Eastern Experiments: PCA Skin and the Skin Peel

These days, going under the knife seems to be the best way to achieve that perfect form; from breast augmentation to face lifts. I’ve seen it first hand. How one would suggest facial reconstruction — snip here and there, poking your face with needles — all for the sake of recapturing and perfecting one’s youthful beauty. Sounds silly? Tell me about it.

Like I had already said, aging is something that we cannot put a stop to. It’s inevitable. And, again, the best we can do is to age gracefully, responsibly. Yes, this means proactive measures and realistic care of the largest organ of our body, our skin.

To be quite honest, I had found it hard to write this article. Though, skincare is a huge thing for me, matters like the science behind chemical peels are foreign to me. I’ve only been able to educate myself with fundamentals, i.e. cleansing, moisture, sunscreen, hydration, exfoliation, vitamins. I had let the rest take care of itself esp the ones I know I can’t control. This is probably due to the fact that my skin doesn’t really require much maintenance.

However, this experience opened my eyes to a different side of skincare.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a body treatment technique used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and eventually peel off. The regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. (Source: Wikipedia)

Interestingly, this technique can be administered by a professional or DIY. All you need is to do is purchase a product that does the job. However, the risk is that you may not know how to determine your skin’s exact state and needs. I believe handling chemicals and applying them on your face may just be as dangerous as crossing the street blindfolded.

Consulting with a Dermatologist will be best. Personally, I really wouldn’t rely on simply trusting the instructions on the label.

Why Get a Chemical Peel?

1. Remove dead skin.

2. Lighten dark spots.

3. Even skin tone.

4. Reduce visible skin aging.

5. Reduce breakouts.

I can still name a few more but I reckon some may be asking the question, “can’t we achieve the same results by just using some anti-aging product?” and my answer would be, choosing the latter can take time before any visible results. As for Chemical Peels, you can see and feel the results as soon as on the 4th day, this is according to Dermatologist, Dr. Socouer Oblepias.

Personally, I had toyed with the idea of getting a skin peel but was never in dire need of one. On top of that, my reservations would always win over the desire to give it a go.

Reasons that stops you from getting a peel:

1. Red, blotchy skin. The nightmares you get about your skin. Seeing badly turned out skin peels would scar you and will keep you from considering it. No effing way.

2. Painful procedure. Sure, you can be adventurous but the idea that it can be painful.

3. Lack of knowledge. If you really don’t know anything about it, how the process goes, or what sort of gunk they’d subject your skin in will be enough reason not to go through it. You refuse to go into that dark place.

4. Doubt in effectiveness. You’ve seen people who had their skin peeled but didn’t see any major difference or perhaps you feel that your skin’s needs will not be cured by removing a bunch of dead skin cells. You think that surgery is the key.

5. Cost of getting one. Ah, money will always be a huge consideration.

I guess it’s a good thing that I had the opportunity to experience this sort of skincare. With the invite to a PCA Skin Event a few weeks back, it came with an appointment to try their products out. It gave me first hand information on what you can actually expect if you decide to subject your skin to a chemical peel.

After a facial (without pricking), cleansing my skin, the peeling began. It’s important to note that your skin should be properly and thoroughly prepped in order to prevent any issue with the products that will be used in the peeling process. I had initially thought that if you had your skin peeled, it would be like someone peeling a mask off. But I learned that it’s just a gentle process of applying stuff — layer upon layer of treatments and serums, depending on the aggressiveness of the peel; in accordance to your skin’s health — on your skin. These substances are specially formulated to target specific needs, acts accordingly with the amount applied.

PCA Skin products (from left to right): Sensi Peel, Ultra Peel, PCA Peel, and Esthetique Peel

PCA Professional Products and PCA SKIN Clinical Care Products incorporate the latest in medically and scientifically researched ingredients suc as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, polyphenols, retinol, peptides and active botanicals to deliver optimal results. PCA home care products nourish, hydrate and rejuvenate skin. Free of color additives, synthetic fragrances, harsh alcohols, comedogenic oils and other known sensitizers, they are designed to deliver results without irritation. Especially effective for helping to treat such varied skin conditions as acne, psoriasis, hyyperpigmentation, rosacea and fine lines and wrinkles. PCA is used by Dermatologists in 60 countries. The company is recognized as one of the top international producers of chemical peels, now the second most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed by plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists. (lifted from press release)

Some examples of what PCA Peels offer:

Enhanced Jessner’s Peels. PCA Skin adds kojic acid and citric acid to the usual potent formulation of lactic and salicylic acid. Over-all, it acts by breaking down bonds between cells for easier exfoliation while hydrating skin, smoothen the skin and prevent breakouts. It also evens out the skin tone, controls bacteria, and allows the skin to hold moisture more effectively. It brightens the skin thus promoting a healthy, glowing skin.

Retinol Treatments. PCA Skin combines retinol and lactic acid with an age-defying blend of polyphenols and humectants. It treats skin aging, laxity, sensitive acne, and hyper-pigmentation. This significantly reduce visible signs of aging and is designed to enhance the results of the other peels. It can be used alone or in combination to aid in exfoliation, plump and hydrate the skin, and prove tone and texture.

Salicylic Acid Treatments. This includes the Pumpkin Peel Treatment which is a keratolytic and antioxidant treatment therapy which will brighten and rejuvenate the skin. Generally, the treatment’s main function is to aid in keeping the skin’s surface texture smooth, clearing blocked follicles, and reducing breakouts. It can also offer anti-inflammatory benefits that create even and healthy skin.

Blended TCA Peels. This includes the Sensi Peel (for extremely sensitive skin), Ultra Peel I (for darker skin types), and Ultra Peel Forte (capable of producing medium depth peel), which are exceptional treatments for acne, hyper-pigmentation, dehydration, aging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. What differentiates these from the other TCA peels available in the market is the personalised formulation.

What sort of peel did I get?

Since I am allergic to Aspirin, I only got a mild peel (name lost in my notes, will get back to you), had some fine lines near my hairline treated, then received a generous helping of Vitamin C on my skin. We were advised that our skin will look a little tanned after the peel, no redness AND the process was painless! I didn’t experience any irritation but I did find my face a bit itchy long into the night (did the peel around noon). I had the chance to look over how much my peel would’ve cost and I’m calculating it might be between Php 2,000.00 to Php 3,000.00 (I may be over-pricing it but I reckon it’s a safe estimate). After the session, we were informed that we can see some changes the following day, though, in my case, I would only notice a softer skin, since I only had a mild peel.

Verdict? I wouldn’t mind scheduling another trip to Ageless in Festival Mall, Alabang and get me a more aggressive peel. I’d love to take my mum with me, too. I’d like to see her take on a healthier and brighter skin! Though I would reserve chemical peels to individuals who are in their late 20s. I see no sense in touching your skin while still young. However, for special needs of problem-ridden skin, go consult a Dermatologist and ask about the process. Cost-wise, it’s a bit of a strain. However, sometimes, beauty does come with a price — literally and figuratively.

Have you ever considered getting a chemical peel? If you have and already done so, how was your own experience? Would you recommend it to others? For individuals who haven’t had their skin peeled, what are your general reservations? What would convince you to go through a treatment?

Image: PCA Skin