During my facial at About Face Skincare last month (which you can read about here), it was recommended that I undergo a series of chemical peels to help even out my skin tone and deal with that pesky hyperpigmentation. I thought I had my hyperpigmentation under control because before it was something serious, but I still have areas that are darker than other areas of my skin like around my mouth and eyes and cheeks that need some additional help. Hyperpigmentation is very common skin condition among women of color and can be caused by a plethora of things such as sun damage, hormones, blemish scars, a side effect of medication, and even be hereditary. For many hyperpigmentation is frustrating; you can be doing everything right when it comes to at-home skin care and still find that your skin it’s perfectly even. This, in turn, causes us to spend more money on products that conceal and cover which is something I’m personally over having to do.
[ad name=”In Content Responsive Ad”]
Since I’m becoming more and more serious about my journey for flawless skin, I’ll be undergoing a series of chemical peels over the next two months, and I’ll be sharing my results with you here on the blog and social media! I know there are a lot of questions concerning chemicals peels on darker skin and the good news is that there are chemical peels out there for us! First, let’s dig into the basics
What are Chemical Peels?
Chemical Peels are a non-invasive procedure that helps to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as removing superficial layers of the skin for younger smoother clearer younger looking skin. Chemicals peels come in different levels, there are superficial peels, which are performed using alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids are naturally occurring acids which include glycolic acids, lactic acids, and fruit acids; Beta Hydroxy acids are acids such as salicylic acid an ingredient most commonly found in acne treatments.
Medium Peels produce more dramatic results than superficial peels as they penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin. Medium Peels usually contain Trichloroacetic Acid which is a stronger acid that is used to rejuvenate the face or remove warts. Trichloroacetic Acid can be paired with other acids likes Jesseners acid or glycolic acid. Medium peels are not recommended for those with darker colored skin as they can cause an increase of discoloration which is something we definitely don’t want.
There are stronger peels available also, but since they aren’t recommended for women of color, I won’t be going into detail about them.
For this series, I’ll be receiving the SkinCeuticals Pigment Balancing Peel. This peel contains a blend of brightening agents and antioxidants that improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation, dark spots (left from acne, bug bites, or cuts and scratches), and localized age spots. The best thing about this peel is that it’s safe for face and body!
This peel works by using high concentrations of Vitamin C, and Emblica, coupled with wonderful cooling, anti-inflammatory agents, to help lift old, dead, and dying cells from the surface of the skin. Simultaneously, this peel utilizes very effective antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to stop the skin from producing over-pigmented cells.
The SkinCeuticals Pigment Balancing Peel is perfect for darker skin tones; it causes the skin to safely shed itself without the risk of additional skin discoloration occurring.
Since this is a superficial peel, there is no downtime, so I’m in and out the office less than 30 minutes. Plus, there’s no downtime as the peel causes your skin to shed cell by cell, so it’s nothing like peeling skin after a sunburn.
Expected Results
As I mentioned this is a series, and for best results, you need to have more than one done three to five is the suggested for maximum benefit. I’ll be having a totally of three, one every three weeks.
While I’ll see improvement in just a few days after the first peel, it’s important to keep in mind that results are cumulative and build on top of each other with every peel. The discoloration that is cleared during the treatment will be gone forever . However, it’s important to note that these peels do not protect me from future damage and so I’ll be doing my part at home to make sure I protect my skin.
You can read more in-depth information on Chemical Peels at About Face Skincare’s website.
Below I’ve included before pictures. It’s not often I show up on the blog without makeup, but I wanted to be sure I documented my skins condition beforehand, so I could be sure to have great photos to compare as I undergo each treatment. Be sure to stay tuned and follow along with my journey on Social Media through the hashtag #MelodysAboutFace!
BEFORE
