Thermal water’s soothing properties make it the ideal solution for post-chemical peel skin. We explain why it helps with the after effects.
How does thermal water work?
Sourced from springs, thermal water is rich in minerals, which soothe skin and counteract free radicals, providing comfort and keeping skin soft and supple.
This is especially important for people who have dry skin, as this common skin condition often causes discomfort.
Fortunately, thermal water has been shown to help soothe dry, irritated skin.
Vichy Mineralizing Water is unique because it not only offers these benefits, but it also has skin buffering capabilities making it the ideal product to use after having a chemical peel.
What does a chemical peel do for skin?
Chemical peels are used to create an injury within the skin at a specific depth to stimulate new skin growth and improve surface texture and appearance.
The process involves applying a chemical agent to the skin, which causes controlled turnover of the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) and/or dermis (thickest layer)(1).
everyone should go for skin peels
Dr. Nina Roos, Dermatologist
Peels can be very useful for skin.
In fact, dermatologist Dr. Nina Roos says: “everyone should go for skin peels, especially if you have acne, you smoke and/or have dark spots”.
Her recommendation? “Doing one at least once a month at home or every 6 months with your dermatologist”, she advises.
The treatments offer a powerful exfoliative effect to stimulate epidermal growth as well as collagen activity, while helping to distribute melanin more evenly(2). Your skincare objectives will determine the type of peel you choose.
There are 3 types:
1. Superficial peels
These only penetrate the epidermis (outer layer of skin). They are used to enhance treatment of a variety of conditions, raging from acne, melasma and photodamage. Because of their superficial action, they can be used on most skin types.
2. Medium-depth peels
These peels penetrate the papillary dermis (the uppermost layer of the second layer). These are often used for superficial scars and pigmentary disorders such as sunspots and texture changes. After a medium-depth peel, vigilant sun protection via UVA/UVB SPF is critical to protect your skin(2).
3. Deep peels
These deeper peels affect the reticular dermis (referring to the denser layer below the papillary dermis). This type of peel is used for severe photoaging, deep wrinkles and scars(2). Like medium-depth peels, diligent sun protection is very important after this procedure.
How can thermal water help calm skin after a chemical peel?
After a superficial peel, regeneration of the epidermis is usually expected within 3-5 days.
With medium-depth peels, the healing process is longer, lasting approximately a week.
Deep peels require significant healing time, sometimes 2 months or more(2). Desquamation (shedding of skin) is common for all these peels while epithelialization (new tissue wound healing) is expected with only the deeper ones(2).
Common after-effects of chemical peels include:
- Irritation
- Redness
- Inflammation
- Heating sensations
- General discomfort
- Increased skin sensitivity(3)
This is where Vichy Mineralising Water comes in. Rich in sodium bicarbonate, it also contains very high concentrations of trace elements and has potential buffering activity- which is greater than other mineral waters because of the presence of larger amounts of bicarbonate ions(4) and other minerals.
Proven to counteract these side effects, “it helps to prevent the feeling of burning and itching skin, which can be common after a chemical peel”, explains Dr. Roos. She also explains that given its soothing nature, thermal water allows you to wash and care for your skin. “This is particularly important as using tap or hard water to wash your face after a chemical peel can cause irritation”, she says.
Other things to avoid post-procedure include glycolic acid and retinoids, especially during the desquamation period. It’s highly recommended that you refrain from picking, peeling, scratching, rubbing or scrubbing the skin(5). All of these actions can delay skin healing and cause further problems.
A study that evaluated subjects who underwent a chemical peel
and followed it up with Vichy Thermal Spa Water found that80%experienced a reduction in redness
Conditions like dryness and redness are proven to be significantly lower after using thermal water(6). A study that evaluated subjects who underwent a chemical peel and followed it up with Vichy Thermal Spa Water found that 80% experienced a reduction in redness and 48% experienced a reduction in discomfort*. So remember: to fully experience the skin benefits of a chemical peel, caring for your skin afterwards is key. With thermal water, you can protect your skin and leave it feeling stronger, healthier and happier.
*clinical test conducted in vitro
SOURCES:
1. Khungern, N. 'Standard guidelines of care for chemical peels.' in Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 74 (2008) pp. 5-12 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18688104]
2. Rendon, M.I. et al, 'Evidence and Considerations in the Application of Chemical Peels in Skin Disorders and Aesthetic Resurfacing' in Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 3.7 (2010) pp. 32-43 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921757/]
3. Nikalji, N. et al, 'Complications of Medium Depth and Deep Chemical Peels' in Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 5.4 (2012) pp. 254-260 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560165/]
4. Anitha, B. 'Prevention of Complications in Chemical Peeling' in Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 3.3 (2010) pp. 186-188 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047741/]
5. Poli, F. et al, 'Soothing effect of Vichy thermal spa water after glycolic acid peelings: a clinical randomized study'
6. Barolet, D. et al, 'Beneficial effects of spraying low mineral content thermal spring water after fractional photothermolysis in patients with dermal melasma.' in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 8.2 (2009) pp. 114-8 [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19527335]