Ask the Experts: Chemical Peel FAQs

Being forever young is one of the collective goals of the human race. Beauty reflects on our skin when we take care of our bodies by eating right, consuming enough water, committing to a healthy exercise routine, minding our mental health, and finding the most suitable skin regimen.

To amplify the care that we give our skin, experts have created a myriad of cosmetic treatments that could work age-defying wonders. One of the most effective skin rejuvenating procedures is a chemical peel. This beauty treatment is a skin resurfacing method in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin. The chemical peel has been engineered to remove the top layers of the skin in order to reveal smoother, healthier, and younger-looking skin.

Read on for answers to the most common chemical peel FAQs!

What Is A Chemical Peel Good For?

Traditionally, people employ the powers of chemical peels to treat the appearance of wrinkles, skin discoloration, and scars on their facial area. Although chemical peels are highly effective on their own, this procedure is also commonly used in combination with other cosmetic treatments.

How Long Do Chemical Peel Results Last?

When new skin has fully developed after your chemical peel, you will notice smoother, healthier, and younger skin. Light and medium peels usually last between 2 to 6 months and can be repeated over time for even more dramatic results. Now that you’ve got your newly revitalized skin, it is important to adhere to a doctor-recommended skin regimen and protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure.

How Often Should You Get a Chemical Peel?

When it comes to intensity or depth, chemical peels can be performed at various levels (from light to medium or deep) depending on your specific need or desired results. Each kind of chemical peel has been formulated with different chemical solutions. Light chemical peels are mild on the skin and require only short recovery periods. In contrast, the deeper chemical peels produce more pronounced results, yet call for longer recovery times. 

Light Chemical Peels

Light chemical peels are also often referred to as superficial peels. They remove the outer layer of the epidermis in order to treat fine lines, wrinkles, unevenness of skin tone, acne, and dryness. Depending on the results you aim to achieve, you can safely undergo light chemical peels as often as every two to five weeks. 

Medium Chemical Peels

The next type of chemical peels is the medium level. Medium chemical peels are designed to remove skin cells from the epidermis and from sections of the upper part of the middle layer of the skin, also referred to as the dermis. This category of chemical peels can treat wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and acne scars. It is recommended to repeat medium chemical peels with three to nine-month intervals to maintain the effects. 

Deep Chemical Peels

The most vigorous of all chemical peels is the deep chemical peel. Aside from removing skin cells from the epidermis, it removes portions from the middle to the lower layer of your face’s dermis. Specialists may recommend a deep chemical peel if you have deeper wrinkles or scars that require more extensive care. Unlike light and medium chemical peels, a deep chemical peel can only be performed once.

Can You Do Chemical Peels At Home?

Light peels can be performed at home with the right tools. However, if you want to treat scarring, wrinkles, and skin discoloration on a professional level, it is highly recommended to seek assistance from the experts. 

Are Chemical Peels Painful?

During the procedure, most patients tend to feel a burning sensation for about five to ten minutes. After that, a slight stinging sensation may be felt.

After the light peel, your skin will experience redness and mild irritation. Your doctor will likely apply a protective ointment, such as petroleum jelly to soothe your skin. Complete healing shows seven days after the procedure.

With regard to a medium peel, the skin will appear red, tight and swollen. Additionally, you may experience stinging. Aside from using a soothing ointment, you can use ice packs for added relief. Your skin specialist may recommend over the counter pain-relieving medication as well.

After a deep chemical peel, you will experience severe redness, swelling, burning, and throbbing. In some cases, your eyelids may temporarily swell shut. In these scenarios, the doctor will apply a watertight dressing and prescribe painkillers. If you'll be sedated,  it would be advisable to arrange a ride home.

New skin will develop approximately two weeks after your peel. Most patients opt to stay at home while healing from this chemical peel. 

What Can You Not Do After A Chemical Peel?

You can return to your daily routine after your chemical peel, as long as you avoid strenuous exercises and heavy sweating for two to three days. Additionally, avoid touching, plucking, or picking at the treatment site in order to allow the skin to heal naturally.

Can I Shower After A Chemical Peel?

It is advised to wait 12 to 14 hours before making your skin wet.

What Are Potential Side Effects Of Chemical Peels?

After a chemical peel, you will likely experience redness, dryness, irritation, and swelling depending on the depth of the treatment. Your skin specialist can prescribe the proper care and medication process, such as a compress, petroleum jelly, or painkillers. 

How Many Chemical Peels Are Needed To See Results?

The number of chemical peels needed in order to see results may vary from one patient to another. If you are treating sun damage or acne, approximately 6 peels are necessary to experience the full effect. 

Is Microdermabrasion Or a Chemical Peel Better?

Both cosmetic treatments are great for your skin. Usually, microdermabrasion is carried out first before the chemical peel. The former has been designed to make your skin appear smoother and brighter, while the latter works as a potent solution for acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

With chemical peels, that highly coveted youthful glow is easily within reach. Give us a call today to learn more about our Skinceuticals Chemical Peels.

Category: Ask Christina

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