By 
I got my first chemical peel two years ago, and after a week of recovery my skin looked so glowy that I've been hooked ever since. Now I go to Tricia at the Beverly Hills Center for Plastic Surgery once every three months. The treatment works to lighten, brighten, smooth, and tighten skin with a blend of Kojic and TCA acids. Scars, hyperpigmentation, and Melasma are now barely visible.
For those who are curious about peels, this is the truth about the treatment, recovery, and results.
Day 1: The Peel
The peel application is uncomfortable. The scrubs are quite abrasive but Tricia goes fast so it's not too bad. It's two scrubs in total and then an acid peel pad. The process takes about 30 minutes. When I leave I'm at total Oompa Loompa status so I go home immediately.
You are supposed to leave the treatment on until nighttime, which I do. Then I wash my face with my new favorite face wash (La Prairie Foam Cleanser) and apply equal parts moisturizer and Aquaphor. Right now I'm using Koh Gen Do's Massage Milk. I also like M-61 Hydraboost Cream or La Mer's Moisturizing Cream.
I try to apply the cream mixture one hour before bed. It's very sticky with the Aquaphor and I don't want it to smear all over my pillow cases. Eye cream is essential after a peel. I use the Dior Hydra Life Eye Cream.
Pro tip: After a peel, skin is super dry so you'll need to moisturize twice as much as you normally would.
Day two: Redness and sensitivity
I'm still a bit orange, but it's bearable. Sunscreen during the day is an absolute must while the skin is extra vulnerable. The last thing you want to do is get sunburned while your skin is trying to regenerate a new layer.
[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BFuf71elDeR/?taken-by=kristennoelcrawley&hl=en[/instagram]
My skin is decent enough to drop my son off at school and run a few errands. To hide the redness I mix two to three drops of Dior Nude Air (shade 50) in with my moisturizer and Aquaphor. I also use a tinted sunscreen like Unsun. This has SPF 30 and helps blend out the redness as well.
Day 3: Peeling
This has to be my favorite day of the peel! This is when you start peeling. I love peeling off my skin and so does my son; it actually helps with his motor skills. I've read conflicting reports about peeling your skin, Tricia says it's okay so I roll with her.
I had a big dinner to go to this night and trying to cover up my peeling skin was a nightmare. I used my moisturizer plus Aquaphor and then I applied La Prairie Skin Caviar Foundation and Concealer in Mocha. Followed by Honest Crème Blush in Truly Daring and a swipe of Dior Nude Air Powder. I added in M-61 Microdermabrasion Scrub to help with the peeling.
Day 4: Extreme peeling
I'm really peeling now–cheeks, forehead, chin. My son and I are having fun with this! I moisturize four to five times a day. Just making sure to keep my skin super hydrated. Also using the scrub at night, and eye cream.
Day 5: Fresh-faced glow
The last remnants of my old skin have disappeared. My skin is looking so beautiful. I am obsessed.
Day 6: Smooth, even skin
Welcome to the new me. All the old skin is completely gone. Skin is now flawless. I love peels. I've nixed the Aquaphor and am just using my regular moisturizer now. Still applying sunscreen everyday. I don't need to wear any makeup at the moment because my skin is just too good. I can't wait for my next peel!
[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BEmjlUUFDe9/?taken-by=kristennoelcrawley&hl=en[/instagram]
I've also discovered a few at home products that I've found to be pretty good in replacement of a professional grade peel.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Smooth & Radiant Peel + Brighten: This is a nice all in one system that will give you good results at home. It's easy to use and inexpensive.
Skinceuticals Phyto+: Has Kojic acid in it to help with skin discoloration.
Kate Somerville Resurfacing Peel Pads: I use this in between peels to keep my skin radiant and glowing–it works!
Bliss Peeling Groovy Facial Serum: You can actually feel bits of dead skin coming off as you wipe.
