Chemical Peels | Best in The Winter

We are always looking for the best ways to improve our skin and maintain a youthful appearance. Did you know that the time of year can boost your efforts? Chemical peels are one of those treatments that can work differently depending on the season.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a technique used to smooth the texture of your skin and make it look even and refreshed. This treatment can benefit aging skin, acne scars, sun damage, and other issues affecting the outermost layer of skin. Chemical peels remove dry and damaged skin from the outer layer, leaving behind hydrated, new skin that will improve your appearance and make you look younger.

Most choose this treatment on their face, hands, and or neck.

The Chemical Peel Process

During the treatment process, your doctor will apply an acid solution to your skin. This might sound scary, but it is safe, and the intensity is tailored to your skin needs. Most types of peels do not require sedation or a hospital stay, as a deep peel would. A peel causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off to leave newly regenerated skin beneath, and this skin will be smoother with fewer wrinkles.

Different Types of Chemical Peels

There are three main types of peels to consider, based on your skincare goals and recovery time available.

Superficial peel: This is a light peel that uses alpha-hydroxy acid to exfoliate the outer layer of skin lightly. It can help with mild discoloration and even out rough skin. There is very little downtime for this procedure, and makeup can be worn the next day.
Medium peel: A medium peel will give you more visible results for age spots, wrinkles, and moderate skin discoloration. Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is used to exfoliate and remove damaged skin down to the middle layers. The recovery time can be 1 to 2 weeks. Light makeup can be worn after the procedure starting around a week later.
Deep peel: This type of peel requires a much longer recovery process and can only be done once. The deep middle layers of skin can be reached to remove age spots, freckles, moderate lines, and even light scarring. A deep peel has the most noticeable improvement in the skin but may not be right for everyone.
Recovery typically lasts a week, but can Aftercare is high with bandages, skin soaking multiple times a day, thick ointments, and a necessary antiviral medication.

Why get chemical peels in winter months?

Winter is the perfect time to get chemical peels. Specifically, you should get your treatment in winter because of limited UV exposure, which will optimize your recovery time. In fact, directly after a procedure, staying out of the sun is necessary to allow your new emerging skin to heal properly.

There are lower UV levels in general in the winter. You also won’t be tempted to participate in activities that will expose your skin to harmful UV rays. Going to the beach or participating in summer outdoor activities will compromise the benefits of a peel and increase the risk of damage to your skin.

A More Gentle Recovery Period

After a peel, your body is working to regenerate layers of new skin in place of the old damaged skin. Sun exposure has the potential to cause pigmentation changes, like dark spots, when new skin layers are exposed too soon. It is often necessary to get more than one peel treatment to get your desired results.

Starting your treatments after summer ends will give you enough time to complete multiple chemical peel treatments and recover fully. Starting in the winter will allow you to emerge with fresh, glowing skin without many of the risks that come with a summer treatment.

Chemical Peel Treatments at The Lett Center

Find out if a chemical peel is the right path to improve your skin by scheduling a consultation with our experienced doctors. The Lett Center is here to help you look and feel more confident by providing a variety of quality beauty and cosmetic procedures.