CHEMICAL PEEL FAQS
Chemical peels are a wonderful way correct skin conditions like acne, fine lines, dark spots, large pores, and scarring with little to no downtime.
What is it?
A form of “chemical exfoliation,” chemical peels break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. Breaking down these bonds forces the old skin to slough away, triggering the production of new healthy skin.
How will it help me?
Sloughing off the top of your skin causes you to produce new skin cells that push damaged cells under the surface up and out, helping to correct problems like acne, fine lines, dark spots, large pores, and scarring.
How are these peels different from other chemical peels out there?
Ritual uses varying blends of TCA and Jessner formulations from industry expert PCA Skin, designed and priced to be “progressive” vs. “aggressive.” What does that mean? Basically, these peels combine exfoliating acids, pigment inhibitors, and skin strengthening agents to transform the skin without the irritation, discomfort, and downtime common with traditional applications. In addition, they are completely customizable for each client’s sensitivity and skin conditions.
Why take the “progressive” approach?
We understand that everyone wants results. And we know that there are a lot of places out there that will do the strongest treatment possible so that you peel a lot and feel like it “worked.” But this is not the right way or the safe way. In fact, it can be very dangerous. By taking the progressive approach, you can achieve outstanding results that gradually accumulate over time.
What is the prep/post care?
Your esthetician will carefully review the pre/post care with you, but some of the highlights include staying out of the sun, using a retinol and a melanin suppressant for 4 weeks prior to your peel, washing your face 5 hours after your treatment, and using only mineral makeup for several days after treatment. And absolutely NO PICKING OR PULLING at any flaky skin!
Will I look like Samantha from Sex and the City?
We all remember the episode where Samantha had to wear a veil to conceal her raw, red face. She had a deep “medical-grade” peel. Ritual offers light- to medium-depth peels formulated to dramatically transform your skin with little to no downtime.
How will my skin look afterwards?
Great! Your skin will actually look glowing. You might be a touch pink and shiny, but you can continue with your day. The next day you will typically look great, too. After that, your skin may feel a little tight and a little itchy. Peeling usually starts around day 3 or 4, and can be controlled by moisturizing with the products in your post-peel kit. Sometimes people experience a little discoloration or “browning” of the skin as pigment comes to the surface and the dead skin starts separating from the rest of the face. This can be disconcerting, but don’t worry. After you peel your new skin will look pink and fresh again.
How many days will I peel?
Hard to say. Some people peel lightly for 3 to 7 days. Some people peel more intensively for up to 10 days. And some people don’t peel at all. It all depends on your skin type, how healthy your skin is, how well it is prepped, and how strong of a peel we formulate.
If I don’t peel, does that mean it didn’t work?
Not at all. Peeling occurs both above and below the surface of the skin, and the amount one “visibly” peels varies greatly from person to person. Some people peel a lot. Some people don’t peel at all. Visible peeling is a side effect, so if you can get good results without any peeling on the surface, then that’s a win-win!
Why do I need to do the 4 weeks of a retinol/melanin suppressant use before getting my peel?
Properly preparing the skin is the best way to ensure a healthy peel. Retinol exfoliates the surface to ensure an even peel. Melanin suppressants minimize the possibility of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by inhibiting its production during and after your peel. Other places may not require any prep prior to your appointment, but this can lead to side effects that counteract your results.
I’ve never had a peel before and I’m afraid. Do you offer gentler peels that I can try first?
The chemical peels we use are totally customizable, so there is no reason to worry. We can formulate your treatment to minimize peeling and any reason for concern. But yes, if you want to start even more conservatively, we also offer lighter peels that can be added to your facial or administered a la carte. These include lactic, glycolic, mandelic acid, and pumpkin, and require no at-home prep prior to your treatment.
Why Ritual Day Spa?
We’ve partnered with industry expert PCA Skin, who utilizes the latest scientific advances to formulate all natural, dermatologist-approved solutions for dramatically enhancing your skin’s health and appearance. All Ritual Day Spa estheticians are trained and certified by PCA, so you can feel confident that we know how to safely and effectively deliver results. Additionally, since these peels are totally customizable you will get a treatment targeted specifically for your skin.