Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels
"Sun exposure, acne and aging can leave your skin tone uneven, wrinkled, spotted or scarred. If you want your skin to look smoother and younger, consider a chemical peel, which uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing old, dead skin cells and damaged outer layers of skin to reveal the younger, softer and more even-toned layers beneath. These applications produce a controlled wound, enabling new, regenerated skin to appear. Chemical peels are used mostly on the face, they can also be used to improve the skin on your neck and hands.
What Conditions Do a Chemical Peel Treat?
Acne or acne scars
Age and liver spots
Fine lines and wrinkles
Freckles
Irregular skin pigmentation
Rough skin and scaly patches
Scars
Sun-damaged skin
How are chemical peels performed?
The skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils. One or more chemical solutions, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid or lactic acid are applied methodically to the skin by a trained professional. The skin is cooled and sunscreen is applied. It is beneficial to bring a hat to the appointment to wear for added protection post peel.
How do you prepare for a Chemical Peel?
Make certain you speak with the aesthetician/Doctor who is performing the chemical peel to confirm they are trained and experienced with your skin type. It is important that you express any concerns about the treatment or post care instructions. Let the skincare professional know what your expectations are so you feel comfortable that they understand what you are trying to accomplish. You may also be asked to prepare your skin with a topical preconditioning medication such as a retinol or glycolic acid. After the chemical peel, it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
Types of Chemical Peels
•Light: You can repeat the procedure up to once a week for six weeks to achieve maximum results. To maintain the look you've received, you can return once a month. You will see subtle improvements, but there is no recovery necessary.
•Medium: You can repeat these chemical peels every 6 to 12 months to maintain your look. You will notice smoother and fresher looking skin, but you will also have to spend 6 weeks recovering, during which time your skin tone may look a little redder.
•Deep: These are performed by a Physician only! Results can last up to 10 years after just one deep chemical peel. This treatment is necessary for people with badly damaged skin due to sun, scarring, wrinkling, or blotchiness. The process includes 8 weeks of pre-treatment and anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months of recovery.
Are Chemical Peels Right For Me?
You will notice a big improvement in the appearance of your skin, but you need to be prepared to endure some mild discomfort while your skin heals. During a chemical peel exfoliation, a solution will cause the skin to blister and peel, revealing smoother and younger looking skin beneath the deadened exterior layer.
Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Chemical Peels?
People with fair skin and light hair see the best results following a chemical peel, but darker skinned individuals can have good results, depending on their skin's condition. Most people who get chemical peels have sun damage related wrinkles, acne, acne scars, age spots, a dull complexion, and rough scaly texture.
What Risks Are Involved With Chemical Peels?
Following your facial chemical peel treatment, you will need to stay out of the sun, keep your body temperature cool, and if you must be outside, wear sunscreen and a hat for added protection. Remember that your skin will be more sensitive! The length of your recovery largely depends upon the type of chemical peel you received: Light chemical peels result in redness and scaling that clears up within 3 to 7 days. Medium peels and deep peels may result in swelling or water blisters that require 7 to 14 days to heal. You are at greater risk for developing a temporary or permanent change in your skin color or scarring if you have darker skin, take birth control pills, or you have a family history of skin discoloration. Generally speaking, though, chemical peels are safe."
Chemical peels work especially well in combination with microdermabrasion or dermaplaning.
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