Are you ready to wave goodbye to troublesome acne & break through the years of dull, lifeless skin with a powerful yet gentle exfoliating treatment? If so, chemical peels are your answer!
With a revolution in skincare technology, chemical peels can work wonders on tired skin cells with clogged pores & create an atmosphere ripe for blemishes. You can immediately start seeing dramatic results with just one visit to About Face Anti-Aging Institute.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes chemical peels such an effective breakthrough solution for achieving smooth & beautiful clear skin at any age!
What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or derma peeling, utilizes a chemical solution to enhance the appearance of your skin.
A chemical solution is applied to the skin during this treatment, inducing controlled trauma or injury to its layers. Subsequently, the damaged skin layers naturally shed, revealing a more youthful & rejuvenated complexion.
The rejuvenated skin typically exhibits improved smoothness, diminished lines & wrinkles, a more even tone & enhanced facial brightness.
What Conditions Does A Chemical Peel Treat?
Chemical peels are commonly performed on the face, neck, or hands & offer various benefits, including:
- Diminish fine lines around the eyes & mouth & wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging & hereditary factors.
- Treat certain types of acne.
- Improve mild scarring.
- Reduce the appearance of sunspots, age spots, liver spots, freckles & uneven skin tone.
- Address precancerous scaly spots known as actinic keratosis.
- Smooth rough skin, scaly patches & dull complexion.
- Treat dark patches (melasma) caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.
Why Is It Done?
A chemical peel is a procedure that helps resurface the skin, addressing various skin concerns. Depending on the specific issues you want to target, you can choose from three different depths of chemical peels.
- Light chemical peel. A light (superficial) chemical peel is performed to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), addressing concerns such as fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone & dryness. It is recommended to schedule a light peel every two to five weeks for optimal results.
- Medium chemical peel. A medium chemical peel effectively eliminates skin cells from the epidermis & upper layers of the dermis, addressing concerns such as wrinkles, acne scars & uneven skin tone. To attain & sustain the desired outcome, it is recommended to undergo periodic treatments.
- Deep chemical peel. A deep chemical peel effectively targets skin cells at a deeper level. Your esthetician may recommend this treatment for more pronounced wrinkles, scars, or precancerous growths. Rest assured, you will not require additional procedures to achieve the desired outcome.
Chemical peels cannot eliminate deep scars or wrinkles or tighten sagging skin.
Who Is A Good Candidate For A Chemical Peel?
Individuals with fair skin & light hair are considered more suitable for chemical peels. However, if you have darker skin, the effectiveness of the treatment may vary depending on the type used.
It’s important to note that there is a possibility of experiencing an uneven skin tone after the procedure, particularly for those with darker skin tones.
Chemical peels are ineffective for addressing severe wrinkles, sagging skin, or bulges. Alternative cosmetic surgical procedures like laser resurfacing, facelifts, brow lifts, eyelid lifts, or soft tissue fillers (such as collagen or fat) may be necessary for these concerns.
Chemical peeling may not be suitable for individuals who:
- Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
- Have excessive pigmentation in their scars.
- Have skin conditions or take medications that increase skin sensitivity.
- Are unable to avoid sun exposure during the healing period.
A dermatologic surgeon at About Face Anti-Aging Institute can assist in determining the most suitable treatment option for your needs.
The Preparation?
Before undergoing a chemical peel, it is customary for the doctor to follow these steps:
- Review your medical history. Ensure you are ready to respond to inquiries regarding your current & previous medical conditions, any medications you have recently taken & any cosmetic procedures you have undergone.
- Do a physical exam. During your consultation, the doctor will carefully examine your skin & the targeted area to assess which peel would be most beneficial for you. Our doctors will also consider how your physical characteristics, such as skin tone & thickness, may impact your results. This comprehensive evaluation ensures you receive the most suitable treatment tailored to your needs.
- Discuss your expectations. Engage in a conversation with our doctor regarding your motivations, expectations & possible risks. Ensure you comprehend the number of treatments required, the estimated duration of the healing process & the expected outcomes.
Before your peel, you might also need to:
- Take antiviral medication. To safeguard against viral infections, our doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines before & after treatment.
- Use a retinoid cream. The doctor may suggest utilizing a retinoid cream, like tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A), for a brief period before treatment to facilitate healing.
- Use a bleaching agent. To minimize the likelihood of side effects, the doctor may suggest utilizing a bleaching agent (hydroquinone), a retinoid cream, or both, either before or following the procedure.
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure before the procedure may result in long-lasting irregular pigmentation in the treated areas. Talking with the doctor about sun protection & the appropriate level of sun exposure is essential.
