A few years ago, my skin went through a rough patch, and it wasn’t just one of those “bad skin days.” Acne was everywhere, tanning had taken over, and the pollution, humidity, and relentless sun exposure only made things worse. My face was oily, and the dark spots—oh, they were deep and stubborn. I tried everything, but nothing worked.
That’s when I decided to visit my dermatologist. She took one look at my skin and suggested a chemical peel. At first, I was nervous. I had no idea what it involved, but after she explained it to me, I decided to give it a try.
Why Skin Needs Extra Care in Your 30s
Did you know that our skin naturally exfoliates to shed dead cells? As babies, this happens daily, but by the time we’re in our 30s, this process slows down to about once a month—or sometimes even less. When dead skin doesn’t shed properly, it clogs our pores, makes our skin dull, and worsens acne.
This is where exfoliation comes in. There are two main types:
Mechanical exfoliation—like scrubs, which physically remove dead cells.
Chemical exfoliation—which uses acids like AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid) to dissolve dead skin.
Since my skin was acne-prone, scrubs were too harsh for me, and my dermatologist recommended chemical exfoliation instead. It was gentler and more effective.
My First Chemical Peel Experience
I was prescribed a 35% glycolic and kojic acid peel—done under my dermatologist’s supervision. The plan was to do two sessions, each a month apart. Here’s how it went:
Before the Peel
Preparation was simple but important. I had to avoid all forms of exfoliation and other treatments for two weeks to ensure my skin was ready.
During the Peel
Session 1: The peel was applied for just 10 minutes. It was my first time, so my doctor wanted to make sure my skin could tolerate it.
Session 2: The peel stayed on for 20 minutes since I handled the first session without any issues.
To my relief, there was no burning or tingling. After each session, my skin felt a little dry and slightly red, but nothing unbearable.
After the Peel
The aftercare was straightforward but crucial:
Avoid the sun completely for at least a week—longer if possible.
For the first three days, I could only wash my face with plain water.
From the fourth day, I used a simple routine: sunscreen in the morning and, at night, a glycolic face wash followed by a ceramide moisturizer.
Results
The results were worth every penny and bit of patience:
After the first session, my skin was noticeably smoother, and my acne scars lightened by about 70%.
By the second session, the scars were almost 90% gone, and the remaining faded with time.
My skin felt softer, my pores looked smaller, and even fine lines started to fade.
And here’s the best part: It’s been almost a year since I got the peel, and the results have been permanent. I believe this is because I made some lifestyle and skincare changes that complemented the treatment:
Avoiding harsh sunlight—I’ve been diligent about sunscreen and minimizing direct exposure.
Eating clean—I reduced junk and processed food, which made a noticeable difference in my skin’s health.
Simplifying skincare—Instead of using multiple products like vitamin C or niacinamide that my skin didn’t need, I stuck to the basics that addressed my concerns.
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. Each session cost INR 2000, so the total came to INR 4000 for two sessions. Considering how much my skin improved—smoother texture, lighter scars, reduced oiliness—it was one of the best investments I’ve ever made.
Final Thoughts
Chemical peels might sound intimidating, but when done under the guidance of a dermatologist, they can truly transform your skin. However, it’s essential to tailor your skincare and treatments to your specific skin concerns. Not every trend or product will work for everyone, and sometimes, less is more.
Have you ever tried a chemical peel? Or are you considering one? Let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
Comments