What To Know About Chemical Peel For Wrinkles

What To Know About Chemical Peel For Wrinkles

A chemical peel is a type of facial treatment that uses acids or enzymes to remove the top layers of skin. The goal is to help you achieve smoother, more vibrant skin by exfoliating your face. There are many different types of chemical peels, which can be tailored to your skin’s needs. For instance, if you have acne-prone skin, a salicylic acid peel could be used to treat breakouts and reduce pore size. On the other hand, if you have sun damage or hyperpigmentation (dark spots), an alpha hydroxy acid peel might be right for you.

One important thing to keep in mind is that chemical peels can be very effective at removing fine lines and wrinkles, but they may not give you dramatic results overnight—the results often take weeks or even months after the procedure has been performed.

Chemical peel for wrinkles is a treatment that uses chemicals to peels off the outer layer of the skin. It’s one skin care procedure recommended by dermatologists and other skin care specialists since it’s proven to diminish wrinkle problems. This blog post aims to discuss chemical peel for wrinkles, the causes of wrinkles, and things you should be aware of before getting a chemical peel for wrinkles treatment. Read on to learn more about Are Chemical Peels Safe and Chemical Peel For Wrinkles At Home.

What To Know About Chemical Peel For Wrinkles

With the rise of the anti-aging craze in the past two decades, the cosmetic industry has been abuzz with new, innovative treatments targeted at stopping the clock and reviving the skin to its youthful glory. An early player in the game – chemical peels.

Many swear by this non-invasive treatment as a game-changer in anti-aging, significantly reducing their wrinkles, fine lines and age spots in just a few weeks. And despite receiving its fair share of criticisms for the potential damage it does on the skin, chemical peels continue to stand the test of time (and judgement) for one simple reason – it works! For avid believers that “beauty is pain”, the temporary discomfort post-peel is a no-brainer when it comes to the smooth, youthful skin the treatment promises. But for the rest of you straddling the line between pain and promise, some doubts still remain – do chemical peels really help with wrinkles? And if so, is it worth the pain?

We’re here to set the record straight. Read through our guide on chemical peels and learn everything you need to know about this anti-aging treatment.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

First thing’s first – knowing the right procedure for your anti-aging needs starts with understanding the science behind it. In simple terms, chemical peels involve a chemical solution that exfoliates your skin to remove old, dead skin cells and reveal a new layer of smoother, flawless, and youthful skin. This type of skin regeneration makes it a go-to treatment for a variety of skin problems like acne scars, dark spots, sun damage, and deep wrinkles.

After thoroughly cleansing your skin, a professional starts the chemical peel by applying a chemical solution. Common peeling acids used are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and carbolic acid, which all vary in benefits and potency. Based on an evaluation of your skin and your targeted trouble spots, you will be given a single-acid solution or a customized combination of these acids. Once the solution is applied, burning and stinging are common sensations that quickly follow. Not to worry, this merely proves that the chemical peel is doing its job. Your skin will undergo peeling and sensitivity in the next few days or weeks, but once you get past the pain, you’ll start to enjoy the results! While some people see immediate improvement after just one session, some are required multiple visits for best results.

Sounds pretty straight-forward, right? Now, this when things get a bit tricky – deciding on what type of chemical peel to get.

Chemical Peels for Wrinkles and Anti-aging

There are three types of chemical peels to choose from, depending on your skin issues and how skin-deep you want to exfoliate.

• Superficial peels target the epidermis or the outermost layer of your skin. This light chemical peel is a safe bet for those with minimal skin problems like shallow sun spots, rough patches, and clogged pores, typically taking 1-7 days to heal.
• Medium-depth peels take a longer period and more maintenance to heal, as it penetrates the second skin layer, the dermis. This targets more deep-rooted problems related to skin tone and texture. 7-14 days is the average downtime, wherein you will need to avoid sun exposure and take additional medication.
• Deep peels are the most intense in nature and only recommended for severe acne scars and skin issues. Surface-level healing can take up to several weeks, but sun exposure must be avoided for as long as 6 months.

If anti-aging is your main skincare goal, we recommend medium chemical peels to effectively reduce fine wrinkles, minor hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. They penetrate deep enough to stimulate collagen production and cell regeneration without harming naturally-aging skin.

