The words chemical peel make a lot of people picture harsh acids and a week of hiding at home. That is exactly why I explain the process carefully at Refresh MediSpa in Sherwood Park, because the reality is a lot gentler than the name suggests.
Here is what is actually happening, and why a natural approach might be a better fit than you expect.
What Is in a Natural Chemical Peel?
The peels I use at Refresh MediSpa are made with all natural ingredients. They can include lactic acid, glycolic acid and grape enzymes, among others. The process does not rely on harsh ingredients, and I would describe it as completely non-invasive.
I choose the peel for your skin type rather than using one approach for everyone, which is a big part of why the experience feels so manageable.
What Are Chemical Peels Designed to Help With?
Chemical peels are designed to help with fine lines, active acne, pore size, hyperpigmentation and dry skin. Because they work on the top layers, they are a good option when your skin looks dull or uneven and you want it to feel refreshed.
If you are not sure which of those concerns matters most to you, that is completely fine. We can sort it out together at your appointment.
Does a Chemical Peel Hurt?
Not at all, but it does feel a bit itchy and warm. I would call it more of a minor irritation than anything else. Most people find it far more manageable than they imagined.
What Does My Skin Look Like Afterward?
You may appear a tiny bit pink afterward. You will also be a lot more susceptible to the sun, so proper precautions matter, such as a good moisturizer and a proper SPF product. Areas that were more congested may feel a bit dry.
Unlike a sunburn, you will not always peel in sheets. You will likely experience some dry patches or flaking, and it is important that you do not pick or peel at these patches, because that can slow healing and cause possible scarring.
How Do I Look After My Skin at Home?
Keep it simple. A good moisturizer and a proper SPF are the two things I come back to most, because your skin is more sensitive to the sun while it renews. Gentle products are the goal in the days after a peel, and this is not the time to try a long list of new actives.
If something feels off, ask me. I would much rather you check in than guess.
How Often Can I Get a Chemical Peel?
I generally suggest spacing peels out, because skin needs time to move through its phases. It can take around 4 to 6 weeks for your face to complete the cycle. I will recommend a schedule based on your skin so you do not overdo it.
Can I Wear Makeup Afterward?
I will explain what I recommend after your specific appointment. The short version is that your skin is sensitive right afterward, so keeping things gentle is the goal.
Is a Peel the Right Choice for Me?
That is a conversation I enjoy having. Some people do beautifully with peels, while others are better suited to dermaplaning or a gentler exfoliating treatment. Because every treatment is performed by me at Refresh MediSpa, I can compare the options honestly. You can see more on the chemical peels page.
Before you book, it helps to think about what you would like your skin to look and feel like in a few weeks. That gives us a clear starting point, and it keeps the plan simple.
There is no pressure to decide on the spot. I would much rather you feel informed and comfortable than rushed, and if a peel is not the right fit for your skin right now, I will tell you so and point you toward something that is.
If you have questions about ingredients, sensitivities or how a peel fits with the products you already use, bring them with you. Those details help me choose the right approach for your skin.
What Else Do People Ask About Chemical Peels?
Are chemical peels safe for sensitive skin?
I choose natural ingredients and tailor the approach to your skin. Please tell me about any sensitivities at your appointment.
Do chemical peels hurt?
Not at all. You may feel itchy and warm, which is more of a minor irritation than pain.
How long does a peel take to heal?
Expect mild pinkness and some dry patches or flaking. Do not pick at them, and use moisturizer and SPF.
How often can I get a chemical peel?
It generally takes around 4 to 6 weeks for your face to move through its phases, so I space peels accordingly.
What ingredients are in the peels at Refresh MediSpa?
They are made with all natural ingredients, which can include lactic acid, glycolic acid and grape enzymes.
If you have been curious about peels but nervous about the name, I would love to walk you through it at Refresh MediSpa in Sherwood Park. A natural peel is a lot gentler than the word suggests.