Everyone’s skin has a bad day or two. Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep or you’ve made some bad food choices. If you’re dealing with tired-looking and dull skin, you may need a little help to bring back the radiance you’re missing. Call SKC Dermatology in Paramus, NJ and ask how chemical peels can help you get back that glowing appearance.
What Causes Skin to Look Tired and Dull?
There isn’t just one cause of dull and drab skin, and sometimes several factors at once can steal the healthy look from your complexion.
Aging
As we age, our skin’s ability to renew its cells and, therefore, its bright appearance, slows down. This contributes to an overall tired look. When skin looks tired, it can make us appear older than we are.
Dead Skin Cells
All our skin cells regenerate every 28 days, but we lose cells every day. Without a great exfoliation routine, these cells die and build up on the surface of our skin, causing a tired and even gray appearance.
Pollution
The surrounding air is full of debris, dirt particles and sulfur oxides. Over time, these can build up, clogging your pores and causing inflammation. Not addressing the daily toxins we’re exposed to can lead to splotches and uneven tone.
Stress
Not sleeping, work anxiety or even relationship stress can cause your flight or fight response to kick in. When this happens, the stress hormone cortisol courses through your body, sending blood away from your skin and directly to your muscles and organs. Low simmering stress can deplete your skin of oxygen, making you look weary.
Dehydration
This can lead to dry looking skin, which shows more lines than plump and hydrated skin does. When skin lacks water, it loses hyaluronic acid, which is what keeps skin looking plump and soft. Drinking water will help, but you’ll need to address those dry and dull cells that are just hanging out on the surface of your skin.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are a type of skin resurfacing that works by removing the top layer or layers of skin, revealing brighter and healthier-looking skin. Chemical peels are one of the most versatile treatments because of their ability to be customized for each client. Some people may need a very light peel, while others may want more severe areas of concern addressed.
While some chemical peels are known for being very harsh, a new form of peel called PCA is given in a series so that cumulative results can be seen. Most chemical peels are given once and sometimes multiple layers of skin are removed at one time. This is not only a harsh process, causing the skin to drastically peel, but these peels can also only be done so many times without causing damage.
Treatment Plans
Dr. Chun will work with you to determine the right treatment plan and schedule your course of chemical peels to address the dull and tired appearance of your complexion. To get the full effect, your peels will be spaced 2-4 weeks apart. The PCA line was developed with a busy lifestyle in mind, so you don’t have to face embarrassing large amounts of peeling skin at work or in social situations.
Once your skin is healed and new, healthy cells regenerated, you’ll come in for another peel to further address things like sun damage and fine lines and wrinkles. PCA peels can address areas of concern like:
- Acne scars and acne
- Age spot
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Freckles
- Irregular pigmentation
- Rough skin and patches
- Scars
- Redness and rosacea
- Sun damage
What to Expect
You and Dr. Chun will have a consultation to discuss your areas of concern and what may be causing your tired appearance. She’ll examine your skin to make sure you’re a good candidate for a course of chemical peels. Once you’ve both decided this is the right treatment for you, it’s time to make an appointment.
During your treatment session, a light mask-like substance will be painted over your skin and left to do its magic. When the peel is removed, you won’t feel any pain, but you may notice an immediate brightness as blood is brought to the surface of your skin.
Results
Over the next 3-5 days, you may notice slight flaking, but if you have a good exfoliation routine, this will be minimal if there is any at all. As new and healthy cells are regenerated, your skin will look brighter and healthier. As your course of treatment progresses, you’ll notice more vibrant and youthful-looking skin, replacing your tired complexion. You can continue treatments until you and Dr. Chun have determined you’ve reached your optimal results.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
If you’re dealing with a tired complexion and have other imperfections you’d like addressed, chemical peels could be a great treatment option for you. Peels won’t address more severe signs of aging like deep facial folds and wrinkles or tighten loose or sagging skin. If those are your areas of concern, there are great treatments available that can address those signs of aging. Talk to us about the best way to address all your concerns.
Don’t Wait for Vibrant Looking Skin
If you see tired skin in the mirror, don’t wait to restore vibrancy. Call SKC Dermatology in Paramus, NJ and talk to one of our friendly staff members to schedule your appointment. Bright and healthy-looking skin is a possibility no matter your age.