The skin on your face is probably where you invest the most time and money to make it look youthful, evenly toned, and bright. But the skin from the neck down isn’t immune to the signs of aging, and your anti-aging efforts should be equally weighted. Although most of us neglect the skin on our bodies, it too can suffer from breakouts, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and dry skin. Thankfully, the modern-day chemical peel boasts body-perfecting benefits too, which is why body chemical peels are becoming increasingly popular.
Just like how a chemical peel works for the face, on the body, a peel exfoliates dead skin cells to even out the complexion. Body chemical peels go one step further and can help improve acne, smooth rough, bumpy texture, and even skin.
What is a Body Chemical Peel?
Body chemical peels are like facial peels but stronger since the skin is thicker and tolerates more potent formulas. The concentration of active ingredients is higher and more concentrated in body chemical peels than in face peels. That’s why body peels can help eliminate the look of stretch marks, sun spots, keratosis pilaris, and dryness and even improve the skin tone and texture on your legs, arms, back, chest, and hands. Plus, with less dead skin on the outer layer, your body care products can penetrate that much better.
Can You Do a Chemical Peel on The Body?
Yes. Most chemical peels for the body break down the bond between the skin cells in the top layer and the skin itself to exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells. The skin appears healthier and glowing, with less dead skin on the surface. Body chemical peels increase cell turnover to help improve common skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
The most frequent body parts for a chemical peel include:
- The neck
- The chest
- The back
- The hands
- The arms and legs
What Type of Chemical Peel is Best for the Body?
Body chemical peels rely on one or more types of acid, either alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA), to break the bonds between the dead skin cells. Many of the acids in body chemical peels are naturally derived from plants and foods. Some of the more commonly used acids in body chemical peels include lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin. Each acid serves a different purpose depending on your current body skincare concerns.
What Are the Benefits of Body Chemical Peels?
There are a number of benefits to using a body peel, including:
- Alleviating body acne on the chest and back
- Reducing hyperpigmentation, whether they are dark spots, acne scars, or sun damage
- Improving rough, bumpy skin
- Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
- Reduces scarring (acne, surgical scars)
- Reduces dryness
- Improves product penetration
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
How Long Does a Body Peel Last?
You can see and feel smoother, brighter, more supple skin a few days after a body chemical peel. Some people see results after one treatment, while others require a series depending on their skin type and concerns.
The skin on the body is different from the skin on the face, and it heals differently, so it may take longer to see results for more significant skin concerns. The effects of a body chemical peel are cumulative, so the more frequently you do one, the better the results, which last a few weeks, if not longer.
Can I Get a Body Chemical Peel if My Skin is Sensitive?
Body peels can be used on the chest, back, neck, hands, butt, or legs, depending on your skin type and concerns. Even if your skin is more on the sensitive side, body chemical peels are an excellent option since they’re usually not too abrasive. Unlike a coarse body scrub, a peel gently removes the dead skin without compromising the skin. However, if you are sensitive, make sure to tell your provider so that they can tailor the ingredients used in the peel and instigate any irritation.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
Body chemical peels are safe and well tolerated, but if the wrong exfoliating acid is used or if it is used inappropriately, there can be a risk of over-exfoliation, which can lead to irritation, redness, and dryness of the skin. Also, because body peels rely on exfoliating acids, there’s always a risk of burning the skin if too much is used. Light chemical peels with low percentages of acids, like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and TCA, have the lowest risk of side effects.
Since acids and exfoliators can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, it’s always important to wear sunscreen daily following a body chemical peel.
What Results Can I Expect from a Body Chemical Peel?
A body chemical peel can produce several different results depending on the concerns you are trying to address and the type of peel used. You can expect improved skin texture with far less roughness and bumps with a body chemical peel. The skin will also emerge brighter and more even with less fullness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
If acne is an issue, a series of body chemical peels can help unclog pores, reduce acne breakouts, and minimize the appearance of acne scars.
Body chemical peels also promote skin firmness and elasticity by stimulating collagen and elastin production for tighter, more toned skin.
