The thought of a Chemical Peel made nervous. Hearing the words automatically make me think of Samantha from Sex and The City, attending Carrie’s book launch party. So, when I was given the opportunity to try the treatment just 5 weeks before the wedding you probably assume I ran for the hills. Nope. Call me crazy but I went ahead and gave it a go.
The results were unbelievable.
Wellness Empowerment Collective officially launched their new beauty, wellbeing and health centre in March 2018. Over the last few months I developed a trusting relationship with owner, Ebony, and gained respect for her experienced wellness partners and staff. While attending their fabulous launch event, I met Elissa, a skin specialist. She gave me a skin assessment, explained the offered treatments and advised on what I would benefit from, leading up to the big day.
My verdict was ‘Rejuvenate and relax treatment’ package ($150) which includes a medical grade peel and a LED light treatment to accelerate the results. I put all my irrational fears aside and put the experts to the test. Here we go!
The chemical peel
I began by relaxing on a bed and having my makeup removed. The ladies at Wellness Empowerment also threw on some NormaTec Boots while I relaxed, to get my blood flow moving and heal my sore muscles from all the extra gym sessions.
Once the makeup was removed, Elissa began to apply the chemical peel gel. It smelled a little odd – kind of like a fake tan. I trusted the process and tried to relax and not think about it. While I laid there, Elissa explained that the peel works by toning and re-balancing the skin with an added bonus of moisture. It shouldn’t feel any different to any other forms of serums and should not give any redness or flaking to my combination skin. Some people experience slight flakiness around the nose area, but thankfully I came out with nothing.
The LED light treatment
After we waited a few minutes for the peel to soak in, she asked me to pop on some goggles to start the light treatment. This laser treatment lasted no more than 10 minutes. There was no pain, but a relaxing sensation, kind of like laying out in the sun and feeling subtle, warm rays on your skin.
Elissa explained that the LED laser works by boosting collagen and elastin and accelerates the results of both treatments.
After care
Once the LED treatment was done, Elissa simply popped on some sunscreen and let me be on my way! There is no need to wash the peel off as it slowly dissolves, leaving your skin soft, glowy and youthful. An important reminder is that it’s super important to wear sunscreen as the skin is more sensitive to the sun for the next 24 hours. Additionally, no serums should be used following the treatments, only natural oils and gentle moisturisers. Makeup can be reapplied straight after – an amazing bonus. Lunch time chemical peels just became a reality!
The verdict
After the treatments, my skin was GLOWING. Pigmentation and freckles also seemed to massively diminish and the overall colouring was much more even across my face. I can see huge benefit of getting this treatment done regularly. For bridal prep, Elissa recommends booking the treatments in approximately 6 weeks prior to the wedding and coming in once a week for 5 weeks for best results.
Following my experience with Elissa at Wellness Empowerment Collective, I have definitely changed my mind about chemical peels. I learnt about the different degrees of the procedure and gentle peel methods can be done more regularly for many types of skin and show incredible results.
So, what do you think? Will you give it a go?
Natalia x
