What To Know About Chemical Peel Growth >When you’re considering getting a chemical peel, you probably have lots of questions. No matter how much research you do, it can be hard to know exactly what to expect. The good news is that there are tons of resources available online to help you understand your options. And one of the best ways to learn about what to expect from a chemical peel is by hearing stories from people who have had them themselves.
In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most important things you should know about chemical peels and their impact on the growth of your skin.
Chemical peels are one of many skin procedures that are growing in popularity. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it performs vital functions. These functions include protecting the body from external elements such as bacteria and other contaminants. The skin also helps regulate temperature through sweat glands and hair follicles. Read on to learn more on Chemical Peeling Advantages And Disadvantages/Skin Looks Worse After Chemical Peel.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Growth
North Raleigh Plastic Surgery is excited to now offer chemical peels, including the sought-after VI peel. If you are considering a non-invasive, non-surgical skincare treatment, but you’re not sure if a chemical peel is right for you, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Raleigh, Dr. Ortiz, is sharing everything you need to know.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a non-surgical skin care treatment in which a chemical exfoliant is applied to the targeted area, usually the face, hands, neck, or chest. The exfoliant breaks down the top layers of skin, causing them to “peel” away, allowing fresh, smoother-looking skin to emerge.
There are several types of chemical peels available, depending on the condition you are seeking to treat.
Light Chemical Peels
A light chemical peel only removes the top layer of the epidermis, which is why it’s often called a superficial peel. This treatment relies on mild chemical exfoliants, such as lactic acid, citric acid, or salicylic acids to cleanse and reduce pores, treat acne, and smooth an uneven skin tone, and requires minimal healing.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium chemical peels are a bit stronger, removing the epidermis, plus the top layer of the dermis. Using stronger or more concentrated chemical exfoliants, a medium peel minimizes the look of wrinkles and acne scars as well as skin discolorations and an uneven texture.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels penetrate well into the dermis, treating wrinkles, scars, and even precancerous growth. Using trichloroacetic acid, retinol, or glycolic acid, these options renew the skin in only one treatment, though a few days to a week of downtime is required to heal afterward.
The VI Peel, which we cover in more detail below, is considered a medium chemical peel.
What Conditions Do Chemical Peels Treat?
Chemical peels are used to treat a wide variety of skin concerns, including:
Acne
Chemical peels break down dead skin as well as the oil and sebum clogging pores. This can reduce oil production and inflammation, kill bacteria, and prevent breakouts in the future. It also reduces the size of pores, improving the look of your complexion.
Scars
If you struggle with acne scars, a chemical peel can break down the layer of skin in which collagen fibers have formed either raised or pitted scars leaving your skin smoother.
Lines and Wrinkles
While a chemical peel doesn’t tighten or firm your skin, as your skin heals, it produces more collagen and elastin which smooths and fills your skin, minimizing the look of lines and wrinkles.
Hyperpigmentation
If you have sun spots, age spots, melasma, or an uneven skin tone, a chemical peel improves these issues by breaking down the top layers of skin and allowing a brighter, more even tone to emerge.
What Is a VI Peel?
Developed by the Vitality Institute, the VI peel is a chemical peel that is designed to penetrate to a medium depth to treat lines, wrinkles, acne, scars, and hyperpigmentation as well as stimulate collagen production for smoother, younger-looking skin. In addition, the VI peel does this with less downtime and discomfort than similar medium-depth chemical peels.
What makes this such a comprehensive solution? The unique blend of ingredients all have specific benefits designed to rejuvenate and improve skin tone and prevent damage and when they work together those benefits are multiplied.
A VI peel contains the following:
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Retinoic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Phenol
- Vitamin C
- Hydroquinone
- Proprietary mineral blend
While it peels away the old skin, it also infuses the skin with beneficial, nourishing ingredients, such as antioxidants.
Chemical Peeling Advantages And Disadvantages
This can help minimize wrinkles, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. It may also help skin disorders like acne and rosacea. However, a chemical peel can’t treat deep wrinkles and scarring. It also won’t tighten loose skin or reverse sun damage
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.
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.
Skin Looks Worse After Chemical Peel
Some patients experience a slight purge after a chemical peel or any aesthetic procedure for that matter. Your body uses the skin to push toxins out, which sometimes can result in the skin looking worse before it gets better. If you experience a purge, do not worry because it is normal.
- chemical peels are used to remove damaged skin cells, revealing healthier skin underneath
- there are different types of peels: light, medium, and deep
Safety:
- when conducted by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, licensed healthcare provider, or trained skin care specialist, chemical peels are exceptionally safe
- it’s essential to follow your provider’s postop instructions carefully
Convenience:
- light chemical peels do not require much down time
- medium and deep chemical peels can require two to three weeks of recovery time
- the procedures can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes
Cost:
- the cost of chemical peels depends on the type of peel you get
- the average cost of a chemical peel is $673
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.