There’s something about the back-to-school energy of September that gets us thinking about renewal. As the autumn and winter months arrive, we want to feel cosy and fresh, which also applies to our skin. So it’s an ideal time to book in with your skin therapist for a seasonal skin care review.
Known as “peel season”, autumn is the perfect time to rejuvenate your skin with a chemical peel. But why?
Number 1 is sun damage. Traditionally, autumn is a cooler season, with the sun’s rays becoming less intense after the heat of summer. Following a chemical peel, the skin becomes more sensitive to UV light for a short time, so it makes sense to schedule your peel during chillier months.
Once the cooler weather arrives, it’s not long until winter – dare we mention it?! Winter skin suffers from the combo of hot central heating and frosty air, which can lead to uncomfortable dryness, breakouts, irritation, and sensitivity.
We recommend working to get your skin in tip-top condition before facing more challenging conditions, as healthier skin will cope better with these issues and potentially avoid them altogether.
A chemical peel can also improve dry skin by removing the dead skin cells that accumulate, causing the complexion to appear dull. Once they’re gone, not only will you regain your glow, but active ingredients and hydrators are more readily absorbed, so you get all the best benefits from your skin care products.
Now, prepare yourself for the first mention of the festive period! Yep, it’s mere months away. However, if you opt for a chemical peel in advance, your skin will be glowing by the time those invites start rolling in. Think of autumn as the season of pumpkin spice and chemical peels.
WHAT DO CHEMICAL PEELS DO?
Chemical peels are recommended to target wrinkles, discoloured skin, and mild to moderate scarring, typically across the face and neck.
They can be implemented alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as micro-needling, and can be performed at varying depths, ranging from light to intense.
High-strength chemical peels offer more dramatic results, but they also require more downtime and aftercare.
Medium-strength peels target the outer and mid layers of skin to remove damaged, worn-out cells. They’re used to improve the appearance of age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, freckles, and moderate skin discolouration.
Superficial peels such as the ZO Stimulator Peel are perfect for those who want surface-level exfoliation. Although it’s a milder peel, this treatment is great for improving discolouration, sun damage and uneven skin texture, and most clients do not experience peeling or flaking skin after treatment.
We use a range of chemical peels here at Eterno Aesthetics and can recommend the right fit for your complexion and skin goals.
CHEMICAL PEEL FOR AGEING SKIN
Chemical peels improve the appearance of wrinkled skin by using a biological peel solution to remove the outer layer of older skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less creased in appearance.
They reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, correct pigmentation, and boost collagen production for firmer skin. The depth of the peel (light, medium, or deep) varies, impacting the results and recovery time.
CHEMICAL PEEL FOR ACNE
Chemical peels work by helping to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This can help to unclog pores, reducing the severity of acne breakouts. Chemical peels can also help stimulate new cell growth and improve the appearance of acne scars and other blemishes. If you’re considering a chemical peel, it’s important to book a consultation with a dermatologist or skin specialist. They will be able to assess your skin type and the severity of your acne to determine whether a chemical peel is right for you.
CHEMICAL PEEL FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
Melasma is a common condition of hyperpigmentation. The basic mechanism of skin peeling in targeting melasma is the removal of unwanted melanin by causing a controlled chemical reaction. Chemical peels can lighten the skin. Superficial peels are typically suitable for dark skin tones; however, pigment changes can be caused by a chemical peel in those prone to this complication due to their skin type.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BOOK A PEEL?
We recommend 1—2 yearly maintenance peels if you’re not addressing specific skin concerns. While you can choose to book a chemical peel at any time of the year, September—April are the best months for optimum aftercare.
- ARE SKIN PEELS SAFE? Chemical peels are deemed to be safe when they’re performed by a trained medical practitioner who thoroughly assesses your skin to determine the strength and type of skin peel appropriate.
- WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF A SKIN PEEL? Complications and side effects include temporary or permanent changes in skin colour, scarring, and reactivation of cold sores. Still, these are rare when a skin peel is performed by a nurse or doctor-led clinic, and you follow the correct aftercare.
- HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN SUNBATHE AFTER A SKIN PEEL? Sun exposure should be limited before the treatment and avoided immediately after the peel process. When you expose your skin to the sun’s ultraviolet rays soon after a chemical peel, you increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (paradoxical darkening).
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SKIN PEEL CONSULTATION:
You’ll meet with Maddy, our brilliant skin care therapist, for an in-person assessment of your complexion at our Broadfield Road-based skin clinic in Sheffield, near Abbeydale Road and London Road. We’ll discuss the following with you at this consultation …
- The best options for treatment for your skin condition, and the results you’ll likely achieve with each treatment.
- An overview of the advised treatment(s) and analysis of your past medical history.
- Answer any questions you have and invite you back to the clinic if required to see us for a course of treatments.
If you would like to talk to our licensed skin specialists about booking a chemical peel, contact us on 0114 228 8838. We’re here to provide expert advice and a tailored treatment program for your skin, helping you achieve a beautiful, natural-looking glow.
