What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can improve the appearance and feel of skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes the top layer of skin cells to exfoliate. New skin cells will form during the healing process, resulting in improved skin texture, tone, and clarity.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
The chemical solution applied during a peel causes controlled damage to the skin. This triggers increased collagen production and faster cell turnover rates. As new skin regenerates and replaces damaged skin, you may see improvements in:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin texture and tone
- Brown spots and melasma
- Acne scars
Different Types of Chemical Peels
There are three main categories of chemical peels based on depth and strength:
- Light peels - Exfoliate the outer layer of skin using mild acids like salicylic acid. No recovery time needed.
- Medium peels - Penetrate the middle layer of skin using glycolic or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Causes moderate exfoliation and redness that can last for several days.
- Deep peels - Deep penetration in the lower layers of skin using trichloroacetic acid or phenol. Significant peeling and recovery time of up to 2 weeks.
What Results Can You Expect From Chemical Peels?
It often takes multiple chemical peel treatments to see significant improvement. Mild acid peels require more treatments, while deeper peels produce longer-lasting results. You may notice:
- Improved skin texture and smoothness
- Reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation
- Lessening of acne scars
- Reduced appearance of age spots and melasma
- Enhanced skin clarity, tone, and radiance
How Long Do the Results Last?
The effects of lighter peels can last from 1-3 months. Repeating treatments extends results. Medium peels provide longer-lasting improvement of 6 months or more before requiring touch-ups.
The dramatic resurfacing from deep chemical peels can produce results that persist for years. However, because deep peels have a lengthy recovery process, most patients opt for lighter treatments done more frequently.
Who is a Good Candidate For Chemical Peels?
If you are struggling with visible signs of skin aging or damage like uneven pigmentation, acne scarring, melasma, sun damage, or fine lines, chemical peels can help regenerate fresh, youthful skin.
Ideally, you will be in overall good health with no active skin infections near the treatment area. People with darker skin tones need to take special precautions when getting chemical peels due to higher risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (lightened patches).
Who Should Avoid Chemical Peels?
You may not be a good candidate for chemical peels if you:
- Have very sensitive skin
- Scar easily
- Have a history of keloid scars
- Take medications that interfere with wound healing
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have active cold sores or warts on face
- Have skin conditions like dermatitis, rosacea or eczema
- Have used isotretinoin acne medication within the past 6-12 months
Always consult your dermatologist before getting a chemical peel.
How Often Can You Get Chemical Peels?
Treatment frequency depends mainly on the type and depth of peel:
- Light peels - Can be repeated as often as every 2-4 weeks.
- Medium peels - Every 4-8 weeks.
- Deep peels - Only every few months or as infrequently as once a year.
Other Considerations
When undergoing a series of lighter chemical peels, your dermatologist may customize the treatment schedule based on factors like:
- Your skin goals and desired outcome
- How your skin is responding and tolerating treatments
- Changes in season, lifestyle, medications that affect skin
After a medium or deep peel, you must wait several months before resuming any exfoliating skin care treatments to avoid irritation.
How to Prepare For Your Chemical Peel
1. Avoid Sun Exposure
Excess sun exposure can increase risk for adverse side effects and skin discoloration. Stay out of the sun for at least 48 hours before your appointment.
2. Stop Using Exfoliants and Retinoids
A week before your peel, discontinue use of any products containing retinol, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), benzoyl peroxide, or vitamin C to minimize skin irritation.
3. Shave Before Your Appointment
Do not shave, wax, or use depilatory hair removal products in the treatment area for at least 48 hours prior. This prevents further irritation of sensitive skin.
4. Get Pre-Treatment Skin Products
Stock up on the post-procedure skin care products your provider recommends for properly caring for your skin during the healing and recovery process.
What to Expect During Chemical Peels
The process for getting a chemical peel is relatively straightforward. Here is the basic flow of what happens:
- Skin cleanse and preparation
- Application of chemical solution evenly across treatment area
- Sensation of stinging, burning, or tingling indicates solution is working
- Solution neutralized after predetermined amount of time
- Temporary appearance of skin redness, swelling, blistering, crusting, dryness, tightness, and/or darkening of skin pigmentation
- Gradual peeling away of the damaged, discolored skin over next several days
- New skin regeneration and restoration process continues for several weeks
You may require several follow-up visits so your provider can monitor the progress of your skin's healing.
How to Care for Your Skin After Chemical Peels
Proper at-home care after chemical peels is vital for healing your skin safely and minimizing complications. Follow these dermatologist-recommended guidelines:
- Use cool water and gentle cleansers to cleanse skin.
- Moisturize treated skin frequently with bland moisturizers.
- Avoid picking or scrubbing peeling, flaking skin.
- Stay out of the sun completely or use vigilant sun protection.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until skin heals.
- Refrain from applying makeup until skin has fully regenerated.
- Take prescribed medication per your provider’s instructions.
- Contact your dermatologist immediately if you have concerns about signs of infection or abnormal healing.
Closely following your doctor’s advice for at-home skin care can promote proper healing and reduce risks of scarring or other complications after your chemical peel.
FAQs
How painful are chemical peels?
Most light and some medium depth chemical peels use mild acids that typically only cause a temporary warm, stinging sensation during application. Deep chemical peels are usually performed under anesthesia or sedation to avoid discomfort.
Can chemical peels cause scarring?
When performed correctly by an experienced dermatologist, chemical peels rarely cause scarring. Picking at peeling skin can lead to scarring or infection. Follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions carefully to avoid complications.
How long is the recovery time after a chemical peel?
Light peels have virtually no downtime. Medium peels may cause skin redness for up to a week. Deep chemical peels require extensive aftercare for up to 2 weeks as the damaged skin fully heals.
When can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?
You must avoid wearing makeup while skin is actively peeling and flaking off. Once new skin has fully regenerated after several weeks, makeup can be applied as normal. Ask your dermatologist when cosmetics can be resumed.
Can chemical peels be combined with other treatments?
Yes, many patients opt to combine chemical peels with therapies like microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, injectables, and certain facials for enhanced rejuvenation.
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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