During the treatment, the customized solution is concentrated on specific areas prone to wrinkles and other signs of aging, like the eyes and the mouth. Peeling and healing will take 7-14 days, during which aftercare treatment is crucial. Apart from practical tips like sunscreen application, washing your face with cool water and avoiding strenuous activities, some professionals may recommend antiviral medication to be on the safe side. As the healing period comes to an end, you will be rewarded with significant smoothening of wrinkles, a more even skin tone and an over-all radiant glow. Worth the wait? We think so!

Anti-aging is just one of the many wonders chemical peels are capable of. If you want a more in-depth rundown, you can read our article on other chemicals peel benefits here. With your skin aging concerns covered, let’s move on to another important factor to consider – skin age.

Are You Too Old for a Chemical Peel?

This is a question often asked by our customers, and understandably so. It is normal for aging skin to experience more sensitivity and longer recovery time when undergoing skin care treatments. And although chemical peels replenish your skin at a relatively deep level, it is done with a careful concentration of chemicals in a controlled manner that is generally safe for the skin and does not cause permanent damage. 

That being said, we still encourage our customers, whatever age or skin issue, to consult our skin therapists  before booking any treatment. That way, we will be able to properly assess your skin condition and recommend a safe and suitable treatment for you.

What You Should Know Before Getting a Chemical Peel

Now that you’re more familiar with chemical peels and the possible benefits and effects on your skin, we’ll leave you with a quick list of things to consider before booking your treatment with us.

Pre-Chemical Peel Treatment:

Consult our skin therapist.

Book a consultation with us for a professional assessment of your skin type, issues and goals. Be sure to share your history of past treatments and previous side effects, medications you are currently on, and other relevant information.

Plan your recovery in advance.

Take into account the healing period required after your chemical peel. Once you book your appointment, check your calendar and make sure to set aside time to properly recover.

Avoid certain medications, supplements and skincare products.

If possible, take a break from medications, supplements and skincare products that could cause blood clotting or skin irritation, like AHAs, BHAs, Retinol, Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Do this least one week before your chemical peel, but make sure to consult your doctor being do so.

Post-Chemical Peel Treatment

Keep calm and expect skin reactions.

Manage your expectations and prepare for these common skin reactions after your chemical peel. Don’t panic, these are all temporary signs that prove the treatment is working.

• Peeling
• Redness akin to a sunburn
• Swelling
• Blisters that are crusty to the touch and brown in color
• Patches of discoloration or scarring

Give your skin some TLC.

Follow our aftercare instructions to relieve you from possible pain and discomfort. When in doubt, feel free to consult us anytime post-treatment.

The sun is NOT your friend.

Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day for protection against UVA and UVB rays. Your skin will be very sensitive to the sun after a chemical peel, so if possible, avoid sun exposure as much as possible.

Be patient.

Patience is a virtue – one with great rewards awaiting at the end.  

Our Anti-Aging Chemical Peels at Lovoir Skin Body & Beauty

At Lovoir Skin Body & Beauty, we offer a range of Skin Therapy Facials that treat just about any skin problem in the least invasive and most relaxing manner possible.

If skin aging is your main concern, we recommend our O Cosmedic peels, which combine natural fruit extracts and potent actives to effectively reduce wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Our collection includes different peel variations, so we assure you there’s something for everyone – whether you have sensitive skin or deeper scars. Our skin therapists are well-equipped to recommend the best facial for you and your anti-aging goals.

Are Chemical Peels Safe

Despite the slightly scary sounding name — chemical and peel don’t exactly sound like what you might want on your face — chemical peels are actually one of the best treatments you can undergo to treat stubborn acne scars. 

In case you’re not convinced by the incredible before-and-after photos of chemical peel clients, this guide exists to get you on the glowy-skin bandwagon. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about chemical peels for acne scars. 

What do chemical peels do? 

Fun fact: Chemical peels do involve chemicals, but they don’t really involve peeling of skin. Instead, chemical peels consist of a solution that deeply exfoliates the outer layer of your skin. This causes the dead skin cells on your top layer of skin to rapidly shed, revealing the new, smooth layer underneath. On top of the exfoliation, chemical peels induce new collagen production, an important protein that makes up about 75% of your skin and keeps it looking young, tight, and fresh. 

