Thank goodness chemical peels these days are unlike those from the ‘90s. No longer do they leave you looking like a peeled tomato! But that doesn’t mean there’s zero healing period—and during the healing period, your skin needs a lot of TLC. And that includes staying away from too much sun exposure. The best time of year for a chemical peel is in the winter.

Chemical peels help your skin shed old or damaged skin cells and grow new ones for smooth, younger-looking skin with reduced visible damage. People choose chemical peels to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and scarring and improve their skin tone.

Since chemical peels are a pro-level treatment that can be very effective at rejuvenating skin, they do require some downtime, during which you’ll need to keep your skin protected from the sun. Apart from the obvious reasons, here’s why winter is the best time of year to consider getting a chemical peel!

Consider Getting a Chemical Peel in The Colder Months

There are a few reasons why the colder months are the best time of year for a chemical peel. Since chemical peels are similar to laser skin resurfacing, they have many of the same side effects. 

Chemical peels come in three levels: superficial, medium-depth, and deep. While superficial chemical peels heal quickly, deep chemical peels can leave you healing for up to three weeks. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid sunlight and take care of your skin by following your practitioner’s instructions.

Getting a chemical peel in the winter allows you to minimize side effects and avoid damage to your skin while it’s super vulnerable during the healing period after your treatment.

The best time of year for a chemical peel is during the winter because you can:

Avoid Sun & Heat

Getting a chemical peel in the winter allows you to avoid the hot summer days, which is imperative. Since a chemical peel essentially removes the top layer of your skin, you must avoid sun exposure. Winter is an easy time to do this with its shorter days and people spending more time inside in general. In addition, the heat of summer can worsen skin sensitivity and swelling after a chemical peel, making winter a better time to reduce irritation and accelerate healing.

Have Time to Change Your Skincare Routine

Depending on the chemical peel, you may need to change your skincare routine for two weeks or more. This may be difficult to commit to if you are still winding down from summer activities, especially traveling, kids going back to school, or having lots of outdoor time during the longer days. Changing your skincare routine may be easier in the winter when you have more time and are inside more.

Repeat Peels as Needed

You may need to repeat some superficial or medium chemical peels after a few weeks to achieve the desired results. So starting in the colder months may give you the time you need to complete your treatment before spring comes around. This way, by the time warmer weather comes around, you’ll be ready to glow!

Help Dry Skin

Did you know some chemical peels may even be able to help combat dry skin? If you have mature skin and struggle with dry skin during the winter or even during the summer months, winter is an excellent opportunity to consider a chemical peel to combat that dryness and get your glow back.

Avoid People and Events

Getting a chemical peel in the winter allows you to stay indoors and avoid people and unnecessary events while your face heals. Your skin will almost look as though it got sunburned: it will be red, flaky, and may even swell. Not a great look for the company holiday party!

Fully Heal Before Nice Weather

Winter is also an excellent time to consider a chemical peel, as deeper peels, which you may consider as the most effective for some, can take up to two months to heal completely. If you need more than one treatment for your peels, winter can help you get them all done and fully heal before the nice weather comes back around.

Most Popular Chemical Peels and Results

Chemical peels are available in a variety of forms, depending on your skin type and specific skin concerns. One of the best aspects of receiving a chemical peel is that it can be customized to your unique skin type, as professionals can use various combinations of acids to achieve the best results.

Superficial

A superficial chemical peel only affects the top layer of your skin and is gentle enough to be repeated every few weeks for most people. These generally include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which include citric, lactic, and glycolic acid. Superficial chemical peels may also be done with lower concentrations of trichloroacetic acid.

Medium-depth

If you want a more in-depth chemical peel, you may be a candidate for what is called medium-depth peels. These can include salicylic acid, a higher concentration of trichloroacetic acid, and Jessner’s solution (which contains lactic and salicylic acid). 

Deep Peel

A deep peel can provide impressive results for the right people, and they are definitely best during winter since there is a higher risk for side effects. You may use higher concentrations of trichloroacetic acid or phenol acid for deeper chemical peels.

Chemical peels aren’t the right choice for every skincare concern. Your experienced skincare professional can let you know if chemical peels are a worthy consideration for your skincare goals and which level would best suit your skin.

Find Out Your Skin Type Now

Winter is by far the best time of year for a chemical peel. So if you’re thinking about getting one, now’s the time! Before you dive into the world of chemical peels, do you know your skin type? If not, find out now with this free assessment!