- Avoid specific cosmetic treatments & certain types of hair removal. To ensure optimal results from the peel, it is recommended to discontinue hair removal techniques like electrolysis or depilatories about a week prior. Additionally, it is advised to avoid hair-dying treatments, permanent-wave or hair-straightening treatments, facial masks, or scrubs during this week. Refrain from shaving the areas that will be treated within 24 hours before the peel. These precautions will help maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
During The Procedure
During a light chemical peel:
- The esthetician will utilize a brush, cotton ball, gauze, or sponge to administer a chemical solution typically containing glycolic or salicylic acid. The treated skin will start to turn white.
- A mild stinging sensation may be felt while the chemical solution is applied to the skin.
- The esthetician will neutralize or rinse off the chemical solution from the treated skin.
During a medium chemical peel:
- The esthetician will utilize a cotton-tipped applicator or gauze to administer a chemical solution containing trichloroacetic acid, sometimes in conjunction with glycolic acid. The treated skin will gradually turn white.
- After a few minutes, the esthetician will apply cool compresses to alleviate discomfort on the treated skin. You may also be provided with a hand-held fan for skin cooling. There is no need for a neutralizing solution.
- It is possible to experience a stinging or burning sensation for up to 20 minutes.
During a deep chemical peel procedure:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids will be administered & your heart rate will be closely monitored.
- Using a cotton-tipped applicator, your doctor will carefully apply carbolic acid (phenol) to your skin. Treated skin will exhibit a whitish or grayish appearance.
- The procedure will be performed in segments with approximately 15-minute intervals to minimize phenol exposure. A complete facial treatment may take around 90 minutes.
What Should I Expect After The Chemical Peel?
The outcomes you can anticipate will differ based on your chemical peel’s intensity level.
If you’ve had a light chemical peel:
- Anticipate a sunburn-like reaction post-peel, characterized by redness followed by scaling that typically lasts between three & seven days.
- Apply lotion or cream as instructed until the skin has fully healed. Once healed, incorporate daily sunscreen into your skincare routine.
- Makeup can be applied immediately after the treatment or the following day.
- Subsequent peels can be scheduled every two to five weeks until the desired results are achieved. On average, three to five peels are necessary to accomplish the intended goal.
If you have undergone a medium chemical peel:
- Expect some redness, swelling, stinging & flaking of the skin. Swelling may persist and/or worsen for 48 hours. Blisters may form & rupture. The skin will crust & gradually peel off within seven to 14 days.
- Adhere to your doctor’s instructions for daily soaks. Apply ointment after each soak & use lotion or cream daily. Avoid exposing your skin to sunlight until it is completely healed.
- Antiviral medication should be taken for a duration of 10 to 14 days.
- You can resume wearing makeup after five to seven days.
- Additional medium-depth peels can be repeated every six to 12 months to maintain the desired outcome.
If you have undergone a deep chemical peel:
- The treatment area will be bandaged. Your bandages will be removed within a few days. Please anticipate a healing period of 14 to 21 days.
- Follow your esthetician’s instructions for daily soaks. Apply ointment after each soak. After 14 days, apply moisturizer as needed. Avoid exposing your skin to the sun for three to six months.
- Antiviral medication should be taken for 10 to 14 days.
- Wait for at least 14 days before applying any makeup.
- Only one deep peel is recommended for the face.
Extra Tips
To achieve optimal results, irrespective of the peel’s intensity, it is recommended to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Refrain from using tanning beds or engaging in indoor/outdoor tanning while your skin is healing.
- Once your skin has healed, ensure consistent application of daily sunscreen.
- Follow the prescribed instructions to apply a daily moisturizer, maintaining skin hydration to minimize the risk of scarring.
Your freshly rejuvenated skin is delicate & prone to complications. To minimize the risk of experiencing abnormal skin discoloration & other issues, your doctor will provide post-treatment instructions. These guidelines are designed to ensure optimal healing & to maintain the beautiful results of your peel.
You should contact your doctor if you experience itching, swelling, or a burning sensation. Scratching your skin could result in an infection, so seeking medical advice is essential.
Final Words
Chemical Peels are a breakthrough solution for clear skin that can do wonders in reducing the signs of aging & tackling skin issues. Whether it’s used for improving wrinkles, fading pigmentation, eliminating blemishes, or restoring hydration to your complexion, it can help create a more even facial tone & smoother texture.
By effectively exfoliating, hydrating & nourishing the skin, you can be sure that undergoing a peeling chemical treatment is worth it!
Take the opportunity to start feeling more confident in your skin today by visiting us at About Face Anti-Aging Institute. Our experienced aesthetic practitioners are here to advise you on the best course of action based on your needs.
Our range of advanced treatments tailored to your requirements guarantees the luxury of achieving the beautiful & ageless skin you have always wanted.
Book your consultation today & look forward to seeing the transformation in yourself!