As a new esthetician, it's crucial to start with milder chemical peels to gain experience and confidence in performing these treatments. Many estheticians choose Glycolic peels for this purpose. Glycolic acid is the most commonly used acid and is suitable for beginners due to its relatively gentle nature. It's great for improving the texture of the skin, addressing fine lines, and enhancing overall radiance.

Some professionals like to combine the use of microdermabrasion and a superficial glycolic acid peel to increase the exfoliation and antiaging effects of both treatments within the same visit. However, this should be done with extreme caution by experienced professionals as it is considered to be a more aggressive approach and is usually reserved for patients with a history of procedures.

Deciding to perform microdermabrasion before a chemical peel depends on several factors, including the type and strength of the chemical peel, the condition of the client's skin, and any other treatments or products they've recently used. In general, it's best to space out exfoliating treatments like these to avoid over-exfoliation, which can lead to damaging the skin barrier, irritation and sensitivity.

The skin on the body (arms, legs, hands, etc.) is generally much thicker than the face and will need a stronger type of peel. TCA 20% can be used on fair to light skin tones to address sun damage, anti-aging, and skin texture. Medium to Dark skin tones will benefit from Glycolic 70% peels and AHA Vitamin C 70% peels. Salicylic 20% - 30% can be used for oily/acne skin on the body.

Keep in mind that the body may not produce as much visible peeling as the face and may take much longer to actually begin peeling following the procedure. You must also have your clients commit to a series of peel treatments for best results. Chemical peels are great for exfoliating skin that has become dark due to sun exposure and thus creating a more even tone but they will not lighten your client’s natural skin tone or have a bleaching effect.

It is generally acceptable to perform steaming and extractions before a chemical peel. This sequence is a common practice during certain facial treatments to help prepare the skin for the chemical peel by removing impurities and unclogging pores. After cleansing and steaming the skin, gentle and controlled extractions can be done to remove blackheads, whiteheads, and other clogged pores. Following extractions, cleanse the skin again to remove any remaining debris and apply a toner or degreaser, such as our Peel Prep Solution, to prepare the skin for the chemical peel.

It's important to note that while steaming and extractions can be beneficial for some clients, they may not be suitable for all skin types or conditions. For clients with sensitive or reactive skin, it may be best to avoid extractions to prevent excessive irritation.

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