Can You Get a Chemical Peel in the Summer?
Chemical peels are a fantastic form of exfoliation, with different formulations focusing on different goals.
At Take it Off PDX in Portland, Oregon, we’re focused on providing the chemical peel that works best for your skin type and intended result. Are you looking for a little glow-up? Maybe you had acne break out recently and want to blast those buggers?
In any case, we’ve got the right treatment for you.
Let’s start with a little baseline understanding.
Here are two of the most known chemical peels that you likely know:
Glycolic Acid
Derived from sugar cane, glycolic peels have the smallest molecular size of the chemical peel family, meaning it’s best suited for use as the main ingredient for skin exfoliation and peeling in skin care. The small molecular size means that it can be absorbed easily by the skin and enters the ducts, pores, and follicles to provide maximum benefit and minimal irritation.
Glycolic acid peels are great at producing smoother skin texture and tone, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing age and sun (brown) spots, controlling of excess oil, restoring vitality, and reducing blemishes.
Salicylic Acid
Derived from Willow Bark, salicylic acid is a BHA that absorbs excess oil, making it a great peel for acne. Salicylic acid peels deeply penetrate into oil glands to exfoliate dead skin cells, oil, and dirt — it is also self-neutralizing, meaning you leave with the peel on.
A Few Lesser-Known Chemical Peels:
Lactic Acid
Derived from milk, this chemical is twice the molecular size of glycolic, meaning it’s more gentle. Lactic peels are great for hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other factors that contribute to a dull and uneven complexion, including improved skin tone and reduced pore appearance. This is also (believe it or not) a moisturizing chemical, so your gentle skin will be happy!
Citric acid
Derived from citrus fruits (duh), this acid provides exfoliation similar to glycolic peels while improving the natural moisture reservoir in the skin.
Mandelic acid
Derived from almonds, mandelic acid is great for acne-prone clients while being a bit more gentle than salicylic acid peels. It’s the go to for many acne clinics.
Tartaric acid
Derived from grapes, this acid is a good mild alternative to glycolic acid in terms of skin exfoliation. Tartaric acid also helps increase the skin’s hydration level and is great for treating superficial pigmentation, light acne, and photodamage.
SO! Is it ok to get a chemical peel in the summer?
We enthusiastically say YES!
Chemical peels are completely safe for the summer, BUT proper sun protection is vital to reduce the risk of complications.
Because a chemical peel removes the top layers of skin and reveals fresh, youthful skin, it can be especially sensitive and more prone to sunburn. We recommend waiting two weeks before or after any event or vacation that will have you outside a lot, and of course, always require our chemical peel clients to be compliant with wearing SPF 30+ during UV exposure.
We also advise clients not to work out, swim, use a hot tub or steam room/sauna for at least two days after receiving a peel, and also note that you should NOT exfoliate or wax the treated area for five to seven days.
In our last blog, we talked about the “dos” and “don’ts” of tattoo removal during summer. Just like when there’s heat involved, you’ll want to take care to keep your skin clean, cool, and protected from the sun for at least 2 weeks after receiving a peel.
Here at Take It Off, we have many chemical peels that are summer safe, meaning they require little to no downtime.
Our favorites are:
Epionce’s Refresh Peel — contains a combination of malic and salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and soothing ingredients like willow bark to reduce inflammation. This is the quintessential “lunchtime” chemical peel and is great for a quick refresh! Downtime? We don’t know her.
The Perfect Derma Pro Clinical Peel — powerful, clinically proven blend of acids & antioxidants for a fresh, more youthful appearance. Pro Clinical Peel can be applied every two weeks and reduces fine lines & wrinkles, evens out skin tone and improves texture, minimizes the appearance of pores, and brightens and refreshes the complexion! Also, no downtime.
Fancy Face Facial — This facial begins with a microdermabrasion cream treatment to help loosen up dead skin, it’s followed by a cocktail of glycolic, citric, and lactic acids to exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate. This is THE facial to get before a big night out, you’ll be left glowing. Absolutely no downtime.
Coming in for a good exfoliation every 4-ish weeks is always recommended to maintain optimal skin health, and a light chemical peel is a quick, comfortable, and proven way to get your glow on.
And, a quick reminder — it’s not necessary to see visible peeling following a chemical peel.
You will see improvements in the texture, tone and overall appearance of the skin whether or not peeling occurs, so go ahead and schedule that chemical peel year round!
Ready to glow with us?