Just for the Ladies: My First Chemical Peel

By Nicholette Marbley 

Now, more than ever, self-care is essential. The mental and physical stress of the virus is affecting everyone in one way or another. I noticed that being stagnant at home during the mandatory stay at home order had caused my skin to become dull, so I went to the dermatologist to get a chemical peel. This is what happened.

I arrived 10 minutes early for my 9 am appointment, paid my co-pay, and twiddled my thumbs in the waiting room. When I heard the doctor call my name, my heart jumped with eagerness and fear. I had followed instructions not to touch my face for 48 hours: no makeup, no deep cleanser, just water. I walked in my assigned room, sat in the chair, and closed my eyes. She put vaseline around the edges of my eyes and nose to protect me from the chemicals. She applied a light chemical peel on my face and let it sit for 5 minutes. While getting the peel, I felt a slight tingle. It was not as bad as people make it out to be. There is a massive belief that chemical peels cause pain, especially if you do not follow care instructions. I am a giant baby when it comes to pain, so I can confirm that it is a lie. After 5 minutes, she wiped my face clean and sent me home with sunscreen to put on my face to ease the peeling. There is also a massive misconception on what chemical peels are used for.

Chemical peels were created to get rid of acne scarring. Since acne is not a problem for me, I used the treatment to brighten the dullness of my face from lack of sunlight and fresh air. Not everyone gets chemical peels. Marcia Hawkins, an LA red carpet host, only uses Clean And Clear and Neutrogena products. Brazil native, Bruna Castalgini, visits the dermatologist and receives a vitamin face mask and particular sunscreen due to the rare heat index and humidity in her country. Our very own Julie D’Aloiso disclosed she just uses soap and water. Thank you for reading this month’s column. I hope this column left you or a loved one a little better. 

In my new column, Just For The Ladies, I want to offer something most columns don’t. I want to provide raw, honest, and thoroughly researched women’s issues that affect women of all nationalities and ages. Each monthly piece features scenarios I have thought about, gone through, or experienced. This column also includes the opinions of 3 women from all walks of life (Julie D’Aloiso, president of NordoniaHills.News, is one of them). If you are a woman looking for guidance, entertainment, or a male curious about situations women are going through and want to help a loved one, this column is for you. I promise to deliver accurate and honest pieces each month and help you or a loved one to improve your life in some way.