chemical peel

Types of chemical peels

A chemical peel is a skincare product that improves the appearance and texture of the skin. It contains acids that remove the top layer of the skin. There are three main types of chemical peels, which are described below.

• Superficial Peels

  Superficial peels use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). They provide light exfoliation and, as such, are less intense than other chemical peels. Because of this, people can perform them at home or visit a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. Examples of acids used in superficial peels are glycolic and lactic acid.

  Benefits of superficial peels include:

  • Improved skin tone and texture
  • Safer than other chemical peels
  • Greater convenience and affordability
  • Minimal side effects
  • Reduced appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage

• Medium Peels

  Medium peels, also known as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels, go deeper than superficial peels. They exfoliate the skin more thoroughly to remove dead skin cells. Medium peels use glycolic acid and TCA.

  Benefits of medium peels include:

  • Can be adjusted to meet individual needs
  • Treated deeper lines and wrinkles
  • Reduced risk of skin abnormalities and cancer
  • Reduced appearance of age and liver spots
  • Safer than other types of chemical peels

• Deep Peels

  Deep peels use more intense acids to exfoliate the skin thoroughly. They go deep into the skin to remove damaged tissues. This type of peel is performed in a medical setting by qualified healthcare personnel. Patients may require some form of sedation or anesthesia during the procedure. The recovery period is also longer when compared to other chemical peels.

  Benefits of deep peels include:

  • Long-lasting results
  • Smoother, tighter, and younger-looking skin
  • Improved self-confidence
  • Reduced appearance of deep lines and wrinkles
  • Enhanced treatment of pre-cancerous growths and sun damage

How to choose chemical peels

• Skin Type and Condition: Select a peel that suits the customer's skin type, whether oily, dry, or sensitive. For acne-prone skin, peels with salicylic acid are good. For dry or aging skin, choose lactic acid or glycolic acid peels. If the peel is for rosacea, find one labeled as suitable for sensitive skin.
• Professional vs. At-Home Peels: The concentration of acids in a chemical peel for face deeply affects its effectiveness and safety. Professional-grade peels have higher acid concentrations, providing more profound results and treating more severe skin issues. On the other hand, at-home peels have lower acid concentrations, which are still effective for mild exfoliation and maintenance of one's skin but may not handle severe problems.
• Ingredients: Look for peels containing effective ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, TCA, or phenols. Each ingredient has unique properties that benefit specific skin concerns. Research the key ingredients in the peel and ensure they align with the customer's needs and preferences.
• Allergies and Sensitivities: Check the ingredient list for potential allergens or ingredients that could irritate the skin. Avoid peels containing sulfates, parabens, or other harsh chemicals for people with known allergies or sensitivities. Look for hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic products that do not clog pores.
• Brand Reputation: Consider the reputation of the brand manufacturing the chemical peel. Look for brands known for their quality and safety in producing chemical exfoliants. Read reviews and check the brand's history, certifications, and customer feedback to ensure it is reliable and trustworthy.
• Concentration Levels: Check the concentration levels of the active ingredients in the peel. Higher concentrations may provide more profound results but also increase the risk of irritation or side effects. Choose a peel with an appropriate concentration level for the customer's skin type and concerns, ensuring it is within the tolerable range for effective yet gentle exfoliation.
• pH Level: The pH level of a chemical peel affects its exfoliating power and potential for irritation. Look for peels with a balanced pH that provide effective exfoliation without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. A peel with a pH close to that of the skin (around 3.5-4.5) will be less irritating and safer for regular use.
• Reviews and Recommendations: Look for reviews and recommendations from customers or skincare professionals. Peels with positive feedback regarding effectiveness, gentleness, and overall satisfaction are more likely to meet customers' needs and expectations.

How to use and product safety

Before using a chemical peel, it is advisable to consult a skin care professional. They will recommend the right type and strength of the peel according to the user's skin type and needs. Once obtained, here is how to use it.

• Prepare the skin

  Clean the face with a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, oil, and dirt from the face. Pat the face dry with a clean, dry cloth.

• Apply the chemical peel

  Use a cotton ball, brush, or cloth to apply the peel solution evenly over the face. Follow the instructions on the package regarding the amount to use and how long to leave it on.

• Neutralize (if necessary)

  Some chemical peels need to be neutralized after application. If so, follow the instructions provided. Usually, the peel is rinsed off with water or a neutralizing solution is applied.

