Peel away the years

November 17, 2021
Peel away the years

Approx 3 minute read |

As we reach that time of year where we tend to spend more time indoors, limiting our UV exposure, autumn and winter are perfect seasons to think about resurfacing the skin with a chemical peel. But what exactly are chemical peels, and what are their benefits?

What is a chemical peel, exactly? 

The top layers of our skin are actually made of dead cells. The body is great at replacing dead skin cells with new ones but, as we age, cell turnover begins to slow down, meaning it’s harder to shed the buildup of dead skin cells. It’s common to feel as though your skin lost its sparkle when you hit your 30s and beyond, and this is probably the reason why. Luckily, a chemical peel can come to the rescue and help the skin get its glow back.

A chemical peel is essentially a procedure that simply consists of provoking accelerated skin regeneration in a controlled manner through application of chemo-exfoliation agents, that are used to target different layers of the skin. This peeling action eliminates the external layers of the skin - the dead ones, with the objective of stimulating collagen and elastin production. Due to their exfoliating properties, peels evoke a “wound healing” reaction in the skin, which helps it naturally regenerate and restore, thickening the epidermis and increasing the dermal volume.

Brilliant anti-ageing benefits

From acne and acne scarring to dark spots and rosacea, chemical peels can help with a variety of skin concerns, making them brilliant solutions for reducing visible signs of ageing and evening out the skin tone for a clearer, brighter complexion. 

Image: Nurse Luisa Scott at Newcastle Skin Clinic

The WOW facial® Resurface Peel is formulated with an impressive list of high-performance acids, the two main ones being Lactic Acid (26%) and Glycolic Acid (20%), two Alpha-Hydroxy Acids that help stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production (the protein that keeps our skin from sagging), giving it a plump and glowing appearance. These two ingredients combined are an anti-oxidant powerhouse: the small molecular weight of Glycolic Acid allows it to penetrate deep into the dermis, increasing its effectiveness. On the other hand, Lactic Acid is a one-of-a-kind AHA: it’s the only one that can increase the skin’s moisture factor, meaning that the skin will be more hydrated (read youthful and glowing). 
The strength and depth of a peel does not depend only on which substances are used, but also on their concentration and the PH of the solution. The WOW facial® Resurface Peel is formulated with a PH of 2.8, which keeps the skin from becoming too alkaline, thus protecting the skin’s barrier function. Other AHAs in the Resurface Peel are Mandelic Acid - a gentle exfoliator (2%), Kojic Acid - chosen for its persistent depigmentation property (2%), and Salicylic Acid - a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial (2%). 

 

The WOW facial Resurface Peel is one of the four peels available for stage two of the WOW facial®:  after a thorough skin consultation, your professional WOW practitioner will select one of the four which is best suited to your specific skin type. 

If you are interested in trying a WOW facial®, click on ‘Find a provider’ from the main menu, enter your postcode and choose ‘WOW facial centre’ from the dropdown menu, then click search. Your closest practitioners will be listed, so you can contact your nearest clinic to book your skin assessment and begin your journey to #WOWskin.

Are you interested in becoming a WOW facial® practitioner? If you are considering becoming a certified WOW practitioner, please contact our team at info@wowfacial.co.uk. We offer regular training courses both in-person and online, as well as ongoing support to all our practitioners.

Author: Danielle
Category: Skincare, WOW Journal