Do chemical peels bring visions of Samatha from Sex & The City? I know that is my first thought…. and for a good reason, those reactions can happen. Before we let our fears get the better of us, let’s learn more about chemical peels.

What is a chemical peel? 

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that uses a chemical solution to peel away old and damaged skin cells, allowing healthier and more youthful skin to emerge. It can help address many issues, including wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. 

For years I have refused to offer chemical peels; the thought of burning someone’s epidermis off in the name of beauty was one step too far for this girl. I have avoided them for over 20 years, and then it happened. I was introduced to a product that made me reevaluate my beliefs.

What changed my mind? Sorella Apothecary peel system is designed with the skin’s integrity in mind. Meaning during every step, we make sure the skin is taken care of from pre-peel consultations, peel, and post-care. Mindfulness is put into every step! 

Step one is a skin consultation before your peel. Sorry lovelies, no, “let’s do a peel for fun!”. We will discuss skin prep, any red flags that might not make you a candidate, and a patch test during your consultation. Our goal is always to get the best results without being overly aggressive and protecting the skin barrier. 

Step two is the peel. What is unique about these peels is they are self-neutralizing 🤯 meaning they stop working after 2 minutes; another way to protect the integrity of the skin. We can also layer the peels during the service to create more dramatic results. Peels results are best when done in a series of four every ten days. Please note we will only do one layer on your first peel; layering will be done in subsequent peels if the client’s skin responds well.

What Happens After a Chemical Peel? 

The recovery period following a chemical peel will vary depending on the type of peel you opted for. However, in general, here’s what you can expect: 

1. The duration of the recovery period can range from three to 10 days, depending on the type of chemical peel. 
2. Patients can expect a recovery time of five to seven days for most peels. 
3. Following the procedure, your skin will dry out. During this time, you must drink plenty of water.
4. Avoid washing your face for at least 24 hours following your peel. 
5. Over the next few days, you might notice peeling. DON’T PEEL IT! The most intense peeling will occur during the middle days of your recovery.
6. You may also experience irritation, itchiness, crusting, or skin redness. However, if you notice any bleeding or oozing, you must contact your skin specialist straight away.

The beauty of Sorella peels is there is no downtime after! We pump as many skin-loving ingredients into the skin right after the peel to boost your skin health even before leaving the treatment room. Each peel includes a mermaid mask🧜🏻‍♀️. Sorella Apothecary’s Marine Mermaid Mask is a luxe cooling mask that lowers the skin’s temperature, thus increasing the absorption of active ingredients and highly soothing. It is a natural, algae-based mask that reduces redness and inflammation, allowing us to start the healing process right away. Here is a list of a few of the ingredients we love. 

• Algae – firms & smooths skin.

• Organic Aloe Vera – known as the “plant of immortality” it soothes, heals & hydrates skin & contains anti-inflammatory properties.

• Blue-Green Algae – a potent powerhouse of antioxidants to repair & fight against free radical damage.

• Organic Spinach Leaf Powder is rich in Vitamin K, which helps clear the complexion while reducing dark circles.

• Organic Spirulina – high in antioxidants to help the skin fight against free-radical damage.

This beautiful mask will leave the skin feeling soft and supple. We top off the mask with a hydrating facial oil and, of course, SPF! 

Now, this is not a wham bam thank you, ma’am kind of service. We want to make sure your skin is well taken care of after, so we create a quick healing time. Yes, there will be healing time but not downtime, meaning you can go about your regularly scheduled life without looking like something out of a horror movie. Think of it as a controlled wound; there is a chance of some peeling skin (more like dry flaking skin), but when we control it pre & post care, your discomfort will be minimal in the first four days or so like tightness or extreme dryness.

Things to avoid after your peel.

When a highly-skilled aesthetician performs a chemical peel is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate your appearance and eliminate any scars or signs of aging. However, to get the best results, you must look after your skin correctly following your treatment. 

1. Avoid raising your core body temperature & hot water: For the first week following your chemical peel, avoid washing your face or showering with hot water. Hot water can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In addition to this, the steam will open up your pores, significantly increasing your risk of infection. This also means avoiding hot tubs, intense exercise, and alcohol. 
2. Let your skin peel naturally.  Following your chemical peel, the most important thing to keep in mind is to avoid touching your face. Picking and pulling your skin can result in scarring. The best course of action is to allow your skin to peel off naturally. 
3. Be gentle with your skin and avoid exfoliation. The skin’s protective barrier will be temporarily compromised following your chemical peel. This means that you should avoid any cleansing products with exfoliators such as facial scrubs until your skin has completely healed. When drying your skin, do not rub or itch! Instead, pat it dry gently with a soft towel. 
4. Always use sunscreen and limit your exposure to the sun. Your face is at its most sensitive post-peel, so you want to avoid the sun for at least a few days. When you go outdoors, make sure to use sunscreen and stick to shady spots. Use the sunscreen for a minimum of six weeks after your chemical peel. 

Chemical peels may sound scary, but you can create excellent results with minimum disruption to the skin’s health when proper care is taken. We also only recommend getting chemical peels done in the fall and winter when the sun is less intense, or if you live in Canada, it basically does not exist in these months.