Why Chemical Peels Are Safe and Recommended in the Winter
When it comes to top-notch dermatological treatments for treating dull, aging, or acne-prone skin, the chemical peel is among the most popular. Let’s talk about why this cosmetic treatment is so effective, even on sensitive skin during chilly winter months.
What to Know About Chemical Peels in Winter
What Does a Chemical Peel Do?
A chemical peel treatment works as an exfoliant – the same way an at-home or in-office microdermabrasion treatment would work. Except instead of using physical exfoliating mechanisms like microbeads, sand, crystals, or other materials, a chemical peel uses a specialized chemical formula to exfoliate.
During a chemical peel, a technician first cleanses the skin to remove surface-level dirt, sweat, bacteria, oil, and other debris. Then, the specialized solution is applied to the clean skin. It’s left on for a certain period of time before being gently removed. Afterward, soothing agents are typically used to calm any redness and reduce flushing.
Chemical peel solutions usually include some combination of ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and retinol. The peels can be administered at different depths, depending on skin type and concern. This is predetermined with a dermatologist before the treatment.
What Makes Chemical Peels So Popular?
There are a host of reasons why chemical peels are beloved by many people across all skin types. For one, they can be specifically tailored to your skin type. This means that anyone with dry skin or conditions like eczema (also known as dermatitis) can receive a certain formula, while those with oily or acne-prone skin can receive something else. And depending on your skin concern – whether you’re looking to remove impurities, try out a wrinkle reducing treatment, or diminish the appearance of dark spots and scars – you can receive a peel at a depth appropriate for your needs.
Additionally, chemical peels are quick and require no downtime. They’re often called the “lunchtime facial” because they can be completed in about 30-45 minutes total. While some very mild redness or flushing might occur afterward, usually there are no side effects. Occasionally, with a peel at maximum depth, there might be some flaking of the skin for about a week following the peel, but this usually doesn’t interfere with patients’ everyday routines.
Is a Chemical Peel Safe for the Winter?
Lots of folks with dry skin, eczema, or other skin conditions are concerned that a chemical peel might be too harsh for the winter. It turns out that the winter months are actually some of the best times to receive chemical peel treatments. This is because, at their core, chemical peels are removing the topmost layer of dead skin, revealing fresh layers of skin beneath.
Because these new layers are exposed, skin is more sensitive to UV light – particularly from the sun. During the winter months when there’s less sunlight and people spend more time indoors, the recovery stages of a chemical peel tend to happen quicker. Plus, as long as you’re not exposing yourself to UV rays after the treatment, you shouldn’t see any sunburn – which is what can more easily happen during the summer months.
Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates
If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas and want to try a chemical peel, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists. We can assess your skin and make the appropriate recommendations for your needs.