The Science of Chemical Peels
AlumierMD Chemical Peels cause controlled damage into the epidermis (top layer of the skin) or dermis to help stimulate new tissue to boost your natural collagen elastin & improve overall skin texture and firmness, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Peels also even out skin tone, improve acne-prone skin and reduce pore size appearance.
When peels are performed regularly, the skin gets used to this process and begins to rejuvenate itself like younger skin. To be sure that the body doesn’t react to this deep exfoliation as it would to trauma, which can lead to pigment changes, exfoliation must be introduced gradually giving the skin time to adjust.
Our peels range from gentle – hydrating to more aggressive helping treat melasma, hyperpigmentation and acne. Our peels are suitable for all skin types even the most sensitive.
For best results we recommend a minimum of 6 sessions – 4 weeks apart.
What can I expect during my chemical peel treatment process?
"At your consultation visit or virtual consultation we will discuss what results you would like to see and provide treatment options to give you the best results. At the treatment, your face will be cleansed before the chemical solution is brushed onto your skin. The solution will be left on your skin for a few minutes before it is removed. All of our chemical peels are paired with a luxury facial treatment using premium medical-grade skincare products.
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with any underlying medical conditions, should consult with their general practitioner (GP) before undergoing any treatment from AlumierMD.
What should I do to prepare for my chemical peel?
Female clients: Come to your appointment with a fresh makeup-free face. Also ensure no retinoids, AHAS/BHAS, Active Serums (Bright & Clear Solution, Spot Clearing Lotion) are stopped 7 days prior to your appointment.
Male clients: Ensure face is shaved a day prior to your peel and that retinoids, AHAS/BHAS, and active serums are stopped 7 days prior to your appointment.
What should I expect after having a peel done?
This depends on the type of Chemical Peel recommended by the professional.
Your skin's reaction can vary and your individual reaction does not determine whether the peel was effective. Specifically, because you don't peel, does not mean the peel did not work. More accurately, you skin is more conditioned and exfoliated. Below are some common reactions.
- Redness- generalized or in patches; in more sensitive areas such as around the mouth and under eyes. This redness can last from minutes to 24 hours.
- Pigment may appear darker
- Dryness- keeping the area moisturized with prescribed after care products will help.
- Itching- this is a normal skin response. Don't rub, pick or irritate the skin.
- Peeling generally occurs after 3-4 and can be slight flaking to a snake shedding. Again, this depends on multiple variables.
We supply a Post-Procedure Kit to help enhance the results of the treatment and help with any possible redness, dryness and flaking.
Fresh new skin emerges and ingredients in home care products start to work more effectively. Ultimately after your AlumierMD peel, you will have fresh, hydrated and glowing skin.
Chemical Peel Aftercare!
We supply a Post-Procedure Kit to help enhance the results of the treatment and help with any possible redness, dryness and flaking. Your post-care after a peel is the most important part of the process. Following a jessner peel (this is a self-neutralizing peel) you must avoid water, steam, sweating as this will reactivate the peel. Follow up the instructions in your post-procedure kit.
• Avoid sun exposure, including sun beds, for a minimum of 1-week
• Avoid strenuous exercise or swimming for 24-hours
• No waxing, extractions, electrolysis, radiation therapy or microdermabrasion for at least 1-week
• Don’t rub, pick or irritate skin
• Do not use any AHAs, BHAs, Retinols, hydroquinone for approximately 5-7 days.
• Moisturize the skin day and night
• Use sunscreen!
When will I see results?
Beautiful skin doesn’t happen overnight. A single chemical peel can provide the immediate effect of bright and radiant skin. However, more significant results in treating textural issues, fine lines and inflamed acne take time.
Results vary on the individual and treatment plan. Results can be seen as little as right after the treatment and can take up to 5-7 days after treatment.
What is the difference between an AHA and a BHA (salicylic acid) peel?
AHA peels work by reducing sulfate and phosphate groups from the surface of corneocytes to decrease corneocyte cohesion leading to exfoliation of epidermal cells. Salicylic acid peels are lipid soluble allowing deeper penetration into the follicle. As well as exfoliating, salicylic acid works as both a keratolytic and comedolytic agent by causing cells of the epidermis and in the follicle to shed, clearing the pores and allowing room for new cell growth. In addition, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and is able to neutralize bacteria at low percentages. These properties make salicylic acid ideal for acne.
What is an enzyme peel?
Like a chemical peel, an enzyme peel is also a treatment used to improve skin texture and appearance. Enzymes are applied to the skin, which loosen the connections between dead skin cells, inducing exfoliation and stimulating new cell growth. This process causes superficial layers of dead skin to peel off, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion. Enzyme peels both nourish and exfoliate the skin and are usually made with fruit enzymes. The most popular fruit enzymes are papain, found in papayas, and bromelain, found in pineapple.
Contraindications to any peel
• Sun worshippers/sunbed users
• Pregnancy
• Accutane- avoid for 6 – 12 months prior to peel
• Recent microdermabrasion
• Porphyria
• Diabetes
• Skin diseases, history of keloids
• Radiation treatment or traumatized skin
• Fever blisters (not a contraindication but an outbreak can occur)
• Recent use of AHAs, BHAs, Retinols, hydroquinone, and Glycolic
If you have allergy to aspirin avoid BHA 20. Glow Peel & Power Glow Peel.