No manual exfoliation (scrubs)
within a week of a peel.
If interested in a chemical peel, I
suggest locating a licensed
professional in your area. We are
trained and certified by some
companies to work with the
products and are able to
accurately inform clients about
stages and results of the process.
There are so many different types
of peels. For example, there are
milk-based peels called lactics.
There are sugar-based peels
called glycolics. There are
Jessners, Fusions, and TCAs. These
different types of chemical peels
can be considered superficial,
medium, and deep peels. Then
there are chemical dermabrasions
where clients resemble burn
victims for a period of months
before flawless, taut skin
regenerates.
Stop the use of any topical
medication for acne such as Retin
A, benzoyl peroxides, and other
drying agents 24 hours before a
peel.
Check for allergic reactions, request
a patch test.
If your skin is irritated in some
way, NO Chemical Peel!
One peel that I recommend for any person
of color would be a Mandelic peel. This
peel is made from bitter almonds. It is an
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), or superficial
peel, but depending on the pH level (>3.0)
can be very active on the skin.
Chemical peels produce amazing
results when applied by
knowledgeable professionals;
however, we are not always
certain how each person’s skin is
going to react after peeling,
especially people of color. Before
you consider a chemical peel, you
MUST acknowledge these
precautions:
FAITH HEART MAGAZINE l 7