What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure that uses a chemical solution to remove the top layers of skin. It helps improve the appearance of skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, and uneven skin tone.
There are different types of chemical peels based on the ingredients used and how deeply they penetrate the skin:
Light Peels
Use mild acids like glycolic acid to exfoliate the outer layer of skin. Cause only minor irritation and peeling.
Medium Peels
Contain trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and penetrate the middle layers of skin. Cause more irritation and peeling.
Deep Peels
Use phenol or TCA at high concentrations to penetrate the deepest skin layers. Cause significant irritation, peeling, and require longer recovery.
How to Prepare for Your Chemical Peel
Properly preparing your skin beforehand ensures you get the best results from your peel. Heres how to prep:
Avoid Sun Exposure
Stay out of the sun starting 2 weeks before your peel to prevent further sun damage and sensitivity.
Stop Exfoliating Treatments
Discontinue use of retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and any scrubs or exfoliants 1-2 weeks before the peel.
Moisturize Diligently
Hydrate skin daily with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to improve peel outcomes.
Protect With Sunscreen
Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even if staying indoors.
Avoid Irritating Ingredients
Switch skincare products to non-irritating, soothing formulas without acids, retinols or fragrances.
Improve Your Skin
Use vitamin C, niacinamide and skin-restoring ingredients to boost overall skin health before your peel.
Schedule Accordingly
Plan your peel 1-2 weeks before or after important events to allow healing time.
What to Expect During the Peel
Heres a step-by-step overview of what happens during a chemical peel treatment:
Cleansing
The skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepped to remove makeup, oils and debris from the surface.
Degreasing
An alcohol or acetone solution may be applied to remove any remaining oil and debris.
Peel Application
The chemical peel solution is applied to the treatment areas using gauze, a brush, cotton tip or other tool.
Neutralization
For medium and deep peels, a neutralizing solution is applied to stop the acid from penetrating deeper.
Soothing Products
Cool compresses, moisturizer and other soothing products are applied to finish the treatment.
Repeated Applications
For deeper peels, multiple layers of the peel solution may be applied to get desired results.
How to Care for Skin Post-Peel
Proper aftercare is vital for healing, reducing side effects and maintaining results. Follow these tips:
Moisturize and Hydrate
Keep skin well-moisturized with bland lotions and creams. Drink lots of water.
Avoid Sun
Stay out of the sun and use SPF 30+ sunscreen if going outside.
Don't Pick or Scrub
Allow skin to peel naturally - no scrubbing, picking or pulling on loose skin.
Use Cool Compresses
Apply cool compresses or soak in cool water baths to soothe irritation and burning.
Take Prescribed Medication
Use any antiviral, antibiotic or corticosteroid medications as directed to prevent infection.
Clean Gently
Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid scrubbing while skin is irritated.
Moisturize Throughout the Day
Reapply moisturizer liberally and frequently throughout the day.
Avoid Makeup
Dont apply makeup until skin has fully healed to prevent infection or scarring.
What to Expect During Healing
It typically takes 3-4 weeks for skin to heal completely after a chemical peel. Heres what to expect:
Days 1-5
Skin is extremely red and irritated. Peeling and flaking occurs. Swelling is common.
Days 5-10
Redness, irritation and swelling improve. Peeling peaks around day 7 then slows down.
Days 10-14
Most of the peeling is complete. Redness continues to fade gradually. Skin is very sensitive.
Days 14-28
Redness, irritation and tenderness resolve. A few stubborn flakes may remain. Skin looks smoother and brighter.
Healing time varies based on the type of peel. Your provider will let you know what to expect and when it's safe to resume normal activities.
Chemical Peel Aftercare Tips and Products
Use these tips and recommended products during the healing process:
Gentle Cleansers
Cetaphil, Cerave, La Roche-Posay, Vanicream - fragrance-free and non-irritating.
Hydrating Serum
Hyaluronic acid serum to attract moisture to skin.
Soothing Moisturizers
Thick, fragrance-free moisturizers like Cerave Healing Ointment.
Occlusives
Petroleum jelly, Aquaphor or Cerave Healing Ointment to seal in moisture.
Calming Compresses
Cool tea bags, cucumber slices or cold compresses.
SPF 30+ Sunscreen
Even if staying indoors, apply sunscreen diligently.
Prescribed Medications
Use antiviral creams, antibiotics or corticosteroids as directed.
Chemical Peel Risks and Side Effects
Chemical peels are relatively safe when performed correctly by a qualified provider. Potential side effects include:
- Redness, irritation, swelling
- Flaking, peeling, crusting
- Increase in skin sensitivity
- Changes in skin color or tone
- Acne or milia breakouts
- Scarring or pigmentation changes (rare)
- Infection (rare when following proper aftercare)
Talk to your provider about any potential risks based on your skin type and medical history.
Who Should Not Get Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are not recommended if you:
- Have used isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 6-12 months
- Have an active or recurrent herpes simplex virus infection
- Have open wounds, cuts, sunburn or excessively sensitive skin
- Have had radiation therapy on your face
- Have a history of keloids or thick scarring
- Are immunosuppressed or have poor wound healing
- Have taken antibiotics recently
Talk to your dermatologist about your medical history to determine if chemical peels are right for you.
How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost?
Chemical peel costs vary depending on factors like:
- Geographic location
- Provider's experience and qualifications
- Type of peel
- Size of treatment area
- Additional treatments needed
Light peels typically range from $150-$400 per session, medium depth peels $500-$1500, and deep peels $2000+.
How to Maintain Chemical Peel Results
Properly caring for your skin after a chemical peel helps maintain the results. Follow these tips:
- Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Use non-irritating skincare products
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure
- Stay hydrated and moisturize skin
- Get chemical peels annually or as needed
- Use retinoids and vitamin C for ongoing improvement
- See your dermatologist regularly
With appropriate home care and professional treatments, you can maintain a glowing, youthful complexion long-term.
FAQs
How do I prepare my skin for a chemical peel?
Stop using exfoliating products 1-2 weeks before your peel. Moisturize diligently, avoid sun exposure, and use only gentle, non-irritating skincare products beforehand.
What should I avoid before a chemical peel?
Avoid retinoids, AHAs, scrubs, and any product that causes irritation starting 1-2 weeks before your peel. Also stay out of the sun.
What happens during a chemical peel?
Your skin is cleansed, the chemical solution is applied, then neutralized if needed. Cool compresses are applied afterward. Multiple layers may be applied.
How long does it take to recover from a chemical peel?
Complete healing takes 3-4 weeks on average. Redness, irritation, peeling, and swelling gradually resolve during that time.
How can I reduce chemical peel side effects?
Moisturize frequently, avoid sun, don't pick at skin, use cool compresses, and take any prescribed medications to help reduce side effects.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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