Healing My Skin - My Skincare Journal: Chemical Peeling Part 1

I've been having a lot of breakouts on the chin recently. Chin acne is sometimes called adult acne, which is usually exacerbated or even caused by stress. I have really bad sleeping habits too which probably contributed to my skin situation. I tried a lot of over-the-counter and even prescription medications to heal the acne, but over the past six months, they have gotten worse. I decided to seek professional help.

Right now my skin is being taken care of by Natalya of Desert Bloom Skincare Center in Scottsdale in order to control my breakouts, lessen hyperpigmentation, improve collagen production and overall uncover clearer, better skin. I will chronicle my skin care procedures and experiences on this blog, and hopefully you will join me in this journey to better skin!




PCA Skin trial kit

I am currently using PCA Skin (Physician's Choice of Arizona).  It was founded in 1990, when Esthetician Margaret Ancira partnered with renowned physicians and scientists to create innovative skin care. These products are now used to treat or control rosacea and acne, and they also feature anti-aging products in their line.

I searched for reviews of PCA Skin on the internet and I was impressed with the high marks and rave reviews it garnered. I got a Breakout Control trial kit that included the following:

pHaze 1 Facial Wash for Oily/Problem Skin 1 oz.
pHaze 23 A&C Synergy Serum 1 oz.
pHaze 35 Acne Gel .25 oz.
pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 25 .25 oz.
pHaze 18 Clearskin .25 oz.
pHaze 9 Purifying Mask .25 oz.

I have not tried everything yet, and Natalya told me not to use the Purifying Mask at all while I am undergoing the chemical peeling treatments. However, I must say that I am really, really loving the Facial Wash. It is amazing especially for problem skin like mine. My skin really felt very clean without making my skin tight and dry. It contains acids however that helped heal my zits. I loved it so much that I got a full size one:



It also smelled very clean and fresh. I think this is really one of the best cleansers I've tried.

I also really like the acne gel. I spot-treat breakouts and it really helps in reducing the swelling and eventually controling breakouts.

The A&C Synergy Serum is a marriage of vitamins A and C. It combines a number of ingredients that work synergistically to help speed up cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, minimize fine lines, refine pores, lighten unwanted pigment, tighten and firm the skin, and reduce inflammation. This is actually the most expensive skincare product from PCA that I have (I have a trial size). Full size is $70 for 1 fl. oz which can probably last you quite a while since a little goes a long way. I will be getting a full size of this pretty soon when I run out of my current serum.

My Chemical Peeling Experience:

Read and see picture about my chemical peeling right after the jump

I received a complimentary chemical peeling session from Desert Bloom Skin Care Center.  When I got to Desert Bloom, Natalya cleansed and prepped my skin for the onset of the chemicals. The first thing I noticed was the strong smell. It was actually the only thing that was most uncomfortable during my visit, but it was perfectly tolerable. Natalya then swabbed a chemical-soaked cotton ball attached to a stick on my face. It felt a bit tingly and itchy afterward, but Natalya, ever the meticulous worker with attention to detail, knew what I was feeling and promptly took out a fan to help soothe the itchies. Then the chemicals started to do their work.


NOTE: This picture is definitely taken under terrible lighting/flash. I have NO horrendous blemish on the forehead! I only have acne scars on the chin.

As you can see, the chemicals made my skin a bit red, but that's how you know that the peeling procedure is working. This is the mildest chemical peeling concoction that Natalya has, and she will slowly increase the potency as soon as my skin shows signs of resiliency.

The peeling procedure took a little less than an hour, but Natalya had to slather sunscreen on my face to protect it from the harsh rays of the sun. Natalya also zapped a zit near my nose using her high frequency gadget, which is actually like a miracle tool because it instantly minimizes the swelling and the pain (my experience with zits show that when the pain is gone, most probably the bacteria are dead and the zit will disappear on its own). If only for that tool, I'd be at Natalya's spa every week!

It was overall a pleasant experience despite the initial discomfort which was quite tolerable. A few days after that, I noticed my skin peeling but not in a gross way. The peeling was very discreet which I just helped by applying day cream over it to minimize the dry appearance. Overall, I also noticed significantly less breakouts after my chemical peeling. I am happy with the results of the first session, and I am looking forward to having a second chemical peeling with Natalya this weekend. Stay tuned for Part 2!