How do chemical peels work for acne scars? 

Chemical peels reduce the appearance of acne scars by reducing overall hyperpigmentation, or areas of your skin with deeper or darker color. Chemical peels also smooth the outer surface of your skin, reducing any bumpy textures. 

The exact mechanism of a chemical peel on your acne scars depends on the severity of your scarring, as well as the type of scarring. There are two types of acne scars: atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic acne scars are indented or depressed, while hypertrophic acne scars are raised. 

Chemical peels are better at treating atrophic scars than hypertrophic scars, though a professionally administered series of chemical peels can potentially eliminate both types. Hyperpigmentation, while technically not a form of scarring, is the easiest form of post-acne skin trauma to treat with chemical peels. 

What to expect during and after a chemical peel

At Rochester Laser Center, our aestheticians use SkinCeuticals chemical peels, which they customize based on your particular skin situation. Depending on the severity of your acne scars, your Rochester Laser Center aesthetician may recommend a light or mild chemical peel. Deep chemical peels generally aren’t recommended for acne scars. 

At your appointment, you lie comfortably in a beauty chair while your aesthetician performs the chemical peel. Your aesthetician cleans your face and protects your eyes and hair. Then, the chemical peel solution is brushed onto your face. You may experience a tingling sensation and coldness. If your peel is more intense, you may feel a slight burning sensation, kind of like the way Icy Hot® feels when you apply it to sore muscles. 

What happens after your chemical peel depends on the type of peel you received, plus your skin’s individual tolerance to it. Some patients experience redness and sensitivity, while others feel just fine. You may need a few days of downtime where you don’t get any direct sun exposure and you limit exercise. Don’t worry: Your aesthetician makes sure you leave the clinic feeling confident about how to take care of your skin after a chemical peel. 

Chemical Peel For Wrinkles At Home

Superficial and medium peels are usually safe, as long as they’re done correctly. These type of peels are not permanent and they need to be repeated. Deeper peels are more risky. They’re longer-lasting and do not usually need to be repeated.

IMAXTREE
What is a chemical peel?
Basically, chemical peels help your skin do what it naturally does better. As you age, your skin cannot renew itself as well as it did before. Peels remove the top layer of damaged skin to promote the growth of new, healthy skin, which aids in increased collagen production and improves the efficacy of your current skincare routine. Beyond that, chemical peels are used to address a multitude of skin concerns including hyperpigmentation, acne, aging, and even rosacea.1

“Chemical peels are a proven, safe, and effective way to renew and regenerate healthy skin,” explains David J. Goldberg, MD, a NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist. “They’re one of the best treatments to keep your skin healthy. Simply put, peels give your skin a glow and renew the skin cells we were all born with. They unclog pores and remove the dead skin cells, bringing healthy cells to the surface.”

While there are many different types of peels varying in severity, from maximum strength formulas to more gentle versions, like PCA Skin’s Sensi Peel, the process is always the same. A chemical solution is applied to your face, it tingles—sometimes stings—and then you wash it off. Afterward, smoother, brighter skin is revealed, and, with continued use, fine lines and wrinkles soften as well.

Why should I get one?
“Especially as we get older,” Goldberg continues, “most of us need peels to support the cell turnover process that slows down as we age. This allows the skin to shed dead cells and bring new, fresh skin to the surface—reducing photo damage and promoting a healthier, more radiant complexion. Like any product in your regular skincare routine, you need to use it regularly to see the best results.”

How do I choose the right one?
“Chemical peels are divided into groups based on the depth of skin they affect,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group. “The milder ones only resurface the top few cells of skin, while stronger chemical peels can break down skin to a deeper level.”

She continues, “The deeper the peel, the greater the risk of side effects such as burns or pigmentary alteration, but also the greater cosmetic benefit—smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, more even tone. Gentle peels can be derived from both alpha and beta hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid). This is safe in pregnancy and for most skin types. TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels, jessners, and salicylic acid peels, and peels which contain a combination of ingredients, can be found at your dermatologist’s office. They contain retinol, phenol, and many other ingredients which help enhance effects.

