Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels: Types, Benefits, Side Effects, and More
A chemical peel is a cosmetic skin treatment that involves applying a chemical solution (low-strength acid) to the skin to remove dead skin cells and debris. The skin that lies beneath the layer of skin removed after treatment is smoother, softer, and more radiant. The treatment is designed to give you a brighter, healthier complexion with a quick in-office treatment.
Is a chemical peel right for me?
A chemical peel is a good idea if you’re looking for a non-surgical, non-invasive cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of your skin.
Chemical peels can help to maintain healthy skin and correct common skin issues like fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, rough texture, dark spots, and acne.
A series of chemical peels can give you noticeably softer and smoother skin with a brighter and more youthful complexion. You can get chemical peels on your face and other exposed areas like your neck and hands.
What are the different types of chemical peels?
Chemical peels are of three types – superficial, medium, and deep. The main difference between them is the level of exfoliation they provide.
- Superficial or light chemical peels provide a gentle exfoliation of the uppermost layer of skin with mild acids. These peels are generally for individuals with mild skin concerns.
- Medium peels penetrate the middle skin layer and can improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. These peels are great for individuals needing improvement for moderate skin issues.
- Deep chemical peels use higher-strength solutions and are recommended for people with moderate to severe skin damage.
At what age should you start chemical peels?
You should start chemical peels when the signs of skin aging and sun damage become prominent. Most people choose to start chemical peels in their late 20s or early 30s when the first signs of skin aging appear.
However, younger individuals sometimes receive chemical peels to treat acne and acne scarring.
Can you see results after 1 peel?
Most people notice a marked improvement in skin quality after just one chemical peel. However, it is typically recommended that you receive a series of treatments to get the best results.
The treatment plan varies from person to person, but most people generally need 3 – 6 peels spaced 1-2 months apart. This can be followed by a maintenance peel every 3 – 4 months.
Can a chemical peel burn your face?
A chemical peel will not burn your face if a licensed aesthetic provider performs it. A chemical peel aims to “peel” off the superficial layer of skin and reveal fresh, newer skin cells. Therefore, there may be some mild discomfort during the procedure.
There can also be some minor redness, dryness, and skin irritation for 2 – 5 days afterward. These side effects are more common with medium and deep peels and go away once the skin heals.
How do I prepare for my first chemical peel?
To prepare for your chemical peel appointment, avoid hair removal with creams, waxing, or epilators for a week. Also, avoid harsh skincare products like scrubs, exfoliants, and bleaching creams to ensure your skin is not irritated before the peel.
What to expect during a chemical peel appointment?
Our chemical peels are performed in our state-of-the-art medical spa. Our State Licensed Medical Aesthetician, Tabatha Bourchier, LE, will start by cleaning your skin and covering your eyes for protection if needed.
Next, she will apply a chemical solution to your skin and left there for a few minutes. Following this, a neutralizing solution to the acid will be applied to your skin, and the chemical peel will be washed off.
Finally, a customized post-procedure serum will be applied to your face to protect it. That’s it! You can go home right after your chemical peel.
How long does it take to recover from a chemical peel?
The recovery period depends on the type of chemical peel. Generally speaking, the skin heals within 3-4 days of a light peel, 5-7 days of a medium peel, and 7-14 days after a deep peel.
You should expect some peeling after your treatment, as that is what the treatment is intended to do. Depending on the strength of the peel and your skin type, some minor redness may persist for a short time after your treatment.
Chemical peels are a safe, convenient, and effective way to refresh your appearance and reverse the signs and skin aging. Call us today to find out which chemical peel – light, medium, or deep – might be right for you.
