[By Sarah Ooi]

Chemical facial peeling is a non-invasive and gentle way of removing the damaged outer layers of the skin that is easy on the pocket and big on returns. It can be used on any area of the body, the most common being the face, back, décolletage and hands. A series of professional chemical peels done properly can be your answer to glowing skin, effectively slowing down the aging process by removing the damaged outer layers of skin to allow the healthier skin cells beneath to come through. To ensure you have your best chemical peel experience possible if you’re a novice to one of the savviest beauty investment ever, here’s a rundown of the do’s and don’ts of chemical peels you ought to know, to guide you in your quest for radiant, youthful looking skin without a glitch.

Don’t try to do it yourself

Do consult a qualified professional

It’s not a “one size fits all” situation when it comes to chemical peeling. A formulation that works remarkably well for someone might turn out to be a nightmare if it doesn’t match up to your skin type and needs. This is not something you want to second guess or leave to chance as there are some serious repercussions to chemical peels gone wrong. If an incorrect formula is used for the peel, permanent scarring can result from serious chemical burns. You should seek the advice a qualified skin care professional to find a gentle and effective chemical peel that is right for your skin.Tailored individually to suit your particular skin type, color and needs, a singular or blend of AHAs and BHAs can be employed to return your peau to its soft, supple state. You’ll begin to see improvements after just one session, but a series of treatments will lead to more significant and visible changes to the appearance of your skin.

In the hands of a skilled physician, professional customized face peels are cost effective, minimally invasive beauty treats with a slew of skin benefits

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Do discuss the anticipated healing process

Don’t assume it’s the same for all

There are 3 basic types of chemical peels, ranging from light, medium to deep. How much skin they remove and how deep they penetrate will depend on the type of chemical peel used, its strength and how long it’s allowed to sit on the skin.

“The percentage of a peel just indicates how much of the peeling agent is contained in the peel and is not entirely indicative of its strength.” Explains Dr. Toby Hui, senior medical consultant from the SW1 Clinic, a one stop destination for medical spa, cosmetics dermatology and cutting edge aesthetics surgery. “For example, a 30% glycolic acid peel has more glycolic acid and is stronger than a 25% glycolic acid peel, but is way weaker compared to a 25% TCA or trichloroacetic acid peel.”

What matters most is the PH level as this indicates how deep the peel will penetrate into your skin, and how much skin irritation is expected. Bear in mind that the lower the PH, the deeper the peel. To sum it up, chemical peels work best by striking a fine balance between harvesting the goodness and keeping the untoward side effects in check.

For the uninitiated or those with sensitive skins, you can’t go wrong with lactic acid aka milk acids. If it’s good enough for the legendary Egyptian diva to bring not one but two Roman boys to the yard, one shouldn’t underestimate the prowess of this simple treatment. The Milk Peel utilizes an ultrasonic peeling system on top of the gentler lactic acid formulations to brighten dull, sallow skins and lighten surface pigmentation and blemishes for cleaner and clearer complexions. For something a little stronger yet packin’ a whole lot more oomph, the Glamour Peel is an understated treatment that’s true to its namesake, playing the role of a celebrity stylish as a fuss-free 6 in 1 weekend peel that brings forth a red carpet difference. Aimed to add glow and sparkle to lackluster complexions, it uses not one, but a combination of three different types of pharmaceutical grade fruit acids that have been carefully selected to deliver a quick all-round complexion improvement. By effectively getting rid of dead skin cells and replenishing essential antioxidants into your skin, this star-worthy treatment addresses six key skin concerns for a thorough perk-me-up at one go without the downtime of deeper peels.

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Do avoid the sun

Don’t forget your sunscreen always

A chemical peel takes off most of the topmost layer of the skin for deeper exfoliation to promote effective skin rejuvenation. As the skin beneath is more delicate, it is going to be pretty sensitive. It’s important to shield your post-peel from the sun for the first two weeks after a peel, and even avoid direct and prolonged contact with it. Continue to use a broad spectrum sunscreen religiously on a daily basis to avoid the risk of developing blotchy patches and irregular skin tone during the healing phase.

Don’t scratch or pick

Do moisturize adequately and avoid makeup

We know this might be tempting, but you’ll have to refrain. Not everyone will experience this but for some, even light chemical peels cause a slight peeling of the skin for a few days after treatment. This flaking is the dead, damaged, and dying skin cells reacting to the peel, falling away to reveal fresh skin underneath. It’s important not to give in to the urge to pick, rub, or scratch at this shedding skin. You may negatively affect your results and increase the chance of infection. A cold compress will help alleviate these itches, but otherwise we’d strongly advise against picking.

As the skin is expected to react to the peel by drying out and flaking, it’s important to give it a little extra moisture to keep it well hydrated and adequately protected. Make sure you choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid clogged pores and possible breakout as the skin heals. The SW1 SKIN DRINK Softening & Replenishing Serum is an all-rounder moisturizer that’s an ideal candidate, a 100% natural, preservative-free serum harnessed from pure naturally-sourced olives that soothes and protects sensitive skins. Olive oil can nourish, hydrate and rejuvenate, protecting skin with its abundant stores of vitamin E, vitamin A, polyphenols and phytosterols. Unlike most oils which can clog pores and lead to comedones formation or acne breakout, olive oil penetrates deeply into the skin without creating any blockages. SKIN DRINK not only saturates skin with intense hydration but also protects it from free radicals and repairs initial signs of ageing, working in overdrive while you nurse your post-peel skin back to health. Delivering vitamins and essential minerals to boost dullness to a healthy glow with its remarkable moisturizing properties and yet remains defiantly non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, SKIN DRINK deftly balances skin’s pH as a must-have in your post-peel skincare regime, to ensure that you get to enjoy the full repertoire of benefits that your chemical peel promises.

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