A skin peel involves the application of a chemical or enzyme to the skin as a means to facilitate exfoliation and reveal newer, fresher skin underneath. Skin peels range from mild, which cause little irritation and recovery time, to deep, which can require a week to a month recovery.
At Spa Gregorie’s, we offer mild fruit-based enzyme peels that contain salicylic, pumpkin, papaya and pineapple enzymes. These work with the chemical bonds of the skins surface to reduce cell adhesion, almost like pac man digesting the cellular glue that binds the dead skin cells together. Once released, this can leave the skin feeling smoother and appearing fresher in appearance. My two favorites at Spa Gregorie’s are the Arcona Organic Pumpkin Peel and the Epicuren Facial. Results are best when done every 3 – 4 weeks.
The Arcona peel consists of an organic fruit enzyme treatment that renews and resurfaces the skin in one single session. This facial cleanses the pores and stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin. Skin immediately looks more alive, luminous and fresh with none of the harsh side effects of a chemical deep peel.
The Epicuren facial also consists of a fruit-based enzyme with cinnamon which increases circulation and lymphatic energy in the skin. Similar to aerobics for the skin, you leave with a beautiful glow almost like you just exercised; we call it The Epicuren Glow! These peels will run you $100 – $135; recommended every 3 – 4 weeks with no downtime. I always tell my clients they can go to dinner that night and look amazing!
At higher concentrations, such as between 50 – 70 percent, a chemical peel can penetrate deeper into the skin significantly, reducing cell adhesion. This would be classified as a deeper peel. These provide long-lasting results such as reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles. These deep peels are best performed by a doctor who is board certified. They penetrate to the dermis, the layer below the epidermis, which is the top layer of the skin. In the same way it helps with wrinkles, it may also help diminish acne scars. Depending on your skin care concerns, I would recommend consulting a dermatologist to best see which deep peel would be best for your skin. Always ask important questions such as:
How much pain is involved? How long is expected downtime and when can I return to work? What can I expect after my procedure? How long will the results last? These procedures can run you anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
It’s always best to see your dermatologist every 6 months to once a year and treat yourself to monthly facials. The awesome thing is, now you can do at-home peels weekly or nightly between those visits. Arcona and Epicuren both offer products you may use at home. Arcona offers gentle nighttime treatments which you rotate that can help with sun damage and resurface the skin as you sleep. One I love is the raspberry resurfacing peel that includes lactic and malic acids that exfoliate, hydrate and oxygenate the skin.
Epicuren has just come out with a Pumpkin Apple Spice Peel which has pumpkin. Pumpkin has 107 different yummy things for the skin and malic from the apple which helps with clarity, pore size and pigmentation from sun or acne scars. All of these products provide amazing results and can be used nightly or weekly. Prices range from $50 – $100.
Whic ever type of peel you choose, you will be very delighted to have glowing, youthful, soft skin. Have fun in the sun and if you have too much fun…we will see you at the spa to repair and rejuvenate your skin!
This article was submitted by Sophia Parmenter, a licensed esthetician on staff at Spa Gregorie’s.
ABOUT AUTHOR
NO COMMENTS