What Are the Benefits of Having Chemical Peels in Spring?

People tend to think of spring as a time for new beginnings. The increased daylight boosts our serotonin levels and makes us feel more energetic, making it the most positive season for some. However, as the earth slowly seems to come alive again and temperatures gradually get warmer, we can also endure some of the most aggravating skin problems. The significant changes in temperature, sun exposure, and humidity cause our skin to feel greasier and heavier. As the seasons transition, more oil gets trapped on the surface of the skin. This is the exact opposite of what happens when we go from summer to fall or fall to winter. If the weather is messing with your skin, having an in-office skin resurfacing treatment and making other changes to your daily skincare regimen can be helpful.

Peels support healthy, glowing skin throughout the year, and they’re also an excellent way of undoing sun damage while reversing the aging process. If you’re thinking of having a chemical peel or a series of chemical peels, Chicago-based plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Iteld believes spring is an ideal time to start for the following reasons:

Peels Make Other Products Work Better

One of the great things about chemical peels is that they not only make your skin function better, but they also make skincare products work more effectively. When the top layer of dead skin cells is removed, this encourages new skin cells to rise to the surface. Additionally, specialized cells begin creating new collagen and hyaluronic acid molecules. If your regular skincare products don’t seem to be working as they should, having a chemical peel may help, because the skin becomes more receptive to elements applied topically.

Peels Treat Various Types of Skin Imperfections

There are several common types of skin irregularities that can be corrected in one chemical peel session. Peels can improve the appearance of mild scars (such as marks caused by acne), blotches (such as freckles, dark spots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation), wrinkles and fine lines (including lines on sensitive areas where the skin is thinner, such as around the eyes and mouth and on the neck), and uneven skin texture.

You Can Avoid the Summer Heat

Patients who choose peels need to minimize unprotected sun exposure as much as possible, because too much ultraviolet radiation can lead to the formation of permanent, irregular pigmentation in the areas that were treated. Sun protection and the acceptable amount of post-treatment sun exposure are factors each patient will need to discuss with their provider. Many patients decide it’s best to have their chemical peels in the spring before heat and sun exposure become more intense. Not to mention, since summer is only a few months away, it’s helpful to think of strategies to enhance the appearance of your skin. Having chemical peels done in advance allows you to maintain your results throughout the summer months.

Refresh Your Skin After Winter

A long, cold winter can be very harsh on your skin. In spring, we begin to ditch the heavier clothes in favor of shorts, tank tops, and sandals, but our skin is often still suffering from dry, scaly, and rough spots. You can give your skin a “spring cleaning” with chemical peels for exfoliation to remove the dull, dry, and damaged cells. It’s best to avoid a mechanical exfoliation scrub on your face and body, especially when it’s still coping with winter damage, because the rough treatment could cause micro-tears and irritation, especially if the scrub is used improperly or too frequently.

Want more information on peels and other seasonally appropriate skin treatments? Contact Chicago-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Iteld and the experienced team at Iteld Plastic Surgery. Call 312.757.4505 or send a message online to get further details and ideas for rejuvenation or to arrange a consultation.