Most would agree that a solid and consistent skincare routine is essential for healthy, glowing skin and to fight the signs of aging. However, too many people think this stops at facial care. While the skin on your face may be the most sensitive and delicate, it’s not the only skin you’ve got!

Your body also needs skincare to stay young and healthy. While you may not cleanse, tone, moisturize, and apply serum daily, you still want to use good-quality soaps and lotions. Beyond that, there are plenty of amazing treatments you can give your body to keep your skin thriving.

Body peels are among the most powerful and effective skincare treatments available. If you’re unsure how they work or what kind is right for you, read on to learn more about the different types.

What is a Body Peel?

Body peels work similarly to facial peels. Whichever method you choose, the main idea is to “peel” away the top layer of dead and damaged skin cells. This reveals healthier, stronger, and glowing skin underneath.

This can be done manually through physical exfoliation, or by using chemicals and other ingredients to dissolve the skin cells. Both methods are safe and effective but are suited to different skin types and/or issues and goals.

Chemical Peel

Chemical body peels are a very versatile treatment as they can be done on several “levels.” As the intensity of the peel increases, so do the benefits. Higher-level peels will go deeper into the skin, removing more and allowing the treatment to penetrate further.

Chemical peels work by dissolving and ridding the skin of dead and damaged cells. This reveals clean, fresh, and plump skin that looks and feels refreshed. It also helps improve cell turnover and can correct conditions like fine lines and hyperpigmentation. These treatments are fairly quick and can be done in one sitting. However, to get the results you’re looking for, you may require several treatments.

A chemical peel for the body is almost identical to one you’d use on your face. The biggest difference is often that it’s stronger. This is because the skin on your body isn’t as delicate or sensitive as your face, so it can handle a more intensive peel.

There are different chemical peels out there but some of the common key ingredients include lactic acid and salicylic acid. These are safe, gentle, and effective ingredients that work to refresh your skin.

Our technicians can help you determine the perfect chemical peel for your skin type, concerns, and goals.

Enzyme Peel

Enzyme peels are similar to chemical peels, but they work more on the surface. Chemical peels often go deeper, cleansing and treating multiple layers of skin. Enzyme peels only work to remove and rejuvenate the surface layer.

The treatment is not as intensive, but it’s an ideal option for those with mild symptoms and/or more sensitive skin. It’s a great “in-between” treatment, as it still works faster and more effectively than a traditional scrub.

Enzyme peels are also great for accelerating cell replacement. This means that your cells regenerate better and faster, coming out even plumper and healthier.

There are a few main benefits to an enzyme peel, especially if your skin isn’t suited to a more intense chemical peel:

• It’s a gentler treatment that still produces fantastic results
• Results are often visible immediately – glowing, plump, healthy skin is revealed
• It’s extremely versatile and works on almost all types of skin
• It’s safer for those currently pregnant and/or breastfeeding than many other skin treatments
• It’s also safer for those with various other health concerns. Always speak with your doctor first, but enzyme peels are often more suitable due to their gentle nature.

Physical Exfoliation

Though not as powerful or intense as a chemical or enzyme peel, physical exfoliations play an important role in skincare. Unlike enzymes and chemicals, a physical exfoliation scrubs off dead and dirty skin cells rather than dissolving them.

This works with the use of tiny particles that you rub and scrub against your skin that physically remove dirt, debris, and dead cells. This leaves your skin smooth and refreshed, and perfectly prepped for the application of oils, serums, moisturizers, etc.

Another great thing about exfoliation is that it’s easy to use this treatment at home. There are many products on the market to choose from. A good exfoliation product used once or twice a week can do absolute wonders for your skin.

Some of the main benefits include:

• Improve the appearance and texture of the skin
• Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Increases the effectiveness and enhances the absorption of other tropical treatments and products
• Helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts
• Can be done regularly and at home

Although physical exfoliation is the least intense of the three, it can still be very damaging if you’re not careful. Some cheap exfoliants use harmful ingredients that are bad for the environment and too harsh on the skin.

Keep the following in mind when using physical exfoliants at home:

• Avoid harsh exfoliants like plastic and almond pieces. Coffee grounds, brown sugar, oatmeal, rice bran, or finely ground salt are all good options.
• Don’t overdo it. Most products will recommend using them one to three times per week. Once a week is best for more sensitive skin. Up to three times can be beneficial if you’re skin isn’t too sensitive.
• Always moisturize after. When adding a physical scrub into your routine, always finish with a moisturizer. This locks in hydration and keeps your skin supple and healthy.
• Scrub gently. Even if you’re only using it once a week, too much pressure can still scratch and damage your skin.

Exfoliating is Essential

Whether you stick to a gentle at-home weekly scrub or an intensive chemical peel at the clinic, exfoliation is imperative to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. We offer fantastic medical peel treatments at our clinic, with a few levels of intensity to choose from. If you’re unsure how to best exfoliate your skin, contact us today for a consultation and recommendations!