“Natural and more gentle peels can be found over the counter and feel like a slight tingling, almost refreshing feeling. They can be done on a more regular basis, even weekly, to keep skin looking smooth and bright. As the skin ages and the natural cell cycle of skin turnover slows down, medical-grade chemical peels are useful to obtain more dramatic results. These peels induce a slight stinging sensation for a few seconds before they’re neutralized or cooled off.

Before and after chemical peeling
Image: Shutterstock

Apart from improving your skin texture, chemical peels can do a lot to your skin.

If you are opting for a superficial chemical peel, the benefits include:

Makes your dry skin smoother
Reduces pigmentation
Eliminates blemishes
Reduces acne
Reduces signs of mild sun damage
Younger-looking skin
Eliminates mild blotchiness

Also, it has less recovery time.

Related: 13 Tips And Remedies To Prevent Acne And Pimples Naturally
If you are going for a medium chemical peel, here’s what you can expect:

Fine lines become less noticeable
Eliminates scars and birthmarks
Reduces pigmentation
Removes old acne scars
Reduces dry skin
Reduces the signs of sun damage and blotchiness
Fresh and younger-looking skin

Related: 3 Ways To Treat Hyperpigmentation And Tips To Prevent It
If you are planning to undergo deep chemical peeling, these are the benefits:

Removes pre-cancerous growths
Reduces deep acne scars
Eliminates acne
Eliminates deep wrinkles
Reduces age spots
Smoother and younger-looking skin
Long-term results
Related: 25 Simple Tips To Get Younger Looking Skin

Above all, deep chemical peeling is a one-time treatment that has a lasting effect on your skin.

The chemical peels that people apply at home are usually superficial peels. If you are doing a medium peel at home, you need to be extremely careful. It is better not to take the risk if it’s your first time doing a chemical peel at home. When choosing a chemical peel, the list of ingredients can be exhaustive and confusing. If you are a beginner, here is a quick guide to the ingredients you can opt for.

Chemical Peels: The Ingredients To Look For
Ingredients to consider when buying a chemical peel
Save
Image: Shutterstock

Here are the ingredients to look for when buying chemical peels.

Enzyme Peels
These are incredibly mild as they contain a blend of fruit enzymes. They gently exfoliate the top layer of your skin and refine your skin pores. Enzyme peels are great for anyone who has sensitive skin and those who are intolerant to acids.

Lactic Acid
Lactic acid peels usually contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and are extremely mild. They are suitable for beginners and help in smoothening your skin and treating minor wrinkles, fine lines, and mild discoloration (1). They are also extremely hydrating.

Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid has anti-aging benefits and is very effective in removing dead skin cells. It helps in improving your skin texture and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps in reducing hyperpigmentation (2). It works well when combined with salicylic acid.

Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is widely used for treating acne. When used in peeling solutions, salicylic acid gets absorbed into your skin pores and unclogs them. Unlike AHA and glycolic acid, this acid will not make your skin sensitive to sun rays (3). Salicylic acid helps in treating melasma, freckles, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.

Glycolic Acid
Compared to all the ingredients mentioned above, glycolic acid is a bit more potent. It is both a superficial and a medium peel, depending on the percentage of the acid used. It not only refines your skin texture but also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars and brightens your skin tone (4).

Jessner’s Peel
When searching for chemical peel products, you will definitely come across this name. Jessner’s peel is mainly a combination of three ingredients: lactic acid, salicylic acid, and resorcinol. It is pretty effective in treating hyperpigmentation and acne. It is suitable for oily skin. However, if you have dry skin, this peel can make it drier. Don’t forget to follow up with a moisturizer after using this peel.

Trichloroacetic Acid Or TCA Peels
This is also a medium strength peel or ingredient, but it is stronger than all the ingredients mentioned above. It works well for treating hyperpigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, acne scars, and stretch marks (5).

