Why Winter Is the Best Time to Get a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are a staple treatment in the world of professional skincare, and for a good reason. By removing the damaged outer layer of skin, they can help improve skin texture, tone and clarity. With so many places offering them, chemical peels are a convenient and well-loved treatment. 

While chemical peels can be done at any time of the year, winter is widely considered to be the best time to get one. Understanding why the colder months are ideal for this treatment can make all the difference in results and in learning how to perform a chemical peel. 

What Is a Chemical Peel and Why Is It an Important Esthetics Skill?

Chemical peels are a more intense form of professional exfoliation that uses a chemical solution to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, removing the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). The solutions used for a chemical peel are typically acidic and formulated with AHAs, BHAs or TCA. As the damaged outer layer of skin sheds, your body will regenerate new, healthier cells, which stimulate collagen production. 

Why Chemical Peels Are a Skincare Essential 

Chemical peels are a well-loved staple in professional skincare because they address a wide range of concerns while producing noticeable results. Because they are so versatile, they can be done in a variety of practices from dermatology offices to med spas to salons. Some of the benefits of chemical peels are: 

• Improved skin texture and tone
• Reduction in hyperpigmentation
• Lessened appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Diminished acne scars and improved active acne
• Fading of sun damage and age spots 

Types of Chemical Peels and What They Treat 

The results of a chemical peel depend largely on the type, or depth, of the peel. They are usually categorized as light, medium-depth or deep peels. Each peel targets different skin concerns and requires different lengths of time between treatments. 

• Light chemical peels are best for mild concerns like dullness, uneven skin tone and fine lines. They are gentler, so they are better for people with more sensitive skin. Light peels can typically be repeated every two to four weeks or monthly.
• Medium-depth chemical peels are generally the most popular option. They target wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Because they are a bit more intense and penetrate deeper into the skin, they usually require three to six months between treatments.
• Deep peels are far less common and are typically only performed in medical settings. They are very intensive and address deep wrinkles, severe scarring and sometimes even precancerous growths. Due to their strength, they are usually only needed once or twice in a lifetime.  

Why Winter Is Known as Peel Season

Chemical peels have numerous benefits and are a great option for a wide variety of people. They can be done year-round, but there is a good reason why the fall and winter months, specifically late September through early spring, is often called “Peel Season.” 

Reduced Sun Exposure = Better Healing 

Reducing UV exposure is crucial during the healing process. The new skin is extremely sensitive, making it more prone to sunburn and inflammation. In some cases, too much sun exposure during the healing process can lead to pigmentation issues or scarring, ultimately canceling out the benefits of the chemical peel and making correction and treatment more difficult. 

Winter is ideal for healing because the sun is less intense, and people typically spend more time indoors. Winter clothing also offers more protection against UV exposure while outdoors. Cooler temperatures can keep inflammation down during the recovery period, leading to better results. 

Repairing Sun Damage From the Previous Summer 

Winter is also the perfect time to correct sun damage from the previous summer. By addressing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone now, your skin is better prepared to face the stronger sun in spring and summer. 

While chemical peels can be done safely in the summer, they require much more diligent sun protection both before the treatment and throughout the healing process, especially for deeper peels.  

For esthetics students, understanding how UV exposure impacts post-peel healing is essential for both client safety and for achieving the best results. 

Chemical Peel Benefits You’ll Notice Long-Term

The key to great results from chemical peels is consistency, with frequency depending on the depth of the peel. Incorporating them into your skincare routine can greatly improve the health and appearance of your skin over time. Some of the long-term benefits you’ll notice are:  

• Reduced signs of aging, including firmer, more elastic skin and fewer wrinkles
• Smoother-looking skin with minimized pores
• Faded hyperpigmentation and scars
• Fewer acne breakouts
• Increased effectiveness of skincare products
• Preventative support against future signs of aging 

Regular chemical peels keep your skin in a constant state of renewal, making them a great tool not just for correcting current concerns, but also for long-term preventative skincare. 

Boost the Effectiveness of Skincare Products 

One of the lesser-known benefits of chemical peels is that they can actually help your skincare products work better. By removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, peels can allow serums, moisturizers and other treatments in your routine to penetrate deeper into your skin, boosting their effectiveness. 

Winter is a great time to take advantage of this, since less sun and environmental stress give your skin the chance to fully absorb these products while it heals. 

Should I Get a Chemical Peel This Winter?

Chemical peels can be a great option for many people looking to improve their skin over time. For individuals dealing with uneven texture, dark spots, sun damage, acne, scarring or early signs of aging, a chemical peel may be a good option. This is especially true for someone who wants to focus on long-term results rather than a quick overnight fix. 

There are a few things to take into consideration before making the decision to get a chemical peel. You may need to wait or talk to a professional if you: 

• Have active irritation, open wounds or a skin infection
• Are experiencing eczema or rosacea flare-ups
• Are pregnant or nursing
• Are using strong medications or prescription retinoids
• Aren’t able to follow aftercare guidelines, especially daily SPF use 

Always talk to a licensed provider if you aren’t sure if a chemical peel is right for you, as they can help guide you based on your skin and goals. 

For esthetics students, understanding who is and isn’t a good candidate is just as important as learning how to do the treatment itself. Knowing when to recommend a peel and when it’s best to wait helps keep clients safe and leads to better results. 

Learn Chemical Peels at Xenon Academy

At Xenon Academy, chemical peels are taught as part of our comprehensive esthetics curriculum, teaching students the science behind peels and the hands-on skills they’ll need to feel confident performing them. You won’t just learn the theory, you’ll get to practice under professional supervision, helping you build real-world experience.  

Students also learn how to assess different skin types, choose the right peel depth for each client and educate them on proper aftercare. By graduation, students will have the confidence to perform chemical peels and help their clients achieve beautiful results. 

Winter is the perfect season to invest in your esthetics education. Learn through hands-on, real-world experience and build confidence as you get ready for a career in esthetics at Xenon Academy! Enroll now!