What we know. In the world of beauty, peels are used to improve the skin’s appearance using a solution that breaks down the outermost layer of the skin and stimulate the dermis. This procedure is performed under guidance of an aesthetician or dermatologist and lasts 10 -15 minutes, usually with a mild tingling sensation. After the client gets a peel they must limit sun exposure and wear a high SPF for several weeks while the skin heals. Usually the face looks slightly flushed or in some extremes, a mild sunburn.

So what are the benefits/dangers to this seemingly invasive beauty routine? Science shows that when the outer layer of skin is damaged and removed, the dermis below works overtime to repair and rebuild. This speeds up your natural production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks for tight, smooth skin. Many times light scarring is smoothed out during this thickening process.

Another natural reaction to the peel is the deep cleansing of pores. The removal of dead skin cells that were once hanging out on your face are now removed which promotes circulation. When skin is full of oxygen, there is no room for bacteria.

From trying several natural and organic peels out myself, the only down-side I’ve found is increased sensitivity to hyper-pigmentation(sun-spots) with sun exposure, which can be reduced or diminished if wearing proper SPF and protection (such as hats) post treatment.

But the positive results are phenomenal! If your skin is stuck in a rut and looks uneven or you can’t catch a break with your hormones causing blemishes, then a peel (I propose natural) is just what mother nature ordered. Or maybe you have a big event in a few weeks and want your skin to look fresh, smooth and plump. These are all great excuses to rejuvenate your skin with the power of the fruit peel. Note: natural peels can give you comparable results to chemical peels without the harsh reactions (e.g. scaling, peeling, burning).

Where to go for this service? I recommend going to the Arcona Studio in Santa Monica. They have a niche knowledge of the organic fruit enzyme peel and can customize the experience for you. My aesthetician is starting me with gentle peels formulated for my skin type in pursuit of thicker skin and deeper peels later. I’m amazed at how close the peel can be applied to the eye area, which means all those great results for your eyes too!

In between appointments at the Arcona, because yes they will add up at $115 a pop, I use an at-home option.   MyChelle makes an incredible pumpkin peel, which is flying off the shelves at Whole Foods Markets for $24.99. This organic puree of pumpkin, pineapple and ginger is the ultimate natural exfoliator for the do-it-yourselfers.  Arcona also retails its Papaya Enzyme Gel for at home treatments for $40.

YDT Giveaway: Arcona Studio is giving 5 new ydt subscribers their fabulous Papaya Enzyme Gel, which is great for using between peels to stimulate cell renewal and kill bacteria.

MyChelle is also giving 2 new ydt subscriber their Incredible Pumpkin Peels. Invite the girlfriends!

To enter sign up to be a YDT subscriber here.  Already subscribe?  You can still enter by inviting friends to check out YDT here.