There are, of course, risks involved in undergoing a chemical peel treatment. While mild and superficial peels may not have significant risks, deep chemical peels come with a host of risks. However, keep in mind that the risks depend on your skin type, the type of peel used, and how your skin reacts to it.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Chemical Peels?
Side effects of chemical peels
Save
Image: Shutterstock

Chemical peels may cause the following side effects:

Redness Of Skin: Right after treatment, you will notice some redness on your skin. This redness may last for several weeks or months, depending on the intensity of your treatment.
Scarring: This is another major issue with chemical peels. There are chances that you may get scars on your face. That’s why chemical peels should be taken very seriously and done under the guidance of a skin care professional.
Skin Infection: Chemical peeling, if not done the right way, can cause a fungal or bacterial infection, including herpes virus.
Chemical peels are NOT meant for everyone. You cannot undergo chemical peeling if:

you are taking isotretinoin medicines for acne (or have taken them in the past six months).
you have a dark complexion.
you have a history of keloids (overgrowth of scar tissues).
you have abnormal skin pigmentation.
you get cold sores frequently or have a history of cold sores.
Consult a doctor before undergoing intense chemical peeling. Although at-home chemical peels are pretty mild and do not have any major side effects, it is better to consult a doctor before using any harsh chemicals on your skin.

Now that you are aware of the potential side effects of chemical peels, here are some tips for doing it at home.

How To Do Chemical Peeling At Home
Chemical peeling at home
Save
Image: Shutterstock

Always do a patch test to check if you are allergic to any of the chemicals. Even if you have done chemical peeling before, do a patch test every time you do it. To do a patch test:

Take a small amount of the product and apply it to your inner arm or on your wrist.
Leave it on for 24-48 hours. See how your skin reacts.
Remove it after 48 hours and wait for two more days to make sure it does not cause a delayed reaction.
If your skin is fine after doing the patch test, go ahead with the chemical peel. If you are using it for the first time, start with the lowest concentration possible. You can gradually increase the concentration as your skin gets used to the acid. To begin with, you can use 8% TCA, 30% lactic acid, or 30% glycolic acid. If you are using any tretinoin-based products, stop using them a week before using the chemical peel.

Now, let’s discuss how you can do chemical peeling at home.

Step 1: Clean Your Face
Before applying the chemical peeling solution, cleanse your face with a gentle and soap-free cleanser.

Step 2: Protect The Sensitive Parts
Areas such as the skin around your eyes, the corners of your lips, and your nostrils are very sensitive. Apply petroleum jelly on them to protect them from the acid.

Step 3: Apple The Chemical Peeling Solution
Use a Q-tip, a cotton swab, or a cotton pad to apply the chemical solution to your face. Start with the areas that are less sensitive, such as the skin on your forehead, cheeks, and chin, and then apply it to your nose and neck.

Step 4: Leave It On For The Time Recommended By The Manufacturer
The wait time differs with the ingredients. However, it’s always safe to keep it on for lesser than the recommended time. For instance, if the instructions ask you to leave it on for 2 minutes, it’s best to remove it after 1 minute or 1 minute 30 seconds.

Step 5: Remove The Peel
Remove the chemical as per the instructions provided with the product and apply a neutralizing solution. Usually, all products come with a neutralizing solution. This is to stop the solution from working on your skin. If your product doesn’t come with any neutralizing solution, it means the chemical stops working as soon as you remove it from your skin.

You can also make your own neutralizing solution. Just mix baking soda in some water until it forms a paste and apply it after you wash the chemical off your face.

If your first attempt goes well, you can increase the intensity or concentration of the acid the next time.

After chemical peeling, you need to be very careful about what you put on your skin. Here is a skin care regimen you can follow right after chemical peeling.

What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.

There are a number of reasons people may get chemical peels. They may be trying to treat a variety of things, including:

• wrinkles and fine lines
• sun damage
• acne scars
• hyperpigmentation
• scars
• melasma
• uneven skin tone or redness

What type of chemical peels can I get?

There are three different types of chemical peels that you can get. These include:

• Superficial peels, which use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. It only penetrates the outermost layer of skin.
• Medium peels, which use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layer of skills. This makes it more effective for removing damaged skin cells.
• Deep peels, which fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or tricholoracetic acid.

How much do chemical peels cost?

Chemical peels are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance rarely covers it. You’ll be paying for the procedure out of pocket. Your initial consultation visit, however, may be covered by insurance.

The cost of the procedure will vary depending on factors like location, expertise of the provider, and what type of peel you want to get. Light peels can cost as low as $150, and deep peels can cost $3,000 or more (specifically if it requires anesthesia, or in-patient stays). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current average cost of a chemical peel is $673.

