Prep for Peel Season
September is here which means it’s time to prep for Peel Season!
The skincare brands we’ve partnered with offer thoughtfully curated treatments. These treatments are formulated to be powerful yet gentle, supporting your skin’s renewal while respecting its integrity.
Liquid Microneedling: The Green Sea Peel | Spicule Treatment | Image Courtesy of Kin Aesthetics
For us estheticians, fall is known as Peel Season, a perfect time for skin rejuvenation & repair. Preparing your skin now will ensure it’s ready for the beneficial effects of peels and peel alternatives while staying healthy and glowing. Let’s explore how you can prep your skin at home and the essential ingredients to incorporate into your routine. Read my blog, Seasonal Skin Care: Preparing Your Routine for Cooler Weather.
Transitioning into Fall
With the changing seasons, your skin care routine needs to help you maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier. Here are some key points to consider:
Gentle Cleansing: Switch to a cleanser that hydrates & protects your skin’s natural oils.
Moderate Exfoliation: Limit exfoliation to avoid over-stripping your skin. Use gentle acids like lactic or mandelic acid. Consider the O2 Tox Serum Peel which is also the perfect prep for The Green Sea Peel.
Hydration: Invest in serums & moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid & ceramides.
Protection: Use a broad-spectrum SPF to guard against UV rays & environmental stressors.
Key Ingredients
It’s essential to incorporate ingredients into your skin care routine that will strengthen the skin barrier and help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) post-peels. Here are some of the top ingredients to look for:
1. Vitamins C, E, & Fulvic Acid
Vitamins C, E & fulvic acid are potent antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage, brighten the complexion, plus support collagen production. One of my favorites: GlyMed Plus Restoring Fulvic Elixir Serum. You can also register & visit my GlyMed Plus store here.
2. Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant that improves skin texture & tone. Using products with lactic acid helps to increase your skin’s tolerance to deeper exfoliation during peels. Amazing for my higher Fitzpatricks that are prone to pigmentation.
3. Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is ideal for sensitive skin types & provides a gentle exfoliation that helps reduce fine lines & improve skin clarity without causing irritation. If you’ve been in my treatment room, you’ve heard me talk about this one: Hale & Hush Rare Mandelic Serum.
4. Niacinamide
Niacinamide is known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness, & regulate oil production. It’s a versatile ingredient that benefits all skin types, especially in preparation for peels. PCA SKIN’s Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum is guest favorite.
5. Tranexamic Acid
A tyrosinase inhibitor which helps suppress overactive melanin. It's perfect for use before and after chemical peels or for anyone battling hyperpigmentation due to stubborn melasma or sun damage. Meet the top seller: The Mela Defense Whitening Serum, it contains 5% Tranexamic Acid and 3% Niacinamide.
6. O2 Tox Peel and BioHerb aka the BioRadiance Renewal
Both the O2 Tox Peel and BioHerb are advanced resurfacing treatments gentle enough to use at home. They are also a great intro to the Green Sea Peel. Expect to feel spicules in the skin for up to 72 hours. SPF is imperative when using this product.
Avoiding Extrinsic Stressors
To keep your skin barrier healthy and resilient during the fall season, avoid the following extrinsic stressors:
Harsh Weather: Protect your skin from wind & cold by wearing appropriate clothing & accessories.
Wear Your Sunscreen: Rain or shine always wear your broad spectrum SPF 30 (minimum). Protect your skin from UVA/UBV rays.
Dry Indoor Air: Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air & prevent your skin from drying out.
Fragranced Products: Choose fragrance-free detergents & skin care products to minimize irritation & sensitivity.
