Our Social Media Manager, Libby, took the jump into clinical skincare with a PCA Skin peel this week. Read on about her experience (and the results!) below.
As the Social Media Manager at The Village, I’ve had the opportunity to learn everything you’d want to know about fitness, from Aquatics to Zumba (and all of the parties in between!), capturing the latest in all things Village to share with you. In a recent visit to The Spa at Gainey Village with Rochelle Kosanonich to tame my brows, I mentioned I was frustrated by my skin recently, and that I had developed some hormonal acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. She took a closer look at my skin and suggested we try a peel series from the new Spa Bar Menu, and with a few clicks of the computer, we were set to start the next day! This month, The Spa at Gainey Village is offering a Pick Two treatment package with Dermaplane and Peel for $150 (usually $195) – it’s a great first step into the world of peels!
FAQs:
Can people who are frequently in the sun receive peels?
Yes, but only if they use sunscreen protection every day. Sunbathing should be avoided especially prior to treatment, directly following treatment and while the skin is peeling. If you’re receiving peel treatments to reduce skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation), it’s important to use SPF product daily and to avoid unnecessary sun exposure to reduce the chance of further hyperpigmentation.
Will a chemical peel make thin skin even thinner?
No. a PCA Skin chemical peel will remove surface buildup, hydrate the skin and give it a plumper appearance. The use of topical vitamin C, retinoids and peptide products will help build the collagen and elastin network in the skin, making it stronger and more durable.
I was a little trepidatious, but my fears were quickly diminished as we discussed the process. Rochelle first cleansed and toned my skin, then prepared my skin by using a dermaplane to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to reveal new skin to be treated, allowing the peel to better penetrate the skin.
Rochelle decided to use PCA Skin’s Sensi Peel on my skin as the first peel in a series of six because it was my first peel, and because my skin tends to be sensitive (though Sensi Peel is great for all skin types). The Sensi Peel is a great, gentle choice with 6% TCA to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of surface level wrinkles, brighten the skin and improve skin tone.
The peel is applied in thin layers by a fan brush, slowly building up in intensity as the peel works its magic. It got a little uncomfortable as she applied the third and fourth peel layers, but she provided me with a handy little fan to help cool my skin down.
The fan really did save the day – for me, the cool air helped to tame the light burning sensation.
After the fourth peel layer, Rochelle added an acne booster gel to help with the existing break out, then applied ReBalance to balance my skin’s pH level post-peel, then finally applied a moisturizer. That was it! The entire process took less than 30 minutes.
She sent me home with the Post-Procedure Solution and instructed me on how to use the products (and only these products!) day and night.
The system includes:
- PCA Skin Facial Wash
- PCA Skin CliniCalm 1% Hydrocortisone
- PCA Skin ReBalance
- PCA Skin Silkcoat Balm
- PCA Skin Perfecting Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 30
I received the peel five days ago, and so far, the results have been fantastic! Check out the top photo of my cheek, right before the peel, and the bottom photo, taken today:
I experienced a little bit of dry skin as time progressed, but dermaplaning before the treatment helped me avoid looking scaly. I’ve seen a great reduction in redness and closed comedones, especially along my jaw line. My overall skin tone has also improved (enough for my husband to notice!), and I haven’t had to reach for my concealer as frequently. For my first peel, I’m elated! I think it will only continue to improve. Check out this before and after from PCA:
I’ll be back with updates as I go through the peel series!
