Your skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight after you’ve had certain skin resurfacing treatments, such as chemical peels. It can be ideal to choose such treatments during the cooler weather and shorter days of fall and winter. When the seasons change and you find yourself in need of a makeover, chemical peels from our Missouri-based West County Dermatology are an effective tool for giving your skin a complete refresher.
We batter our skin with dirt, toxins, and pollution as we go through life. It’s also routinely subjected to strong UV rays from sunlight and abrupt temperature changes. The end result can be skin that looks rough, dull, and lifeless, with a build-up of dry skin on the surface even after you’ve cleansed and moisturized it each day.
Chemical peels are exfoliation treatments that involve applying mild acid solutions to take off a uniform layer of these skin cells from the outer surface. The skin begins to heal after, and when the dry, dead, or pigmented cells gradually flake off, the healthier, more balanced skin eventually appears.
Peels can improve the look of a range of irregularities—including wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage—to make your skin look younger. There are many different types of peels, with varying strengths that determine how deeply and dramatically they resurface the skin.
Glycolic acid peels are a common and mild type of alpha-hydroxy acid peel. These peels remove cells from both the outer and middle skin layers. This type of acid is also found in all kinds of over-the-counter skin care products—like cleansers, exfoliating serums, and toners. However, it is used in much higher concentrations for professional peels that are done in-office.
Glycolic acid occurs naturally in sugar cane. When applied to the skin, it breaks up dead cells while also loosening and lifting oil and debris. Dermatologists often use glycolic acid peels to treat acne, scars, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. These peels brighten your overall complexion while allowing your normal, daily skincare products to absorbed and work more effectively.
Want glowing, even skin for the new year? Find out more about chemical peels and other cosmetic treatments by reaching out to our team at West County Dermatology. Call us at 636.532.2422, or submit a contact form to request a consultation.
