THE ROLE OF SKIN TONE IN PERCEIVED BEAUTY

Let’s face it, beauty and youthfulness are directly connected to the condition of our skin. In a study published in the Journal of Evolution and Human Behavior, age spots, blotchiness, and discoloration were all shown to add 10-12 years to a woman’s age as perceived by others. The study used three-dimensional imaging and morphing software to remove wrinkles and furrows from photographs of the women in the study, leaving skin tone as the only variable. By doing this, researchers were then able to determine how skin condition directly affected how healthy, attractive, and young others perceived the women to be.

In the study, the models with the most even skin tone received significantly higher ratings in terms of attractiveness and health and were also deemed to be younger. It may not be fair, but the evenness of your skin, whether you’re 17 or 70, gives away visual indications about your health and in effect your reproductive capability. This explains from a biological perspective why a glowing, soft complexion is deemed more desirable.

However, this is unlikely news for you. From watching TV and scrolling through Instagram, you’re likely more than aware of the value our society places on a flawless and unblemished face. Don’t feel bad though, nobody looks like that without the help of FaceTune or Photoshop. So, we know that a radiant, glowing complexion can take years off our perceived age, but how do we get that flawless complexion?

CHEMICAL PEELS FOR CLEARER SKIN AT ANY AGE

In the realm of plastic surgery, there are several different options to choose from that can improve the texture of your skin and achieve a smoother, more radiant complexion. However, one of the least invasive and most effective ways to improve the appearance of your skin is a chemical peel.

A chemical peel is an accelerated exfoliation technique induced by chemical agents such as acids or enzymes. The depth and results of the peel depend on the strength of the chemical agents used and other active ingredients in the topical solution.

It renews the skin’s appearance and texture by removing the damaged outer layers. Unlike many other skin rejuvenation treatments, the chemical peel does not try to hide behind its name. It is exactly what it claims to be. The chemical solution applied to the skin causes it to “blister” and eventually peel off. The new skin that emerges once the older skin has sloughed off is usually smoother, clearer, and less wrinkled.

DIFFERENCES IN CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENTS

ALPHA HYDROXY ACID VS. BETA HYDROXY ACID

AHAs and BHA both work as chemical exfoliants, but they work in different ways.

Glycolic Acid Chemical Peels: SAFE FOR PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING! Glycolic Acid at 10% or lower is safe for baby and mom. It is highly effective in the restoration and rejuvenation of youthful skin. Glycolic acid is made from the alpha hydroxy acid group which is found naturally in citrus, grapes, apples, and sugar cane. It is the smallest molecule of the AHA family. This type of chemical peel penetrates the epidermis, breaking the bonds of dull, dead skin cells that have accumulated at the skin’s surface. This process essentially dissolves the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together, gently lifting the layer of lackluster skin away, leaving brighter, softer, and clearer skin behind. Another benefit of glycolic acid is its stimulating effects on the production of new collagen. This solution helps to accelerate the regeneration of new skin cells, which improves skin texture and can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Salicylic Acid Chemical Peels: Salicylic Acid is frequently used in the treatment of acne breakouts and acne scarring. Salicylic acid is a BHA that is derived from willow and sweet bark trees and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin’s surface. Acne is largely caused by the secretion of sebum that clogs pores and enables the growth of bacteria. Salicylic acid, which is fat soluble, works by penetrating deep into the pores to dissolve sebum, kill bacteria and peel away the outer layers of skin along with acne scars, blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes. What’s left is a clearer, more luminous, and even complexion. Salicylic acid chemical peels are considered to be mild to mid-depth peels with little to no downtime.

THOSE ALLERGIC TO ASPIRIN CAN NOT USE SALYCILIC ACID

Lactic Acid Chemical Peels: Lactic acid is an AHA, a naturally occurring human metabolite derived from sour milk or tomatoes. It is less harsh and more moisturizing than other acids, making it suitable for everyone. For those new to chemical peels, lactic acid is a great choice. Lactic acid chemical peels are considered to be light peels with little to no downtime. Lactic acid chemical peels have been proven successful in treating dry skin, acne, liver/sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. It will also help with pore size and improve overall skin texture, health, and hydration.

