What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is an aesthetic procedure performed to address a variety of skin concerns including skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, acne and acne scarring. Removing the outer skin prompts the body to generate a new layer of skin cells which enhance the skin’s appearance as well as improving its functionality. Chemical peels are classified by the depth of penetration into the skin and there are a variety of chemical peels to choose from. Our providers will select a peel ranging from very superficial to medium-depth based on the patient’s skin type.
Chemical Peel Benefits
Different Types of Chemical Peels
We offer chemical peels in various strengths (light, medium, and deep) to accommodate your skin care goals.
Light peels: A light chemical peel on a coffee break or lunch hour and go right back to your day. This type of peel will remove the top layer of your skin (the epidermis), giving your facial features a brighter appearance and softer texture. We typically suggest that you schedule a light peel at least once a month for the best glowing results.
Medium-depth peels: This type of chemical peel goes deeper into your skin. You may prefer to do this type of facial rejuvenation treatment over a long weekend. You will also want to prepare yourself for more discomfort during and after treatment as this option is more intense than a light peel. Medium-depth peels are for patients who have significant damage to their skin, like deeper wrinkles and darker pigmentation issues.
Deep peels: The most advanced of the three types of chemical peels is the deep peel, and it will require the longest recovery time. This is an aggressive treatment that may leave your face swollen, peeling, and itchy for a few weeks. Patients who have a deep peel typically have dark age spots, sun-damaged skin, entrenched acne scars, and/or deep-seated scars. As this type of peel is generally uncomfortable for most patients, we may provide you with anesthetic as a part of your treatment.
Is it Right for You?
Your skin will be assessed during an examination before choosing a chemical peel treatment that will provide optimal results. Chemical peel candidates can be anyone concerned about noticeable issues with their skin. These issues can include scars, hyperpigmentation, flakey skin, sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, and acne.
Which Peel is Right for You?
The best chemical peel for you will depend on your unique skin concerns and cosmetic goals. During your consultation, we will help you decide which type of peel is right for your skin. Some factors you may want to consider are your overall health, your skin type, how deep of a peel you can do, how long you can spend in recovery, and what concerns you have about the appearance of your skin. For your first peel, it is better to try a lighter peel and see how you like the results. From there, we can adjust your treatment plan to find the best chemical peel level for you.
How to Prepare for Your Treatment
At the time of your procedure, any active skin disease, infection, or acne must be under control in order to maximize results. There are several different types of chemical solutions which can be used, ranging from a mild solution to a very strong one. The provider will select what is best for the patient based on their skin condition, color, and desired result.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During the procedure, your skin will be first cleansed of oils and a customized solution is then carefully applied and is allowed to remain on the skin for a short time in order to remove the layers of damaged skin. At this point, the skin may feel tight and tingling. The skin is then neutralized and cleansed. Finally, an ointment is applied to the skin to aid in healing. It is important to allow 7 days for the peeling process to complete before resuming home care products.
Detailed post-care instructions will be given depending upon the extent of the chemical peel. Please see our pre and post treatment instructions here.
Depending on the type of peel you have, you can expect your skin to itch and peel for a few days or up to a couple of weeks. Our MedSpa team will go over skin care tips and maintenance for you to follow after your chemical peel.
Please remember to avoid scarring no matter how much your skin itches during the healing process, please do not peel the shedding skin off
Keep it Up!
Maintain your fresh glowing skin! Light peels are recommended to be done on a monthly basis and medium and deep peels are done at least once or twice a year to maintain results.
