Chemical peels

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A chemical peel is used to improve the appearance of the skin. During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin to exfoliate it and eventually cause the skin to peel. The new skin is typically smoother, often with better color and tone. There are three basic types of chemical peels: superficial, medium peel, and deep peel. Each peel penetrates to a different skin level. Superficial peels only remove the skin’s top layer, whereas a medium peel sinks to the skin’s middle layer and also removes it. Deep peels, as you likely guessed, sink into the skin’s deepest layers to provide total rejuvenation. It is recommended that patients only have one of these in their lifetimes because of the transformative way they affect the skin.

· Improve tone

· Erase fine lines

· Build collagen

· Eliminate acne

Mild chemical solutions like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are used to lightly peel the skin with little or no downtime. They are typically done in a series to maintain results over time and combined with an at-home-skin-care regimen for best results.

TCA (trichloroacetic acid), or other solutions are used to correct pigment problems, superficial blemishes, moderate sun damage, fine lines, and weathered skin. You may feel a warm or burning sensation, which is followed by some stinging, and there will be some crusting or peeling for 3 – 10 days after the procedure.

• You have been on Accutane in the past 6 months
• Active cold sores, lesions, or facial rash
• Aspirin Allergy
• Herpes
• You have had Permanent cosmetics placed within 7 days prior
• Pregnant or nursing
• You have used Retin-A within 14 days prior to treatment
• Rosacea
• Serious medical conditions: Diabetes, Lupus, Chemotherapy, heart condition, immunity disorders
• Sunburned or compromised skin
• You have waxed the area to be treated within 72 hours

• Avoid direct sun exposure (and tanning beds)
• Avoid waxing, electrolysis, hair removal creams, and laser hair removal treatments
• Discontinue use of Retinol, Vitamin A, or Retin-A topical medication for 1 week
• Do not receive neuromodulators or dermal fillers 2 weeks prior
• Do not have a facial or peel treatment 2-4 weeks prior
• Inform your provider of any medications you take

At the beginning of your chemical peel appointment,  a special astringent is used to clean the skin, which helps the peel penetrate the skin. The peel solution is then applied to the face in an even layer. A mild burning or stinging sensation may occur, but can be alleviated by a fan. Once the peel has set for the required length of time, a cold compress is applied, followed by cleansing and sunscreen.

Proper aftercare following a chemical peel can help extend the effects of the procedure. Following a chemical peel using sunscreen is an important. You need to avoid the sun for up to two weeks following a chemical peel. Makeup should be avoided for up to 24 hours following a superficial chemical peel, while makeup needs to be avoided for five to seven days following a medium chemical peel. Excessive sweating should be also avoided following a chemical peel until the skin is fully healed. 

The time it takes to heal following a chemical peel will be based on the type of peel performed. Superficial peels can take up to seven days to heal. Medium peels can require up to two weeks to heal. While the skin will be red and swollen immediately following a medium peel, the swelling will become worse in the first 48 hours. A follow up appointment may be needed following a medium peel to assess healing. 

The frequency of chemical peels depends on the concern being addressed. A patient hoping to cure acne, for instance, may need a total of six peels with one delivered every two weeks; once the desired results are achieved, treatment frequency may be reduced to once monthly or even every six weeks. A patient with sensitive skin, on the other hand, may need treatment just once every eight weeks. How often you will benefit from a peel will depends on:

• Your skin type
• Your treatment goals
• Peel ingredients applied

A superficial peel will deliver results for one to two months, while you can expect a medium peel to last between four and six months.