Winter brings chilly temperatures, shorter days, and as we’ve seen recently across the South, plenty of snow and ice. On a positive note, it also presents the perfect opportunity to treat our skin to a little extra love — that’s where facial peels come in. For many, they’re a secret weapon for maintaining a radiant glow. We tapped Dr. Sarah Sawyer, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermatology & Laser of Alabama in Birmingham, for her advice on some of the best facial peels to consider, and why now is a great time to try them.
Facial peels are a popular skin-shedding treatment and an advanced form of exfoliation in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. Peels can treat a wide range of skin concerns, from wrinkles and hyperpigmentation to acne and scarring. “An acid solution is applied that dissolves the bond between skin cells, allowing them to shed or ‘peel’ away, revealing a new, refreshed complexion,” says Dr. Sarah Sawyer.
While peels can be safely performed all year long (with proper care and diligent sun protection, of course!), winter is an ideal time to have one, as your skin can recover without the added stress of UV exposure. The combination of harsh winds and indoor heating can lead to skin that looks tired, dry, and desperate for a pick-me-up.
“With cooler temperatures and less sun exposure, winter is a great time to rejuvenate your skin with laser resurfacing and chemical peels,” says Dr. Sawyer. “Your peel treatment means the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to sun damage, so our goal is to protect this layer and avoid irregular pigmentation.”
Peels can also help remove the dead skin cells that contribute to dullness, unveiling a brighter and more radiant complexion. Not only are they great for exfoliation, but peels can promote better absorption of moisturizers, ensuring that your skin stays hydrated and soft despite harsh weather conditions.
In addition to a brighter complexion, peels stimulate collagen production by triggering the skin’s natural healing mechanism. They are highly customizable and can be combined with other procedures like microneedling and facials. Varying in strength, peels treat different skin depths, ranging from surface level to medical-grade strength, so recovery time and severity of the actual peeling depends on the type of peel you choose.
Your skin reaction can be similar to a mild sunburn with redness, followed by skin tightening and peeling that usually begins around the nose and mouth. Most peeling subsides within three to seven days. However, it is possible to not peel at all and only see skin irritation and flaking. Typically, the deeper the peel, the more visible the reaction.
According to Dr. Sawyer, the most popular peels leverage alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids — powerful exfoliants most commonly seen in glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. Before selecting a peel, it’s recommended that you work with an experienced provider who can analyze your skin and recommend a peel solution and strength best suited to your goals and skin type.
If you’re ready to shed your dull winter skin and looking for the best facial peels but don’t know where to start, Dr. Sawyer recommends a light glycolic peel as a good entry-level option. Popular options such as the HydraFacial and Jetfusion facial are designed to treat mild skin issues like texture and hydration with little to no downtime.
In addition to peeling and recovery time, price is another thing to consider. Peels performed in the office by an experienced provider can range from $200 to $450, depending on the type of treatment and the number of sessions necessary to achieve your desired results. Many skin care providers offer monthly memberships or specials that offer savings on treatments like peels and keep members accountable for consistent skincare maintenance all year long.
For those not ready to take the leap for an in-office peel quite yet, there are several at-home options on the market that, although not as effective as the results you’d see with a professional provider, will still offer exfoliation and improved skin tone. Dr. Sawyer recommends SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight, a night cream made with 10% glycolic acid that improves the appearance of skin tone and texture while you sleep.
For acne-prone skin, she likes the DLA Gly/Sal 5-2 Pads with a combination of acids, green tea, and witch hazel to help unclog pores and accelerate the removal of dead skin cells. Another highly recommended option is the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads, a two-step AHA/BHA peel pad to help refine skin texture, shrink pores, and reduce the look of fine lines.
Winter is the perfect time to start fresh, and that goes for your skin, too. Whether you’re a facial peel newbie or a pro, take advantage of the season to refresh and prep your skin for brighter, warmer days ahead. (They’re coming, we promise!)
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