Physical SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen

BOOK NOW

Questions about chemical peels? We’re here to help. Please call us on 203-861-7663.