’Tis the Season to Peel

Meet The Expert: Susan Lerner
Expert Susan Lerner is a licensed medical esthetician (LME) with international certifications in paramedical aesthetics and a background in holistic health.

Peel treatments are highly beneficial during the fall and winter months when cold weather and lack of moisture in the air can take their toll on skin. An exfoliating peel treatment promotes cellular turnover and the shedding of old skin, restoring health and vitality to your complexion just in time for the holidays. Susan Lerner, licensed medical esthetician (LME) and owner of Aesthetics Specialties in Temecula, CA, answers some important questions on how to properly stimulate change in your skin during peel season.

Q: What type of ingredients should I look for in a peel treatment?

A: We need to continuously feed the skin with nutrients and antioxidants to ensure healthy exfoliation. Patients should look for peels with chiral ingredients to prevent and avoid irritation. These ingredients are formulated to communicate with the skin, underlying tissues and cells in order to provide results with the least amount of irritation and zero toxicity. Chiral ingredients are the most “bioavailable,” meaning they are completely recognized and utilized efficiently by the body.

Q: What can I expect after a peel treatment? Will I experience much discomfort?

A: Because of the chirality aspect of CosMedix peels, patients can expect very few side effects with long-term results. Traditional chemical peels are placed on the skin and then burn their way down to the desired level, creating inflammation and excessive wounding—often scabbing and scarring. CosMedix chirally correct peels, however, are “intelligent,” in that they enhance the health and integrity of the skin. Once a peel treatment is applied to the skin, it penetrates to the desired level and begins to stimulate and induce collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans. Also working to prevent further damage, the treatment will normalize the skin, regulate oil production and diminish free radical activity.

After a superficial peel, you may experience micro-flaking. With the deeper peels, you will undergo a layered flake that can last two to three days. Most patients will see immediate results following their peel, such as improved texture, clarity of the skin and diminished fine lines. Because these peels are non-inflammatory, you can head right out the door to that holiday party without anyone knowing you have just had a peel!

Q: What pre- and post-treatment steps should I take when getting a peel?

A: Prepping the skin is a very important step when considering peeling, as it begins the resurfacing process. CosMedix’s Today’s Peels do not require preparation, although prepping the skin always ensures better results. When working towards a deeper peel with Tomorrow’s Peels, prepping the skin is of utmost importance to avoid post-peel complications and to expedite healing. The prep should include a stimulating cleanser to help exfoliate dead skin cells and soften the skin. A refinishing treatment, such as Refine with encapsulated retinol, should be used to stimulate cellular turnover, normalize skin functions, repair damage and protect the skin.

It is extremely important to follow a post-peel protocol to allow proper healing time. Use a gentle cleanser daily and a soothing balm, such as Rescue, as needed to calm the skin. Sunscreen is mandatory. No stimulating active ingredients should be used for two to ten days following chemical peels.