Peels are immensely popular for a reason – they work!
Chemical peels excel at improving the quality and texture of the skin. They also minimize or remove pigmentation, improve, or eradicate acne, minimize scarring, and lessen fine lines. Special acids like TCA have also been studied and have been proven to help stimulate collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans (natural moisturizers) in the skin.
But just because acids can do some amazing things doesn’t mean that they are a replacement for other types of procedures.
If the skin is lax (loose after weight loss) or the underlying tissues are falling a topical peel isn’t going to replace a necessary surgical procedure.
Basically, if there is excess skin – a surgical procedure is still going to be necessary.
Let’s also keep in mind timing.
Many times, the damages you are looking at on your face took years to get there – maybe an entire lifetime.
Sun damage accumulation and scarring are two big issues.
Knowing that it took such a long time to reach the surface of your skin and become a visible problem – do you think it’s accurate to assume that one or two peels are going to fix that?
I hope you said, “of course not”. Because that is truly your answer.
Your damages run very deep in the skin and it is going to take a peel series—OR TWO—to get those problems addressed. Look at this photo of the layers of skin to get a visual of how deep the issues lie.
Actually seeing how deep pigmentation and other problems go into the skin can be a real eye opener, can’t it?
Understanding the depth acids can penetrate and where the problems lie can help us to get a better idea of how many peels you will need as well as which acids will work best.
Sometimes we need to penetrate a little deeper for big issues.
If we are looking at the ravages of a battle fought with acne over the past 5 years… that is going to take several peels to improve.
You will see great strides all the time – but to get to a satisfactory result, you could be doing peels for a year or more.
No matter how shallow or deep the issues are, never forget that peels are a progression, and a bare minimum of 1 complete series of 6-8 peels will be needed to address them.
So, let’s sum this up.
Realistically, if you are looking to improve fine lines, improve your skin’s tone and texture and even the coloring… peels are a great choice. If you are trying to avoid a surgical procedure … you may end up frustrated.
15 Responses
I have sensitive skin (prone to rosacea) and am unsure what peel to purchase. I have redness, enlarged pores and some brown spots. Please advise on how to proceed.
Hello Marie thanks for your patience. We answered your question on our live event last Thursday. Check it out here and look for your time-stamped question at 4:59: https://peeluniversity.com/live-qa-september-9th-2021/
Hello,this is Rosalie Rodriguez, I have mellasma,I try your chemical peel# 13 before and maybe I need a stronger peel,,PLEASE CAN YOU SEND A LINK,WHAT YOU SUGGEST FOR ME TO USE,WHAT I HAVE TO DO BEFORE MY PEELING,PLEASE I WANT MY FACE TO LOOK BETTER, THANK YOU VERY MUCH,,,,ROSALIE FROM NYC.
Hello. Remember that peels are NOT a 1x event. You will continue with your peels and do a series of 1x a month for 6-8 months. Melasma is tricky and will always be something you are fighting. SPF 50 every single day and retinol .20 at night. Try Jessners alone – or with the TCA 13 peel. Watch our video on using both together.
Jessners is an excellent option for really problematic melasma. Fade Bright daily and Fusion A at night.
I use jessner peel & tca 15 my skin It starts to peel but when my face is finished peeling I start to have red and dark spot around my chain and my cheek area.
Many people are more aggressive to certain areas of their faces on a daily basis. Cheeks, chin and forehead are always Scrubbed Harder usually when the face is being washed for example. Try to be a bit more gentle when you know you are going to be doing a peel in the next week. Another thought for you is to do 1 or 2 LESS layers to those areas knowing that you are more aggressive usually and they are thinner.
I got a great peel on my hands with a TCA-Not my first peel- I use the peel all over than I spot treat- I know it will take some time- For now I like the results I’m seeing. I’m using a Retinol with this product.
TCA is an excellent choice for the hands. We have a body peel example in this University.
when is the best time of year for chemical peels? should I wait till the summer is over?
is it harmful to spend time in the sun, after a peel even with sunscreen?
Hello. There is not a “good” time of year for peels. Many of our customers live in the sun and heat all year long. They use appropriate coverage such as; SPF 50 and a large brim hat to shade your face.
Many love to use Fall time as peel season because they know they will be out of the direct sun (sun bathing, boating … ) and can really focus on their skin’s benefits.
Do I need high octane or can I use cosrx vit c? Also la Rochay cleanser or do I need 3 in 1 cleanser? Thank you kindly
We want you to use a daily acid to help exfoliate the excess dead skin. You can choose one of our cleansers certainly – or if your current cleanser has at least 5% acid you should be fine. 🙂 Your choice.
Haven’t started 2 week prep so cleanser acidic 5.5 and vitamin c what else do I need ? Thank you
We want you to be on a great regimen consisting of: Acid cleanser (or toner or serum), an Antioxidant, Moisturizer, SPF 50 and a retinoid. If you are already ON these – you are ready to go!
IF you are prone to PIh, have pigmentation you are wanting to target, or are fitzpatrick 4-6, please also use a melanin inhibitor for 4 weeks prior. Our Fade Bright is a great option and Hydroquinone is another excellent choice.