While many people are interested in getting a chemical peel, there are still a lot of myths floating around about the actual procedure. Skincare-News.com’s latest article, “Chemical Peels: Fact vs. Fiction, Part II” gives readers a detailed explanation about what to expect during the treatment, as well as during the weeks while the skin is recovering. http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=480

1. Many people believe that a chemical peel can burn the skin, but this is actually not true. After getting a peel, the skin will most likely be red or frosty and feel very tight. This doesn’t mean it’s been burned. The first layer has been exfoliated using an acid that eats up dry and dead skin and kills bacteria. Some people experience a slight tingling feeling; others feel as though their skin is stinging. Most estheticians use ice cubes or a cooling mask afterwards to calm the sensation, and the redness and tingling should subside within the next 24 hours.

2. Another misconception is that all chemical peels have a horrible smell. While it isn’t the greatest smell in the world, fragrances should be limited because they can be active irritants, and don’t belong on the skin while someone is having a peel. When chemical peels are applied to the skin, the initial odor smells a lot like rubbing alcohol. Not all peels have a bad smell. There are pumpkin and pomegranate peels, green peels that have a natural smell and some peels that have no smell at all.

3. Interestingly, the skin doesn’t always peel after having a chemical treatment. Skin starts to peel anywhere from three to seven days after treatment. Some people have extremely thick skin and don’t see much actual peeling. Also, low-grade peels like AHA or lactic acid don’t always force the skin to have a peeling effect. Other peels like Jessner’s, Sal Ex or TCA peels have a different effect and skin usually peels pretty heavily.

4. Each type of peel has its own pace. This is why a consultation, home care and a six-month treatment plan should be done before beginning a series of peels. Peels can be done every other week, or only once a month, depending on skin type and the recommended routine.

5. Chemical peels actually cannot be purchased over the counter for at-home use. Only skin care products with 10 percent or less are available to consumers. Chemical peels have high concentrations of acids and should only be handled by professionals. There’s a specific protocol for applying a peel: Skin has to be prepared for the acid and it has to be treated a certain way once the peel is removed. These products are unavailable to consumers because applying a peel is considered a specialty service that only licensed professionals are allowed to do.

Skincare-News.com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe.

Popularity: 41%

Categories: HEALTH & BEAUTY