Have you been considering having a chemical peel done? If so there are some things you should be aware of before you go forward with the procedure. If you are having the peel done in a dermatologists office then you will probably have too sit through a consultation to help the doctor decide if a chemical peel will be a good choice for you. If, however, you are considering the purchase of an at home chemical peel kit you will need to make this determination by yourself.

What is a chemical peel?

The first thing you should understand is how a chemical peel works. First a chemical substance, usually in the forma of a cream or lotion, is applied to the skin and left in place for a period of time. While the chemicals are in contact with the skin they work to loosen the old skin cells and impurities in the pores so that when the chemical solution is removed from the skin it takes with it the dirt, oils and dead skin.

The chemical peel is actually removing a layer of the oldest and therefore the most dead skin you have. It also flushes away all the oils from your skin, as well as all of the contaminates from your pores. How long the acid is left on the skin and how concentrated the chemicals are determines how deep they penetrate into the skin and how much skin is removed.

Considerations

If you have sensitive or fair skin, you should be very careful about considering a chemical peel. These skin sensitivities are going to e compounded for a period of time until your skin has completely healed. If you already have problems with your skins sensitivity you may find the effects of a chemical peel to be more than you are willing to endure.

It is highly advised that you remain indoors for a couple of days after any chemical peel but especially after a deep peel. The reason you need to stay inside is because your skin doesnt have any of the oils it normally produces and because the layer of skin tat is now exposed has not had a chance to adjust to the air and the unseen contaminates will be irritating to it which can cause problems for you.

What to do after your chemical peel.

The most important thing you can do for your skin after having a chemical peel done is to stay indoors for a couple of days. Exposure to the sun is an absolute no-no but, if you find yourself with no choice but to venture out, be sure to wear a generous amount of a very high spf sun block. Beyond staying inside, you should not expose your skin to any kind of irritant including makeup, cream or lotion. In fact, you should try not to even touch your springy new skin for a day or two just to avoid the possibility of the salts and dirt on your hand causing a problem.

The best way to decide if you should have a chemical peel is always to consult with a qualified doctor but if you find that this isnt an option, you need to be sure to do plenty of research on the topic. If you take your time and study the topic you should be able to safely decide if you are a candidate for a chemical peel procedure.

If you have been thinking about a chemical peel, you should check out this article about home chemical peels.

Homemade facial scrubs are a great way to save money and to nourish your skin if its sensitive to store bought products. Homemade facial scrubs that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are the best because they help dissolve and exfoliate dead skin cells which make the skin look dull and clog the pores. By exfoliating the skin, you also improve absorption of creams and moisturizers.

AHAs are found in a number of foods including milk, honey, lemon juice, pineapple, vinegar, and tomatoes to name a few. An AHA type homemade facial cleanser is also helpful for oil skin because it helps clear and unclog pores and blackheads.

To mix up your own Dry skin homemade facial cleanser – mix 2-3 tablespoons of whole fat milk (or low fat) and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Make a paste and apply to the face in circular scrubbing motions. Rinse well. and apply a good moisturizerlike an olive oil moisturizer.

Apply a good moisturizer like an olive oil moisturizer or a water-proof, clinically approved moisturizer for severely dry skin . After exfoliation is a great time to apply a good moisturizer, because the skin is ready to absorb it much better.

For oily skin your homemade cleanser should contain – 2 tablespoons of baking soda along with either lemon juice or tomato juice. If you have lots of blotches and red spots, use the lemon juice. Mix enough juice so that you can form a thick paste. Rub this paste well all over your face including your nose and cheek area where you tend to have the most oil or blackheads and whiteheads.

Make sure to rinse very well in cool water and apply a moisturizer especially formulated for oily skin. A good, non-greasy moisturizer is important to keep skin properly hydrated.

A homemade cleanser for normal skin – can include any type of AHA you have in the house, just as long as you add a mild abrasive like sugar, oatmeal, baking soda or crush almonds. Sources of AHA include: milk (low fat or whole), lemons, oranges, pineapples, vinegar, and yogurt.

Mix the two ingredients into a fine paste and massage over the whole face and neck. Make sure you rinse very well with cool water and follow immediately with a good moisturizer. Your skin will feel GREAT!

Visit Wrinkle Free Skin Tips for more information on the Oil/Dry Skin tips and other anti-aging skin advice