It’s Chemical Peel Season: Treat Your Skin This Fall

Here at The Lucas Center, we’ve dubbed autumn in East Tennessee as “peel season” because of its mild temperatures and shorter days (aka less sun exposure), making it the perfect time for you to get a chemical peel. Especially if you spent much time in the sun over the summer, it’s a great time for a skincare pick-me-up!

The Effects of the Summer Sun on Your Skin

Try as we might have to load up on sunscreen and wear large-brimmed hats and sunglasses this summer, the sun may still have caused some cellular damage to our skin. UVA rays can cause damage to the skin membrane, while UVB rays damage the DNA of the cells. Yes, sunscreen can help, but some sunscreens don’t protect from UVA rays, the more prevalent of the two. Over time, damage like this can result in fine lines and wrinkles, sun spots, premature aging, and even skin cancer. 

Pro Tip: Always choose a “broad spectrum” sunscreen to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. 

Restore & Renew Your Skin

Fortunately, if you have experienced sun damage, The Lucas Center in West Knoxville can help. On top of good home skin care with high-quality products like SkinMedica®, a chemical peel (or a series of light peels) is a great way to remove damaged skin and pigmentation changes. 

Pro Tip: In consultation with your provider, consider adding microneedling to your chemical peel plan. After you’ve gotten rid of the damaged skin cells, microneedling will stimulate collagen induction, strengthen your top layer of skin, and improve skin tone.

Chemical Peel FAQs

We’ve got the facts you need to know about including a chemical peel in your self-care this fall: 

What month is best for chemical peels? 

The best month can depend on your skin type and local climate. In East Tennessee, any time in September, October, or November that works for you will allow you to stay protected from the sun and refresh any summer-damaged skin before the holidays!

What is the downtime? 

Minimal downtime can be expected post-procedure. The skin will be pink the day of your peel and will feel very tight until peeling starts (generally 48 to 72 hours after the procedure). Peeling can last 2 to 5 days.

What are the long-term benefits?

Long-term benefits include improved skin texture, reduced fine lines, and diminished age spots, leading to a more youthful appearance. Expect your skin to feel smoother and more refreshed!

How do I prepare for my chemical peel?

For light to medium peels, it’s simple: to prepare, avoid sun exposure and discontinue certain skincare products, like retinoids, for 1-2 weeks beforehand. If you’re having a deep chemical peel, you’ll receive more specific prep instructions from your care provider. 

What should I expect after the peel?

At a minimum, expect some peeling and redness that will feel similar to a sunburn. Your care provider will give specific instructions tailored to the type of peel you’ve had, but here are some important tips: 

• Follow all post-care instructions.
• Avoid sun exposure until your skin is fully healed.
• After healing, always use sunscreen before spending time in the sun. 
• Practice gentle cleansing and frequent moisturizing to get the best results and minimize any complications.

Plan Your Peel Now

Get a jump on your fall skin rejuvenation! Now is the perfect time to look ahead at your fall schedule and put your chemical peel on the calendar. When you’re ready, give us a call at (865) 218-6210 or schedule your initial consultation. Our experienced team at The Lucas Center can answer all your questions and customize a plan to renew your skin this season!