So, I ventured out into the world of skincare, and decided to get a Chemical Peel. I’d heard wonderful things about the treatment, and even knew of individuals who’d had it done. I was looking to correct the hyperpigmented spots that remained on my face from postpartum hormonal acne. Being that before childbirth, I’d never had any skin concerns, I was anxious to get of the marks that were causing me such grief.
After some research, I scheduled a consultation with a highly reviewed skincare center. Upon reviewing my skin, and taking a few pictures for analysis, the licensed esthetician recommended… The Peel. (Go Figure). And, excitedly, I decided to go through with it. Even discovering that there was availability that evening for my first treatment. I purchased a set of three.
The application of the peel was easy-peasy! I’d prepared myself for some mild discomfort, but experienced none! After having a few layers of the substance applied, I was ready to go.
By day 3, I was staring to peel, and by 4 my face was falling off. Having never experienced any peeling of this magnitude, I was in shock. The skin around my mouth was the first to go, and there was nothing glamorous about it. I looked a mess, but was still excited for the results. As the day progressed, so did my peeling, and by the end of the day I looked like I was suffering from some intense dermatological condition. I dared to venture to the grocery store, and to a dinner. (A dinner during COVID??? Shame on you….) Yes, well the dinner was with low-risk individuals, maintaining social distancing, and with whom I’d previously mingled with… Glad that’s cleared up. Back to the peeling!
I looked ghastly! My mother laughed when she saw me, and made remarks that I wouldn’t dare share… in the interest of her decency. My friends… Well, they weren’t quite as bad. They asked a few questions, glanced occasionally, but at this point in our lives… They are quite adept to my shenanigans. I also shared my experience on Instagram, sharing the grizzly images of my sloughing skin with my followers. Surprisingly, I received very positive feedback and compliments. People were inquisitive about the treatment, the process, and.. whether I was in pain. I experienced no pain. The process itself brought slight discomfort, mostly from the tightness of my face. And my AM and PM washes and moisturizer brought only a mild stinging sensation.
On day 5, I ventured off to work. Mind you, I work in a busy Emergency Department, so seclusion wasn’t an option. I prepped my face moderately well, clipping as much of the hanging skin as I could. Then, with my mask and hair, I tried to hide as much as I could… which obviously wasn’t much.
“Omg, why is your face peeling!?” was one of the first comments I received upon entering the building. I knew it was coming though, and I was prepared. “I got a Chemical Peel. It’s a treatment to correct hyperpigmentation and blemishes of the skin.”
“Oh. So, you did that on purpose?”… Luckily, I’m more nonchalant, than asshole, or else my night may have gone drastically different. But, it didn’t. The rest of the night, I made a point of informing people that I was undergoing a Chemical Peel, and that it was totally normal for my face to be falling off. Confronting the elephant in the room, head on. Yes, I’m peeling. It’s intentional. You can carry on, now!
Now, at day 6, I am much more comfortable with the peeling. A great deal of my forehead has peeled, as well as areas around my mouth, and even up into my cheeks. To an onlooker, I probably look a mess. But, I have accepted that, it’s all part of the process. And this for one, is my process to healthy, glowing skin. After all, I do have two more treatments to endure, and have forewarned my family, friends, and colleagues. The skin beneath my shedding layer is smoother, and notably lighter. So far I am overjoyed my the results. Though, it definitely has been an interesting process. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again!
Fifth of October 