Jessner’s Chemical Peel: The Jessner chemical peel is an AHA/BHA acid blend of resorcinol, salicylic and lactic acid resulting in a deeper penetrating and more exfoliating treatment. This chemical peel is a wonderful choice for those suffering from severe acne, cystic acne, and those acne-related scarring. The Jessner chemical peel is considered to be a mild to moderate mid-depth peel with some downtime associated. Skin will flake or “sheet off” and the proper at-home care steps need to be taken to ensure the success of your treatment.

Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Peels (TCA): A TCA chemical peel is a BHA created by chlorinating acetic acid (vinegar). A TCA chemical peel is a more aggressive, deeper treatment used to treat more serious skin flaws and issues. It is very effective at reducing or eliminating the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, sun damage, and severe facial scarring. TCA also provides the skin with tightening and firming effects giving it a more youthful appearance. Collagen production is also increased with the use of this peel which helps build a better complexion as well. TCA chemical peels are deeper intense peels with about a week of downtime associated.

TCA peels are done upon aesthetician approval. Patients must have experience with deeper peels or facial procedures first. The success of your treatment is based not only on the service provider’s application of treatment but YOUR home self-care!

Dermaplaning: Dermaplaning is manual exfoliation with a scalpel. This treatment closely removes dead skin, clogged pores, and vellus facial hair. This treatment is usually done once a month and is typically used in congruence with acid for better penetration.

Micro-Peel: Dermaplaning with a light acid application.

Vi Peels: Proprietary acid blends by the Vitality Institute. Safe peel for any skin type and tone. Includes a little bit of homework and a take-home kit to ensure success.

At Beau Visage we carry the 2 most popular:

• Precision Plus $200
• Purify with Precision Plus – a 2 in 1 peel for $250

DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR A CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENT?

Yes!

Vitamin A topicals such as retinol, retinal, tretinoin, or any other corrective topical products that are for lightening, brightening, or acne needs to be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior. As well as any medications such as Accutane, Spironolactone, Antibiotics, or vitamins that can cause “photo-sensitivity”. Consult your prescribing physician before suddenly stopping any prescription medication.

Some patients of darker skin tones may be advised to start a regime of hydroquinone before treatment to prevent the formation of hyper-pigmentation or trauma-related pigmented scarring. – Prescription needed.

Cannot be pregnant due to the body’s healing process taking away much-needed energy and vitamins that the fetus needs to develop. Unless it’s Glycolic 10% or lower.

Be sure to be hydrated and in your baseline of good health. In remission. Consult your primary care physician before having treatment done if health concerns are a factor.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? DOES IT HURT?

To start your treatment, your aesthetician will deeply cleanse and degrease your skin. Degreasing is done with Medical Grade Acetone or Alcohol. This step promotes deeper penetration and absorption of the acid, resulting in a better treatment. Petroleum jelly will be put around the eyes, on the eyelids, your lips, and any other sensitive, dry, or compromised areas/lesions. Next, the acid will be applied and a slightly prickly, stinging, or spicy feeling will creep up. Lasting anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes. Most acids are neutralized to stop them from continuing to intensify. This step can sometimes be more intense than the acid application itself. Lastly, you’ll be cleaned up and sunscreen will be applied.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT POST-TREATMENT?

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PEEL AND UP TO 24 HOURS AFTER, the skin may be tight and more red than usual. The skin may feel sunburned, and tacky and have a yellow to orange tint. This is temporary and will fade within 48-72 hours.

24 HOURS AFTER THE PEEL AND UNTIL THE PEELING IS COMPLETE, the skin may be darker in appearance and tight until it starts to crack and peel. Peeling will generally start between 48-72 hours after the procedure and can last up to 3-5-7 days sometimes, depending on the depth of the peel.

WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS? HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

Most patients have a peak point after 4 weeks of treatment where their skin is soft and glowing. A series of treatments may be done every 4-6 weeks until desired results are achieved. Results are cumulative, and optimal results are seen after a series of 3 or more.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TO SEE WHAT CHEMICAL PEEL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR SKIN CARE NEEDS!