The arrival of the holiday season offers a number of opportunities for people to put their best face forward. Not only do the holidays bring with them annual gatherings of friends and families, but many special events and activities offer a chance to show up looking fresh and bright.

One of the easiest and most minimally invasive ways to show off rejuvenated skin at a holiday celebration is to get a chemical peel.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a personalized skin treatment that helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. The nature of the skin changes with increased age. As skin ages, it can take longer for the body to clear cells that are no longer needed, causing the skin to look dull and less vibrant. A chemical peel fights this aging process by speeding up the process of skin cell removal. This allows healthy new skin cells to emerge, revealing a smooth, rejuvenated look.

How Does a Chemical Peel Work?

A chemical peel works by applying a specially formulated chemical solution to the surface of clean skin. This solution is acidic, and it triggers reactions between the layers of the skin, causing dead cells to be exfoliated (removed).

Are All Chemical Peels the Same?

No. There are three types of chemical peels—light, medium, and deep. Depending on the character of the skin and what type of treatments a patient has received in the past, an aesthetician can make a recommendation about what type will be most beneficial.

What Skin Conditions Can a Chemical Peel Treat?

A chemical peel can help reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin, wrinkles, scarring, skin discoloration, and blackheads. Even without any of these listed skin conditions, a chemical peel can help with skin rejuvenation, making it a perfect choice for holiday skincare.

What Are the Advantages of Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel can very quickly improve the appearance of the skin, shedding worn and damaged skin cells over the course of just a one-hour treatment. Other advantages of chemical peels include:

  • Minimal downtime
  • Improvement of skin’s overall appearance
  • Options for subtle versus more dramatic results depending on the depth of the peel

Are There Any Side Effects of a Chemical Peel?

As with any medical or aesthetic procedure, it’s normal to experience a few mild side effects during and after a chemical peel. These include:

  • Slight tingling feeling while the chemical solution is being applied to the skin
  • Itching or swelling
  • Heightened sensitivity to sun exposure (this is less of a concern during the winter time, but wearing sunscreen after a procedure is still very important)

Some rare risks of a chemical peel include changes in skin pigmentation, scarring, or infections.

How to Learn More about Renewing Skin over the Holiday Season

To learn more about rejuvenating the skin this winter with a chemical peel, make sure to contact North Shore Med Spa today. Our aestheticians are dedicated to offering the best service and therapeutic options to help clients maintain natural and beautiful-looking skin. Contact us today by getting in touch with our New Hyde Park office.