A chemical peel is a type of exfoliating treatment that removes the dead skin cells from the skin’s top layer using a chemical solution. Treatment time tends to take no more than half an hour, but the peeling process can last up to a week depending on the depth of the peel. During the peeling process, the dead skin cells flake off or shed, revealing the fresh, new, and healthy skin underneath.
There are many benefits to getting a chemical peel. They reveal a brighter, smoother, and more refined complexion underneath, and also improve the overall look and feel of the skin almost straight away.
More Benefits
In addition to improving the look and feel of the skin, a chemical peel can also improve the color, clarity, tone, and texture of the skin. They also leave you looking more radiant thanks to stimulation of new collagen and healthy skin cell growth, and can reduce the effects of sun damage such as discoloration. A chemical peel can also make you look more youthful by smoothing away the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and can help to reduce breakouts. It can also improve the hydration of the skin and make your at-home skincare products more effective thanks to removing several layers of skin build-up, which allows products to penetrate the skin more deeply.
Before the Treatment
You should visit your dermatologist for a consultation before getting a chemical peel. You should let them know if you have any history of scarring, recurrent cold sores, or facial X-rays. You may be asked to prepare your skin by using medications such as Renova, glycolic acid, or Retin-A beforehand, and you may be asked to stop taking certain drugs with the approval of your doctor.
What to Expect
You can get a chemical peel done at a doctor’s office, a surgery center, or a medical spa. First, your skin will be deep cleaned and then lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or another chemical solution will be applied to a small area of your skin. You will usually feel a burning sensation that lasts around 5-10 minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. Though it can be uncomfortable, it is usually not overly painful, and applying cold compresses to the skin can help.
Aftercare
Depending on the type of chemical peel that you have, you can expect a similar reaction to sunburn after the procedure. Peeling will usually involve some redness, followed by skin flaking or scaling that will usually last for no more than a week. Swelling and blisters that break, crust or turn brown before peeling off can be a result of a medium-depth or deep peel. Proper aftercare is crucial; you may need bandages for several days on part or all of the treated skin, and you should avoid wearing makeup and using some skincare products as directed by your dermatologist. You will need to be very gentle with your skin and avoid the sun for several months since your new skin will be fragile.
If you want youthful, radiant skin, a chemical peel is an excellent treatment option.
