Introduction
Having a skincare routine is important, but sometimes we need something more aggressive to maintain our youthful appearance and beauty. Luckily, with advancements in technology, there are now many treatments and products available to help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging skin. One safe and effective way to rejuvenate your skin is chemical peeling. This popular cosmetic procedure removes dead skin cells and stimulates the growth of new, healthy skin. Peels are usually offered with customized formulations to address your skincare concerns, containing several different acids, each penetrating the skin differently. In this article, we will dive deep into the details of chemical peels, so you can make an informed decision about this exciting cosmetic procedure.
What Are Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or derma peeling, is a topical treatment that uses varying-strength acids, such as glycolic and salicylic acids, to reduce wrinkles, dark spots, sun damage, acne scars, and other signs of aging. Chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis), revealing new, healthier-looking skin underneath. This new skin is often smoother, firmer, and more evenly toned than the old skin. It may take several treatments for the desired results to be achieved.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a standard method of treating skin disorders, and the most common targets for a chemical peel are your face, neck, or hands. The benefits of chemical peels include:
1. Enhanced skin tone and texture
2. Reduced appearance of fine lines on your face
3. Diminished acne problems
4. Minimized appearance of your pores
5. Enhanced cellular turnover
6. Prevents sun damage and age spots
7. Strengthen skin elasticity by stimulating blood flow
8. Improve the penetration of skincare products
Are Chemical Peels Suitable for All Skin Types?
As a general rule, superficial peels are safe for all skin types. However, there is a higher chance of post-treatment skin darkening for people with darker skin tones, also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is recommended to consult a doctor for advice on other, less extreme methods of preventing hyperpigmentation if your skin is darker than average.
Chemical peeling may not be the best option for you if any of the following apply:
1. You have a history of unusual skin scarring
2. You have more coloring on your scars
3. You have skin disorders or medications that make your skin more sensitive
4. You are unable to avoid sun exposure during the recovery phase
How Are Chemical Peel Procedures Performed?
A chemical peel is a noninvasive treatment that can be performed at a spa, clinic, or surgical center. The process starts by applying an ingredient capable of removing excess oils from the skin, which is then covered to protect your eyes and hair.
The next step involves applying a chemical solution to your skin. The chemical solution may contain glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol). Exposure to various types of chemicals results in controlled damage. Each type of chemical permeates the skin to a different depth. This causes the skin to peel away and expose a new layer.
The various chemical solutions each produce distinctively different outcomes. Your desired result should guide your choice of chemical. The depth of the peel will be determined through collaboration between you and the one performing the treatment.
Different Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are classified according to their depth of penetration, which affects the intensity of the peel and its results. Three general chemical peel options exist: superficial, medium, and deep.
1. Light Chemical Peels: This procedure peels off the top layer of the skin. This option is best for those who want to avoid the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, discoloration, or dry, rough skin caused by sun damage. There may be minimal downtime associated with this light peel, and recovery can take a few hours to a few days.
2. Medium Peels: A medium chemical peel is ideal for maintaining your skin’s smooth, healthy appearance. This procedure removes the top layer and a bit of the middle layer of skin. This option may be suitable if your skin has moderately uneven pigmentation, age spots, acne scarring, or acceptable to moderate wrinkles. You may need a week or more to recover from this peel.
3. Deep Peels: Deep chemical peels provide the most noticeable results. This substance can reach the dermal fatty layer of your skin. This option may suit those with fine to moderate lines and wrinkles, substantial sun damage, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, or actinic keratosis. It takes more time to heal from a deep peel.
The pretreatment for a deep chemical peel may require up to eight weeks, and your doctor will provide detailed instructions. This one-time application requires an extensive recovery period, especially when performed on the face.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels can cause redness, dryness, stinging or burning, and mild swelling, but these effects are typically short-lived. However, there are more severe and potentially irreversible adverse effects associated with chemical peels, including:
1. Skin darkening or lightening is more common in people with darker skin color
2. Scarring can be permanent
3. Infections include bacterial or fungal infections in rare cases and flare-ups of the herpes simplex virus
4. Deep peels containing phenol damage to the heart, liver, or kidneys can occur, leading to irregular heartbeats and liver, kidney, and heart muscle damage
Final Thoughts
Deciding to have a cosmetic procedure is a big decision that requires careful consideration. There are many things to consider when wanting to have a cosmetic procedure, and it’s essential to perform your own due diligence.
Start by reading online reviews and talking to friends who have had the procedure. Looking at the cosmetic brand’s social media can provide additional insight. Lastly, looking at unedited photos of before and after results can help you make an informed decision.
After choosing a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, the first step is to schedule a pre-procedure consultation. Discuss the peel options, expectations, and recovery times during your consultation. Respect their recommendation based on your skin’s condition and treatment goals.
In addition, your health history and medications will be reviewed to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Be honest; even the simplest things, like cold sores, can cause risks. Finally, your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain drugs before getting a chemical peel and prepare your skin using Retin-A or glycolic acid. Your appearance depends on it. So, start planning your chemical peel and say hello to the youthful, glowing skin you deserve!
