Prepping Your Skin for Peel Season

Aug 13

As the weather begins to cool & the leaves start to change, it’s time to adjust your skin care routine for the fall season. For us estheticians, fall is known as Peel Season, a perfect time for skin rejuvenation & repair. Preparing your skin now will ensure it’s ready for the beneficial effects of peels & peel alternatives while staying healthy & glowing. Let’s explore how you can prep your skin at home & the essential ingredients to incorporate into your routine. Read my blog, Seasonal Skin Care: Preparing Your Routine for Cooler Weather.

Transitioning into Fall: Preparing Your Skin

With the changing seasons, your skin care routine needs to adapt to maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier. Here are some key points to consider:

Gentle Cleansing: Switch to a cleanser that hydrates & protects your skin’s natural oils.
Moderate Exfoliation: Limit exfoliation to avoid over-stripping your skin. Use gentle acids like lactic or mandelic acid.
Hydration: Invest in serums & moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid & ceramides. A true drink of water for your skin: GlyMed Plus Ultra Hydro Gel.
Protection: Use a broad-spectrum SPF to guard against UV rays & environmental stressors.

Falling into Peel Season: Key Ingredients

As we move into peel season, it’s essential to incorporate ingredients into your skin care routine that will strengthen the skin barrier & help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) post-peels. Here are some of the top ingredients to look for:

1. Vitamins C, E, & Fulvic Acid

Vitamins C, E & fulvic acid are potent antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage, brighten the complexion, plus support collagen production. One of my favorites: GlyMed Plus Restoring Fulvic Elixir Serum. You can also register & visit my GlyMed Plus store here.

2. Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant that improves skin texture & tone. Using products with lactic acid helps to increase your skin’s tolerance to deeper exfoliation during peels. Amazing for my higher Fitzpatricks that are prone to PIH.

3. Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is ideal for sensitive skin types & provides a gentle exfoliation that helps reduce fine lines & improve skin clarity without causing irritation. If you’ve been in my treatment room, you’ve heard me talk about this one: Hale & Hush Rare Mandelic Serum.

4. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness, & regulate oil production. It’s a versatile ingredient that benefits all skin types, especially in preparation for peels. PCA SKIN’s Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum is guest favorite.

Avoiding Extrinsic Stressors

To keep your skin barrier healthy and resilient during the fall season, avoid the following extrinsic stressors:

Harsh Weather: Protect your skin from wind & cold by wearing appropriate clothing & accessories.
Wear Your Sunscreen: Rain or shine always wear your broad spectrum SPF 30 (minimum). Protect your skin from UVA/UBV rays.
Dry Indoor Air: Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air & prevent your skin from drying out.
Fragranced Products: Choose fragrance-free detergents & skin care products to minimize irritation & sensitivity.

Consultation & Treatments

For personalized recommendations, I always encourage you to book a skin care consultation & treatment with me. This allows us to customize your routine based on your unique skin type & conditions, ensuring optimal results during the peel season. A series of professional treatments & home treatment are required to prep the skin weeks leading up the peel to minimize irritation & complications.

By prepping your skin for the cooler weather & the upcoming peel season, you can maintain a healthy, radiant complexion all year round.