Skincare Revelations: Our Training Adventure with JoElle Lee in Raleigh

We’re excited to share the highlights of our recent training in Raleigh, North Carolina, with the renowned expert licensed esthetician, JoElle Lee. JoElle is a highly respected skincare expert, educator, and celebrity esthetician. She is the author of two bestselling books, “Esthetician on a Mission, Business Building Workbook” and “Multicultural Skin Treatments: Learn How to Effectively Treat Skin of Color Using Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments.” JoElle’s extensive experience includes being the personal esthetician to First Lady Michelle Obama during her time in the White House.
Here are some of the most valuable insights we gained and want to share with you about the chemical peel process for skin of color, debunking myths and guiding you to make informed decisions.

Myth-Busting: What Chemical Peels Can and Cannot Do

1. Shrink Pore Size:

   • Myth: Chemical peels can shrink pores.
     Truth: Pores are a natural feature of your skin, much like fingers and toes. Chemical peels cannot shrink them. The size of your pores is primarily determined by genetics and can appear larger due to clogged pores or loss of skin elasticity. While chemical peels can help improve the appearance of your skin by removing dead skin cells and reducing clogging, they do not change the actual size of your pores.
     
     
     
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2. Remove Moles:

   • Myth: Chemical peels can remove moles.
   • Truth: Peels cannot remove moles; such procedures require medical intervention. Moles are deeply embedded in the skin and require surgical removal to be fully eradicated. Attempting to remove moles with chemical peels can lead to incomplete removal and potential skin damage. Always consult a dermatologist for mole removal.
     
     

3. Improve Keloid Scars:

   • Myth: Chemical peels can improve keloid scars.
   • Truth: Not only can peels not improve keloids, but they can also exacerbate them. Keloid scars are a result of an overgrowth of scar tissue and are particularly tricky to treat. Chemical peels can irritate the skin and stimulate further keloid formation. Effective treatment for keloids often involves steroid injections or other specialized medical treatments, rather than surface-level procedures like peels.
          
     
     
     
     

4. Remove Broken Capillaries:

   • Myth: Chemical peels can remove broken capillaries.
   • Truth: Broken capillaries are located below the skin's surface, and peels cannot reach them. These capillaries are small blood vessels that have become visible due to weakening or damage. Treatments such as laser therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL) are more appropriate for targeting these issues. Chemical peels work on the surface level and are not effective for issues deeper within the skin.
     
     

5. Get Rid of Deep Wrinkles:

   • Myth: Chemical peels can eliminate deep wrinkles.
   • Truth: While peels can improve skin texture and fine lines, they are not effective against deep wrinkles. Deep wrinkles are caused by a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, which occurs naturally with aging. Chemical peels can enhance the overall texture and smoothness of the skin but are better suited for treating superficial lines and minor imperfections. Treatments like fillers, Botox, or more intensive resurfacing procedures are required for deeper wrinkles.

Essential Takeaways for Clients

1. Chemical Peels Are Not for First-Time Clients:

   • If you have never had a peel or used acids before, a professional esthetician will not perform a peel on your first visit. It's essential to prepare your skin gradually. Peels introduce potent ingredients that your skin needs time to acclimate to, and rushing this process can cause adverse reactions such as irritation, redness, or breakouts. A series of preliminary treatments can help build your skin’s tolerance, ensuring a safer and more effective peel experience.
     
     .              (Pictured: Christal from @theskindesignstudio Dallas, TX)
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2. Consultations Are Crucial:

   • A thorough consultation is key to any successful skin treatment. A knowledgeable esthetician will ask detailed questions to understand your skin's needs and prepare you adequately for treatment. This includes discussing your skincare history, lifestyle, and any underlying health issues that could affect your skin. By gathering this information, the esthetician can create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and avoids potential complications.
     
     
     

3. Not All Treatments Are Created Equal:

   • Skin of color has unique characteristics that require specialized knowledge and care. Treatments must be customized to your specific skin type and concerns. For example, hyperpigmentation and keloid formation are more common in skin of color, and inappropriate treatments can worsen these conditions. An esthetician trained in treating diverse skin types can select the right products and techniques to achieve optimal results without causing harm.
     
     
     

4. Peeling Year-Round:

   • Contrary to popular belief, you can safely get peels year-round. However, always inform your esthetician about any upcoming sun exposure or vacations to adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Sun exposure can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation following a peel, so extra precautions like using high-SPF sunscreen and wearing protective clothing are essential. Your esthetician may also recommend milder peels during sunnier months to minimize potential risks.
     

5. Laser Treatments for Skin of Color:

   • Lasers can effectively address issues like ingrown hairs, but it's crucial to use the correct type of laser. Incorrect lasers can cause burns and scarring on pigmented skin. Always consult with a skin of color expert to ensure safe and effective treatment. For instance, Nd
     lasers are often recommended for darker skin tones as they penetrate deeper without affecting the melanin in the skin. A knowledgeable esthetician will have the expertise to choose the right laser and settings to treat your specific concerns safely.
     
     

Our Commitment to Excellence

Our training with JoElle Lee was an enlightening experience. We met many passionate estheticians and skincare professionals dedicated to advancing the treatment of multicultural skin types. At The Skin Squad, we are committed to bringing the latest knowledge and best practices to our clients, both online and offline. We strive to provide you with the highest quality skincare experience, tailored to your unique needs.

For more personalized advice and to learn how chemical peels and laser treatments can benefit your skin, schedule a consultation with us here. We’re here to guide you every step of the way to healthier, more radiant skin.