How is a chemical peel done?

Chemical peels are typically done in-office; deep peels may be done in an outpatient surgical facility. Before the procedure, they will likely have you tie back your hair. Your face will be cleaned, and eye protection like goggles or gauze may be applied.

Your doctor may numb the area with a topical anesthetic, especially if you’re receiving a deep peel. For deep peels, your doctor may also use a regional anesthetic, which will numb large areas. They are particularly likely to do this if you’re having your face and neck treated. For deep peels, you’ll also be given an IV, and your heart rate will be closely monitored.

Light peel

During a light peel a cotton ball, gauze, or brush will be used to apply a chemical solution like salicylic acid to the area being treated. The skin will start to whiten, and may have a slight stinging sensation. Once complete, the chemical solution will be removed or a neutralizing solution will be added.

Medium peel

During a medium chemical peel, your doctor will use a gauze, special sponge, or a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical solution to your face. This may contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid. A blue color may be added to the trichloroacetic acid, commonly known as a blue peel. The skin will begin to whiten, and your doctor will apply a cool compress to the skin. You may feel stinging or burning for up to 20 minutes. No neutralizing solution is needed, though they may give you a hand-held fan to cool your skin. If you’ve had the blue peel you will have a blue coloring of your skin that may last for several days after the peel.

Deep peel

During a deep chemical peel, you will be sedated. The doctor will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply phenol to your skin. This will turn your skin white or gray. The procedure will be done in 15-minute portions, to limit the skin exposure to the acid.

How do you prepare for a chemical peel?

Before your procedure, you’ll first have a consultation with the skin care specialist. During this visit, they’ll help you determine what the best treatment option is for you. They’ll let you know the details about the specific peel you’ll be getting, and they’ll ask about anything that could interfere with the peel. This may include whether you’ve taken acne medication, and information about whether or not you scar easily.

Before a chemical peel, you must:

• not use any type of retinol or retin-A topical medication for at least 48 hours
• inform your skin care specialist about any medications you take
• not have been on Accutane for at least six months

Your doctor may also recommend that you:

• take an antiviral medication if you have a history of fever blisters or cold sores to prevent a breakout around the mouth
• use special lotions to improve treatment, like glycolic acid lotion
• use a retinoid cream to prevent skin darkening
• stop waxing, epilating, or using depilatory hair removal products the week before the peel. You should also avoid hair bleaching.
• stop using facial scrubs and exfoliants the week before the peel.
• arrange for a ride home, especially for medium or deep chemical peels, which will require you to be sedated.

If your doctor prescribes a painkiller or sedative, take it according to their instructions; you’ll likely have to take it before you come to the office.

What are the risks and possible side effects of a chemical peel?

Common side effects are temporary, and include redness, dryness, stinging or burning, and slight swelling. With deep peels, you may permanently lose the ability to tan.

Chemical peels can, however, have more serious risks and dangerous side effects that can be permanent. These include:

• Darkening or lightening of the skin color. These can be more common in people with darker skin.
• Scarring. This can be permanent.
• Infections. People with herpes simplex may experience flares following a treatment. Very rarely, chemical peels can cause fungal or bacterial infections.
• Heart, liver, or kidney damage. The phenol used in deep peels can actually damage the heart muscle, kidneys, and liver, and cause irregular heartbeats.

What to expect after

Recovery time varies depending on which chemical peel you received.

Light chemical peels

Recovery time is about four to seven days. Your skin may temporarily be lighter or darker.

Medium chemical peels

Your skin will recover about five to seven days after a medium chemical peel, though you may have redness that persists for months. Your skin will initially swell, and then form crusts and brown blotches before revealing new skin.

Deep chemical peels

Deep chemical peels will cause severe swelling and redness, with burning or throbbing sensations. It’s common for the eyelids to swell shut. It will take about two weeks for the new skin to develop, though white spots or cysts may last several weeks. It’s common for redness to last for several months.

During recovery, follow your doctor’s postop instructions faithfully. They’ll give you specific instructions for how often to wash your face and moisturize, and which products you should use to do so. Try to stay out of the sun until your skin has healed, and avoid using makeup or other cosmetics until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. You can use ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, or a cool fan, to help relieve discomfort at home.