• Moisturize

  Apply a mild chemical peel solution moisturizer to the face after removing the peel. This helps to restore the skin's barrier and prevent dryness.

• Protect from the sun

  For several days after using the chemical peel, the skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin from sunburns and irritation.

Product Safety

It is common for some people to experience side effects after using a chemical peel. This usually happens when the peel is applied for the first time. Side effects may include redness, swelling, and burning sensation, which can last for several hours to days. In some cases, the skin may become flaky and peel off. This is a sign that the chemical peel is working.

To ensure the user's safety, it is advisable to conduct a patch test before applying the solution all over the face. Apply a small amount to a specific area and observe how the skin reacts. It is also important to follow the instructions on the package regarding the type of peel, duration, and application methods. Users can wear gloves during application to protect their hands.

Functions, features, and design of chemical peels

Function

• Exfoliation: Chemical peels remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This promotes cell turnover and reveals fresher, smoother skin underneath. It helps with exfoliation at different levels depending on the acidity of the solution used.
• Reducing Wrinkles and Fine Lines: By promoting the shedding of old, wrinkled skin, chemical peels stimulate the formation of new, smoother skin in its place. This process can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the face a more youthful look.
• Acne Treatment: Chemical peels can unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and bacterial growth, and promote healthier skin. It helps prevent new breakouts from forming and reduce the appearance of old acne scars.
• Even Skin Tone: Peels can lighten dark spots, freckles, and melasma by encouraging the shedding of pigmented skin and promoting the creation of new, unpigmented skin. This can result in a more uniform skin tone and reduce discoloration.

Feature

• pH: The pH level of a chemical peel solution determines its strength and effect on the skin. A lower pH (higher acidity) means a stronger peel, while a higher pH (lower acidity) indicates a milder peel.
• Types of Acids: Different chemical peels contain distinct acids, each with unique properties and benefits. Common acids used in chemical peels include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
• Concentration of Acid: The concentration of the active acid in the peel solution affects its strength. Higher concentrations may provide deeper exfoliation and more significant results but also increase the risk of side effects.
• Additives: Some chemical peels contain additional ingredients such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, or moisturizers that enhance the peel's effects and provide added skin benefits.

Design

• Packaging: Chemical peels are often designed with packaging that ensures safe and easy application. This may include squeeze bottles, droppers, or pre-soaked pads.
• Peel Kits: Some chemical peels are available in complete kits that include the peel solution, preparation products, and post-treatment care items. These kits provide a comprehensive approach to the peeling process.

Q&A

Q1: What are the trends in chemical peels?

A1: Buyers want chemicals that are more natural. They want acids made from organic compounds. Soups made from lemons or rice are popular. They give a more natural peel.

Q2: What are some perks of offering chemical peel kits?

A2: Kits give buyers various products in one pack. They are good for treating a specific skin issue. They give a uniform strength of each chemical. Also, they are a good option for home use.

Q3: Can suppliers give custom packs or private labels?

A3: Yes. Suppliers can give a custom pack with various acids. They can also add a private label to each pack. This helps brands stand out.

Q4: What are the trends in chemical peel product types?

A4: Buyers want more layered peels. They want to add more chemicals in layers to treat skin issues. They also want peels with vitamins and enzymes to boost skin health.

Q5: What are some sustainable chemical peel products?

A5: Look for products with natural extracts and acids. They are made from natural sources with less or no animal testing. Also, find brands that use recycled plastic for their peels.

Popularity Trends

The keyword "chemical peel" has maintained a steady average monthly web search volume of 90,500 over the past year, with notable fluctuations during specific months. The web search volume experienced a 22% increase over three months, from January to April 2024, peaking at 110,000 web searches. However, a subsequent decline of approximately 15% occurred from May to October, stabilizing back at 90,500 web searches.

Analyzing the monthly data, "chemical peel" web searches showed consistency in the early months of the year (November 2023 to April 2024), with web search volumes holding steady or increasing. This trend reversed from May, with web searches dropping to 74,000 in the summer months before recovering in October. The pattern suggests a seasonal variation, with peaks typically in the spring and a noticeable dip during the late summer and early autumn.

Despite the observed fluctuations, the annual change in web search volume for "chemical peel" remained static at 0%. This indicates that over the course of a year, the overall interest in this beauty treatment has not changed significantly, despite the short-term variations. Such trends could be influenced by a variety of factors including consumer behavior, marketing campaigns, and seasonal skincare routines, which align with the observed data points.