A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing technique that is used to exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother, healthier skin underneath. Many types of chemical peels are available, ranging from superficial to deep and varying in terms of results and recovery time. Today, we’re telling you everything you need to know about chemical peels – what they can do for your skin, their pros and cons, potential side effects, and the recovery process.
What are chemical peels?
A chemical peel is a non-surgical, non-invasive, outpatient cosmetic treatment to improve the look and feel of the skin. It involves the use of a chemical (acid) solution to exfoliate the upper layers of skin, which have been damaged by the sun and exposure to environmental toxins over time, revealing healthy skin beneath. The result is a brighter, more radiant complexion and skin that looks and feels smoother and younger. A chemical peel can be performed on the skin of the face, neck, and hands.
Chemical peel types
Chemical peels are categorized into three types based on the depth of the exfoliation they provide – superficial, medium, and deep.
- Superficial chemical peels use mild acids like AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) for gentle exfoliation of the upper skin layer.
- Medium peels use TCA (trichloroacetic acid) or glycolic acid that can penetrate deeper, up to the middle layer, to treat the signs of sun damage.
- Deep peels use stronger TCA or phenol to penetrate the middle skin layer fully and treat more severe skin damage. Generally, our doctors perform these types of peels because of the strength involved in the chemical solutions.
Do I need a chemical peel?
If your skin is showing signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, red spots, brown spots, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage, or if you have acne scars and other skin blemishes, a chemical peel can help improve your appearance. It’s a quick, safe, office-based treatment that can make your skin tone and texture more even and give you a brighter, smoother complexion.
Am I a good candidate for chemical peels?
At your initial consultation, our medical aestheticians’ provider will examine your skin to assess its condition and decide if you are a good candidate for a chemical peel and, if so, which type of chemical peel will be best for you.
We will also obtain a complete medical history to ensure the treatments will be safe. Be sure to tell us about any medications or supplements you take or drug allergies you have. This is important because the use of certain medications like the acne medication Accutane precludes a chemical peel treatment. People who have used this medication need to wait at least 6 months before they can undergo a chemical peel.
Also, those with a history of cold sores may need to take preventive medication to reduce the risk of an outbreak. Our medical providers will examine your skin and advise you about using creams or lotions after the peel to prevent darkening of the skin.
How do I prepare for a chemical peel?
If you are deemed to be an appropriate candidate for a chemical peel and have booked an appointment, you should do several things in preparation for the treatment. It is recommended that you refrain from hair removal with creams, waxing, or epilation for a week before the treatment. It\’s also a good idea to avoid scrubs, exfoliants, retinols, and bleaching skin products that can leave the skin feeling raw and irritated.
What happens during a chemical peel treatment?
A light or medium chemical peel is done in the office. At the start of the procedure, your provider will clean your skin and prepare the surface to receive the peel.
Following this, the provider will apply the chemical solution to your skin with a brush or cotton ball and leave it in place for a few minutes to let it do its work. They will then spray neutralizing solution to counteract the acid and end the treatment.
What is the recovery process after chemical peels?
Your skin will recover quickly after a light chemical peel. You may have some minor redness and skin irritation for a few days, which is usually self-limited. Medium chemical peels can cause longer-lasting redness, sometimes for up to a month. Also, as the dead skin falls off and healthy skin is revealed, there can be some crusting. Recovery after deep chemical peels is longer, with swelling, redness, and burning lasting for about 2 weeks and some redness persisting for several months. During the recovery period, ice packs can help with any discomfort. You should follow all your recommendations to reduce the risk of side effects and complications.
Are chemical peels safe? What are the side effects?
In the hands of an experienced aesthetic provider, chemical peels are a safe, convenient, quick, and effective way to refresh your appearance.
As noted, it is common for the skin to be temporarily red, dry, irritated, and swollen after a chemical peel. These symptoms resolve over time with good skincare.
Do I need a superficial, medium, or deep peel?
A consultation with one of our medical aestheticians is the best way to find the most appropriate chemical peel for your skin tone, texture, and color, as well as the severity of skin damage. Whatever type of chemical peel you get, one thing is sure; it will give you clearer, smoother skin and a glowing complexion.
