It is one of the world’s most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, but, in hindsight, the name is probably off-putting for many people- the chemical peel.
A chemical peel uses a carefully mixed chemical solution to remove layers of the skin, which then exposes healthy skin underneath. The aim is simple; to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and even issues with skin tone and color.
However, you may be curious as to what the process of a chemical peel involves, and here, you will be given a brief overview, so you will know what to expect.
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Chemical Peels
Before going through the steps, it should be noted that when you seek to have this done professionally at the best medical spa near you, the practitioner will choose the right peel type for you, based on the condition being treated.
Lunchtime peel- As the name suggests, this can take up to an hour and only seeks to remove the top layer of the skin, to give your skin more of a glow and a healthy appearance. Generally, a lunchtime or superficial peel is composed of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).
Medium peel- The upper and middle layers of the skin are removed with this peel, making it suitable for those who have age spots, acne scarring, or fine to moderate wrinkles. This peel and the deep peel use stronger acids like trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
Deep peel- This peel penetrates down to the lower and middle layers of the skin. The recovery time is longer and this is more suited to those who have moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun damage, and deep acne scars.
The Chemical Peel Process
When you go to have a chemical peel performed, the process will usually last between 30-90 minutes. This will vary based on the type of peel you are having, and its intensity.
The practitioner will cleanse your skin and apply the solution. This will likely feel like tingling, burning, or stinging but this is to be expected and is temporary. If you are having a deeper peel performed, you can talk to the practitioner about having a sedative or anesthetist applied to reduce discomfort.
After the Procedure
As you can see, the post-treatment care will differ with the different types of peels.
If you have had a superficial or lunchtime peel, you can expect the peeling that occurs to feel and be similar to that of sunburn. It will usually resolve within a week.
For medium peels, you can expect there to be more extreme redness and soreness, as well as swelling and peeling. There may be crusting, too, and you should give the process 2 weeks for the skin to heal fully.
Lastly, if you have a very deep peel, you may have all of the aforementioned symptoms and an increased risk of infection. Redness will be more prolonged and will last for several months.
To help with the recovery, you will need to avoid the sun and be adequately hydrated. Avoid exfoliating the skin, and be sure to avoid picking at the skin, as this can cause infection and even more scarring!
