Have you ever had one of those ultra violet lights put on your face at the spa or esthetician’s office?

The first time I did it – it freaked me out. I thought I was doomed with sun damage that was irreversible, but I was wrong. I mean really wrong.  Most sun damage is surface and can be removed. How exciting!!

I found a great skin coach and she turned me on to some great products to use in my regular skin regimen but she also shared with me a great ‘procedure’ that I now do at a minimum of twice a year.  Now, vioala! My sun damage is GONE!!! Even those pesky brown spots (the technical term is ‘photoaging’) literally fell off with this procedure. 

This magic is called a ‘peel’ – I am going to guide you on how to choose the right peel and dos & don’ts to take care of your skin before, during and after so you can maintain the results.  As we age our skin does not ‘turn over’ like it did when we were young which is why when you age your skin becomes dull and loses that youthful dewy glow. We have to ‘help’ our skin turnover and make it an integral part of our skin care plan.

 

 What is a peel? 

…peels can improve your skin‘s appearance in just a matter of days. This treatment is when a licensed esthetician applies a chemical solution to your skin, this solution basically ‘forces’ that dead skin to come off at a deep level eventually that dead skin will fall off. Now, the new skin that shows is much smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin and has that suppleness and texture that is much more youthful. Chemical peels are usually done on your face, neck, or hands.

The very first time did this – I could not believe the sheets of skin that fell off and the best part was those ‘sheets’ of skin that fell off had the brown spots in them…bye bye brown spots.

“Before I continue, I want to remind you that my skin philosophy and anti-aging trick is to never do anything too invasive….”

I believe you can really jack up your skin.  Have you ever seen those women that look ‘waxy’ – I believe they stripped their skin over time and ‘jacked it up’ to the point of no return.  Make sure and read the blog post ‘Less is More’ as you make your Skin Plan

 

Here are two important reminders before scheduling your peel.

#1 You want to make sure you don’t have a major event or super important business meeting….you most likely won’t start peeling until the 2nd or 3rd day – your ‘peel like a snake’ days are going to be days 4 – 7 so plan your meetings and events accordingly. 

#2 Schedule your peels during the cool months of the year, I like to get mine in March and October – my goal is at least twice a year.  You don’t want to get your peel when it’s hot out – 1. You don’t want to add heat and sweating to the equation 2. You don’t want to get the hot sun on your skin until your face is healed.

“Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail”

 

 

“What peel should you get?”

There are lots of peels on the market – I like to stick to ‘best products’ peels and also make sure that I am going to an Esthetician who really knows what they are doing.  Check reviews or get a referral from someone who has kick ass skin.  Keep in mind that if they represent a good product they usually have to be trained extensively on those products before they can administer them… make sure you ask. Here are my favs (in order):

• SkinCeuticals Perfect Peel
• PCA Peel

Leading up to your peel you want to make sure your face is it’s very best – DO NOT use any Retinols (Retinas) at least 7 days prior to your peel. 

Make sure you do your ‘at home twinkle razor’ 3-4 days before your peel. I personally like to make sure my face is as fresh as it can be so that the peel can focus on what’s underneath. 

Now that you know this… Schedule Your Peel!

 

SPF Tip: Don’t let the Esthetician talk you into anything too crazy or invasive – the peel is going to feel like a sunburn – but it should never be ‘raw.’ 

While you are peeling it’s important to hydrate your skin – Don’t use your serums until the peel is over because you will just waste product – it really can’t penetrate while you are peeling.  Focus on hydration – a great product and SPF must have is SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair – it really helps the hydration and healing.  We also love ‘Spa Technologies Moisturizing Mist Hydration Spray’ to help add moisture throughout the day.

A VERY BIG WARNING: DON’T pull the skin off – even though it is called a peel, don’t peel it.  Let the natural process do its thing and trust me it is tempting to peel that skin off… DON’T DO IT – you can damage your skin.

It may sound to good to be true but I promise you, you will be amazed at the results and I promise ‘peels’ will be a part of your Best Skin Plan.