At Skin Care By Calie, nothing gives me more joy than having a client experience a fantastic result. Whether it be a simple Threading treatment or something more involved like a Chemical Peel, the most satisfying experience is one where my client walks away with a smile on their face. On the spectrum of services that I offer, Chemical Peels are securely at the top. Although, I perform a variety of Chemical Peels by SkinCeuticals to treat many different skin types and conditions, one of the highest strength peels that I offer is one called the Advanced Corrective Peel.
An Advanced Corrective Peel is considered a deep, superficial chemical peel containing 14% salicylic acid, 14% lactic acid, and 10% phenylethyl resorcinol. This is a new treatment combo of ingredients which has never been used in a Chemical Peel until now. I am always forthcoming with what each product contains that I use and will go over any questions you have prior to treatment. So, what is in this peel that makes it so incredible?
- Salicylic acid: Reduces sebum secretion, which is another way to reduce acne.
- Lactic acid: Exfoliates, hydrates, and has disinfectant properties.
- Phenylethyl Resorcinol: This is an antioxidant derived from Scott pine bark which lightens hyperpigmentation.
This brew of ingredients is top notch and can produce some pretty amazing results, but we will get to that in a little bit.
Before we look at an amazing transformation for one of my clients, let just go over quickly what this Advanced Corrective Peel does and what you can expect during your treatment. This peel dramatically diminishes the appearance of discoloration, while smoothing texture and refining the appearance of pores, to restore a brighter, more clarified tone. For optimal results, a series of treatments may be needed every 4-6 weeks. This peel is ideal for all skin types. Because of the intensity of the Advanced Corrective Peel, we will have to perform a few low to medium strength peels prior, to prep your skin. The course of these starter peels take place over a few weeks to make sure your skin can withstand the strength of the Advanced Corrective Peel. We want to make sure your skin will not have any negative reactions. During your visit I will apply between 1-4 layers of the Advanced Corrective Peel after thoroughly cleansing and degreasing your skin; more layers does not mean a better result, in fact, I normally find clients can tolerate about 2-3 layers 5 minutes apart. As each layer is applied to your skin, you will start to feel warmth and it can be an uncomfortable itchy sensation, but nothing unbearable. After the number of desired layers are applied, I will then apply a healing moisturizer and SPF. During this time, you can feel as though you are having a pretty bad “hot flash”. To follow, I preform a hand and arm massage for about 15-20mins while your skin cools down and to make sure you are tolerating the peel okay and not experiencing any side effects.
After you leave your visit your skin can still feel warm as the peel is still on your skin and is not taken off in office. You cannot wash your face for 4-6 hours as the peel has not neutralized yet (aka ended). I advise my clients to make sure they have a few days off after receiving this peel as the downtime can vary from each client depending on the amount of sun damage they have. Swelling, redness, and peeling can last up to about 5-7 days.
We’ve now reached that point where it’s time to look at an actual client of mine who was suffering from years of discoloration and sun damage. She had come to me to see what could be done and after discussing all the options available, we decided that the Advanced Corrective Peel would produce the best results. After completing the necessary services prior to this treatment, my client’s skin was ready to take on this peel! I will let her tell the story in her own words but before I do, I want to warn you that each clients skin can react differently depending on the amount of sun damage he/she has. Although it does look intense there is nothing to worry about as you will soon see!
Tuesday day of peel. During the peel my face felt like it was on fire. Once the first layer was on, the stinging didn’t get worse. It was very hard to sit still, but Calie kept the fan on and made me feel very comfortable! I left feeling like I had a terrible sunburn on my face. The stinging and burning feeling lasted about 4-6 hours that day. I took 2 Advil around 7pm and I noticed some redness, kind of like a “mask” on my forehead, cheeks, jawline and around my mouth. I generously applied another layer of Aquaphor prior to bed.
Day 1, Wednesday – I washed my face with a gentle cleanser. The feeling of “heat” on my face lasted on and off throughout the day. It kind of comes and goes like a hot flash. I used the SkinCeuticals soothing mask (Biocellulose Mask) Calie gave me and that felt really good! Darkness/pigmented areas started getting more pronounced by the end of the day. I am looking like I’m wearing a tan mask (New Jersey Tan Mom). I kept applying Aquaphor a couple of times that day. I didn’t notice any swelling which Calie said may happen.
Day 2, Thursday – Today was more of the same, still no peeling and the darkness was very pronounced. This is when I started feeling unsure why I did this! As always, Calie reassured me that everything was normal. I was at the point of thinking, “What if this darkness never goes away?” My husband was worried at the site of my face….lol. There were only a few areas I would get a hot flash feeling, not the whole face. I’m starting to feel itchy in some areas. I am still applying Aquaphor.
Day 3, Friday – I finally started to peel and am wrinkly with dry looking skin to the areas around my mouth/chin. I am feeling great and just dry and flaky. As the day progressed, so did the peeling. It started around my mouth and is working its way towards the jawline/hairline areas. I am still applying Aquaphor. I am trying so hard not to pick! Now I’m shedding!!
Day 4, Saturday– My face is feeling a little tight and crunchy. I’ve been reapplying the Aquaphor to keep it moist. The areas that the skin peeled off are very pink, new skin, almost raw looking. I have a few tiny white heads that popped up. Probably because of all the Aquaphor I’ve been loading on my face!
Day 5, Sunday – Game Changer!!! Huge shedding from yesterday to today. I’m almost looking normal. Today I can actually go out in public!
Day 6, Monday- Not much change from yesterday. I feel a little itchy in the dry areas if I don’t reapply the Aquaphor. Looking much better. I’m less red in the areas where I peeled.
Two Weeks – Completely healed. Noticing some spotty areas that are lighter than my skin that wasn’t touched. I’m VERY happy with the results!
To say that I am thrilled for my client would be an understatement. The way her skin has been completely transformed by this peel is a true testament to the power of SkinCeuticals Professional line of products.
