Peels improve the texture of the skin and increase the cell renewal factor (CRF), hydration, and intercellular lipids. The cell renewal factor, or cell turnover rate, is the rate of cell mitosis and migration from the dermis to the top of the epidermis. This process slows down with age. Keeping the cell mitosis going is one of the goals for skin preservation. Factors that influence CRF include genetics, the natural environment, and one’s medical history, lifestyle, personal care habits, and exfoliation methods. After receiving a peel, the skin looks and feels smoother and softer. They can be beneficial for skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, dry skin, clogged pores, and acne. If you suffer from acne, a chemical peel may be a valuable part of your treatment program. Lighter peels such as AHAs and glycolic acid peels are more appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and can help clear up or reduce inflammation and even acne scars after few months of treatment. 

 

There are some cautions when receiving peels. The Garden prefers that clients receive a customized facial prior to scheduling any peel. This gives the esthetician an opportunity to analyze your skin, patch test for any reaction, and rule out any contraindications that would prevent you from being a candidate for receiving a peel. Such contraindications include, but are not limited to, recent cosmetic surgeries, other peels, laser resurfacing, allergies, pregnancy, herpes simplex, hyperpigmentation tendencies, use of Accutane, Retin-A, or other medications that exfoliate or thin the skin, infectious diseases, open sore or lesions, inflamed rosacea or acne, sunburn, or irritated skin.

 

It is also very important that peels not be performed for two weeks prior to a beach trip or an event where you will be receiving a lot of sun exposure. The function of a peel is to exfoliate some of the dead skin cells in order to reveal healthier cells below. The dead cells provide you some sun protection; therefore after receiving a peel it is imperative that you use sunscreen constantly.

 

Chemical peels administered by estheticians, are considered light peel. These make use of glycolic acid (30 percent or less), lactic acid (30 percent or less), enzyme peels, and in some cases Jessner’s solution (1 to 3 coats). Deep peels such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), glycolic acid (50 percent or more), and Jessner’s peel 

(4 to 10 coats) are ONLY administered by physicians. The Garden does not administer deep peels.

 

 

Enzyme Peels

 

An enzyme peel is one of the gentlest methods of exfoliation. They can even be used by people with very sensitive, dark, or acne skin. Usually, aloe vera, pumpkin, pineapple and other fruit enzymes are used to naturally and chemically exfoliate the skin. Enzyme skin exfoliation can be used to get rid of dead skin cells, accelerate young cell renewal, as well as diminish scars and stretch marks, age spots and lines, sun damage, and discoloration. Enzymes do not strip the skin. Instead, they dissolve dead cells and reveal younger, healthier layers. 

 

They also do not contain acids and therefore leave the skin pH balanced. Enzyme exfoliation has very few contraindications or side effects and is recommended to prevent dryness or allergic reaction. Such peels are safe for all skin types.