Don’t we all desire skin that is brighter and blemish free?
So much that Americans spend over $43 billion a year on skin care products and procedures. One of the most popular procedures for younger, healthier skin is the chemical peel.
This treatment helps to rejuvenate your skin, creating a clearer complexion. It promotes even skin tone, improved texture, and smoother skin.
It’s a safe and effective method for skincare. As it offers a solution for a more youthful appearance. Yet it’s not for every skin type and tone.
Read on to find out if a chemical peel is right for your skin.
The Procedure: What Is a Chemical Peel?
This non-invasive procedure is a way to get softer and smoother skin.
It works by removing layers of skin that contain dead or damaged cells. Once the skin sheds, it will reveal a fresh healthy layer underneath.
An acidic solution gets applied to the skin to help it exfoliate. The chemical solution is often an alpha-hydroxy, trichloroacetic, lactic, or glycolic acid peel. The acid used will depend on which level of peel you get.
It’s an outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes to complete. Yet, you may need more than one treatment to reach desired results. Most patients get about 3-5 treatments to have the look they want.
Chemical peels are best done in the hands of a professional. Otherwise, you could risk burning or damaging your skin.
Chemical Peel Procedures
Chemical peels offer 3 different levels of invasiveness. The level your dermatologist or plastic surgeon selects will depend on your own unique skin needs.
A mild peel penetrates the superficial layers of your skin. It offers a light exfoliation to refresh the face. This type of peel is quick and easy and needs little time to recover.
A medium peel focuses on the middle layers of your face. It can reach deeper set wrinkles and hyperpigmentation spots. This option works best on those with dark skin tones.
A deep peel goes down further into your skin layers. It is able to remove the most amount of damage and results in significant skin enhancement. The deepest type of peels usually gets only one treatment.
Chemical peel cost will depend on which level of procedure you get. Expect to pay an average of $600 per treatment.
Recovery Process
The more invasive the peel, the longer it will take to heal in full. Healing can take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks.
During the procedure, you’ll feel a slight stinging or burning sensation. Afterward, you can expect your skin to peel off in layers.
Some swelling, redness, and irritation will likely occur. Blisters and crusting are also common after the treatment.
A cold compress will help with swelling and pain relief. You’ll get prescribed creams and lotions to speed up the recovery. A deeper level of peel may need pain medication.
You’ll want to avoid wearing makeup products after a peel. These can further irritate your fresh skin. You’ll also want to consume healthy foods to help fight inflammation while healing.
After a peel, it’s important to protect fresh skin from the sun. Always wear sunscreen if planning to be outdoors. Choose an SPF 30 to reduce the risk of skin cancer and protect sensitive skin.
The Results: Fewer Fine Lines, Younger Looking Skin
There are quite a few visual changes when comparing a chemical peel before and after.
The main effects are younger looking skin with fewer fines lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels can also help with the following conditions:
- Age spots
- Melasma
- Large pores
- Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin coloring
- Acne
- Scarring
- Rough texture
- Dull skin tone
Peels can also reverse the effects of sun damage. As well as treat precancerous skin spots. They can also help spur collagen production for a more youthful appearance.
Chemical peels are most common for the face. Yet, they can rejuvenate skin cells on other areas of the body as well.
The Candidates: A Treatment for Most Skin Types and Tones
Chemical peels can produce long-lasting results for all different skin types and tones. Yet, they work best on fairer skin tones with thinner layers.
People with freckles are not the best candidates for deep level peels. It can create unnatural looking results.
Those with deep-set wrinkles or skin with heavy sagging may not be a good candidate. Peels may not be able to penetrate deep enough to reach these skin issues.
Extra oily or bulging skin may also not respond well to peels.
People with dark skin tones may experience different results. The peel can make their skin show up more uneven.
Certain skincare medications or prescription products may need to get stopped beforehand. These products can interact with the chemical solution that gets used.
Pregnant women or nursing mothers are also not good candidates for peels. As well as those with a history of skin disease or cold sore outbreaks.
The Alternatives: Other Skincare Solutions
Those who do not make a good candidate for chemical peels have other alternatives. Cosmetic procedures like facelifts, eye lifts, and brow lifts can also improve skin quality and appearance.
Laser resurfacing and collagen facial fillers are other effective methods. Microdermabrasion and micro needling can also improve skin imperfections. This often is also less expensive and has less downtime.
Many patients also consider combining cosmetic surgery procedures. Chemical peels can get done alongside laser hair removal.
Keeping Skin Fresh and Healthy After a Chemical Peel
A chemical peel can create a dramatic improvement in your skin.
It brings the healthy glow back to your face, enhancing tone and appearance. Yet, it’s important to maintain proper skin health following the procedure.
Do this by protecting your face from sun damage and keeping it well moisturized. Stay hydrated and get enough sleep each night. Eat foods that are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Be sure to use the right skincare products. Go for natural ingredients without toxic chemicals that can damage skin.
Oxygen infusion facials can also keep your skin looking it’s best. Here is what to look for in the best spa facial services.
