Did you know that using a chemical solution to gently remove the top layer of skin is a popular method for enhancing the appearance of your skin? Chemical peel treatments can potentially help with various skin concerns like acne, pimples, UV damage, and more.
In a chemical peel, we use different acids based on your specific needs and the level of exfoliation you want to achieve. Light peels are a great way to rejuvenate your skin if you don’t have any major skin concerns. They’re perfect for giving your face a lovely, refreshing boost. Fall is such an amazing time to revitalize your face for those who are going back to school or looking to get a head start on the holiday season!
If you’re dealing with other skin issues, chemical peels could be a great choice to help with issues like hyperpigmentation! Age spots, freckles, dark spots, and other pigmentation abnormalities can be effectively reduced with a chemical peel, as it gently removes the top layers of your skin. After a chemical peel, the patient’s skin will look fresh and renewed!
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
A chemical peel can be a great option if you’re looking to improve the tone or texture of your skin. Chemical peels offer the most benefits for individuals with lighter skin tones. Light peels can be safe for people with darker skin tones, but there is a small possibility that they may cause long-term uneven skin tones.
If you have significant skin laxity or deep wrinkles, chemical peels may not be the best option for addressing these specific aging concerns.
Also, it’s important to note that chemical peels may not be recommended for individuals who are currently taking acne medications, as they could potentially slow down the healing process. Similarly, it’s best for those with herpes to steer clear of chemical peels as they can potentially trigger uncomfortable breakouts of the condition.
How do Chemical Peels Work?
To keep the chemical peeling solution away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, it’s a good idea to apply a neutral paste to those areas before starting the procedure. If you opt for a deeper peel, you might want to think about taking some extra pain medication.
After that, a gentle peeling agent is carefully applied to the areas of your face that have thicker skin. This usually includes the forehead, nose, cheeks, and lower jaw. You might feel a little tenderness during the peel, but don’t worry, it’s normal! It just means that the solution is working well. The treatment time can vary from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the depth of the treatment.
What is Recovery Like for a Chemical Peel?
The time it takes to recover from a chemical peel depends on the type of peel you have. Usually, it takes about four to seven days for the skin to fully recover after a mild chemical peel. It is possible for your skin tone to experience a temporary change. It is wise to limit your sun exposure during that time period.
After a medium chemical peel, your skin should fully recover in about one week. However, it’s possible that you may experience some lingering redness for up to a month. At first, your skin might swell a bit, but don’t worry! After that, a crust will form, and then you’ll start to see new skin growing. It’s all part of the healing process!
Deep chemical peels can be quite intense, but they can also provide great results for your skin! You can expect some significant swelling and redness after a deep chemical peel, and you might feel a slight burning sensation. Sometimes, the eyes might close because of the swelling at first. The new skin will start to show up in about two weeks, and some white patches or cysts may linger for a week or so after, but this is normal and they will go away. Some redness may persist for up to a few months.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’d like to give your face a refreshing boost for the upcoming fall months, feel free to reach out to Derrow Dermatology. We would be more than happy to schedule a consultation for you. We can go through the process together, assess your candidacy, and find out which type of chemical peel would be most beneficial for you. Give us a call today!