Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are two of the most popular cosmetic treatments. Both can be used to improve skin texture, reduce acne, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. But what happens after you’ve had one or both of these procedures?
As with many cosmetic procedures, there’s a lot of misinformation about what to expect after microdermabrasion and chemical peel. This blog will clear up some common misconceptions about what happens afterward, as well as give you some tips on how to take care of your skin after these treatments.
Read on to learn more about What To Expect After Microdermabrasion And Chemical Peel & Chemical Peeling Advantages and Disadvantages
What To Expect After Microdermabrasion And Chemical Peel
This summer we all want to put our best face forward. At Artisan Skin and Laser Center, we have many treatments in our lineup that can help you do just that. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are treatments that can be done for the exfoliation of the skin. Both of these treatments can be done all year round, which makes them a great option for the summer months when sun exposure is more frequent. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are not only used for exfoliation, but also for improving overall skin health.
Microdermabrasion FAQs
How does microdermabrasion work?
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing procedure used to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This technique reveals more vibrant skin and helps repair facial skin that has been weathered by the effects of the sun and daily lifestyle. This treatment helps to soften fine lines and wrinkles, lighten age spots and sun damage, helps reduce blackheads and acne, and increases an overall glow to the skin by removing the top layer of skin cells. Not only can microdermabrasion be performed on the face, but the neck, décolleté, and hands can be treated as well.
What will the treatment process be like?
Before your microdermabrasion treatment, your skin will be cleansed with a gentle cleanser. The appropriate diamond tipped crystal-free microdermabrasion wand will be chosen for you based on your skin type and skin condition. The wand will gently be applied to your skin for effective exfoliation. We are able to adjust the vacuum pressure to personalize your treatment and target your areas of concern. A moisturizer and sunscreen will be applied to your skin immediately after your treatment for moisture and sun protection.
What should I expect post treatment?
After your treatment, you may experience some tightness and minor redness that will diminish within a few hours. We recommend the application of a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen for post care. Further aftercare instructions will be provided. There is essentially no downtime with this treatment. You can comfortable apply makeup 1-2 hours after your treatment and continue to your daily routine.
When will I experience results?
Patients experience softer, younger looking skin after one treatment, but repeated treatments are recommended for more significant results. Microdermabrasion can be done in conjunction with other treatments to further enhance your skin. We will discuss your areas of concern and skin care goals to come up with an ideal combination of treatments for your skin type during your initial consultation.
Chemical Peel FAQs
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a treatment that is performed by applying chemical solutions to the skin to aid in exfoliation. Chemical peels work to speed up cellular turnover which increases the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is the main protein found within the skin and is responsible for skin firmness. This treatment improves skin texture, softens fine lines/wrinkles, improves acne and acne scars, lightens pigmentation and sun damage.
What should I expect during the treatment?
Your skin will be cleansed with a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, dirt, oil or bacteria from the surface of the skin. Next, the chemical solutions will be applied to the skin in sections using a cotton applicator. Depending on the level of peel that was recommended for your skin, the number of solutions used may vary. We can also customize the chemical peel by applying a certain number of passes to the skin with the solutions. A slight stinging or burning sensation may be experienced during the peel, but quickly goes away by the time your treatment is over. A cooling device is used during the treatment to alleviate any discomfort with the solutions. Before your treatment is over, a broad spectrum sunscreen will be applied to your skin for sun protection.
What should I expect post treatment?
Depending on the level of peel you received, the peeling time will vary. Your skin will not peel for the first 48 hours after your treatment and makeup can be worn during this time. At the 48 hour mark, your skin will begin to peel, similar to that of a sunburn. For lighter peels, your skin may peel up to 3 days. For the deeper peels, your skin may peel up to 5 days. Every patient experiences a different healing process depending on how much dead skin needs to be sloughed off. Following a chemical peel, a broad spectrum sunscreen is essential for protection against the sun. An SPF between 30-50 is recommended. Your skin is more likely to be damaged from the sun’s rays right after an exfoliating treatment and during the time it takes your skin to peel and return back to normal. Sunscreen should be worn every single day all year round to prevent sun damage. Before you leave our facility, we will provide you with specific after care instructions and answer any questions you may have.
When will I experience results?
The treated areas develop new skin in about 4-7 days following a chemical peel depending on the level of peel performed. More radiant, rejuvenated and softer skin will be seen after just one peel. As always, a series of chemical peels will give you more significant results.
At Artisan Skin and Laser Center, we love getting to know our clients and understanding their long-term skincare goals. If you’re interested in learning more about the aesthetic services we offer, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels, we would love to sit down with you for a complimentary consultation. Call the Artisans!
Chemical Peeling Advantages and Disadvantages
A chemical peel is a mixture of chemicals that forms gel-like consistency. It’s applied to the face in order to smooth the surface of the skin, remove the appearance of fine lines and remove blemishes. There are three types of chemical peels: mild, medium-depth and deep. Each have their advantages and serve different purposes.
What Are the Advantages of a Mild Chemical Peel?
- Chemical peels help to smooth dry skin
- Can help with pigmentation problems
- Controls acne
- Removes blemishes
- Less recovery time
- Helps with mild sun-damage
- Reduces mild blotchiness
- Fresher and younger looking appearance
What Are the Advantages of a Medium-Depth Chemical Peel?
- Thin facial lines are removed or the appearance is less noticeable
- The medium-depth reduces facial birthmarks
- The pigmentation in the skin is improved
- Helps with dry skin and old acne scarring
- Helps with sun-damaged skin
- Improves blotchy skin
- Younger looking overall appearance
What Are the Advantages of a Deep Chemical Peel?
- Ability to remove pre-cancerous growths
- Deeper acne scar emanation
- Long lasting effect
- Eliminates deeper lines on the face??
- Controls acne
- Helps with deep or course wrinkles
- Age spot removal
- Only a single treatment is necessary
- Smoother skin, younger appearance
- Long-term results are very good when the peel is specifically for acne scarring
The advantages of chemical peels are many, and all three help with different issues. The deep chemical peels are reserved for those with the worst types of skin problems, including serious acne, scarring and birthmarks. Some disadvantages of chemical peels need mentioning.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Chemical Peel?
- Excessive peeling normally happens more with the medium-depth peel and particularly with the deep peel
- Stinging sensation when initially applied
- Redness appears. Again, this is particularly so with the deep and medium peels. The light peel normally results in peeling like a sunburn.
- Temporarily may feel a bit of numbness
- Deep chemical peels can cause a crusting or scabbing after the treatment, as the deep dead skin cells are sleuthing off. This is temporary.
- Sensitivity to the sun ? you will need to stay out of the sun for a short time after the peel as your skin is more sensitive
- Costs can also be a disadvantage for some, since the average chemical peel cost $500 for each treatment
While some disadvantages do exist for chemical peels, the advantages do outweigh them particularly for those suffering from severe skin problems, such as acne or acne scarring. Even with the disadvantages, most people that have had them report they would have it again because of the overall improvement of their skin’s surface and the younger fresher look the entire chemical peels bring about. The discomforts often associated with a chemical peel are temporary and subside rather quickly.
What to expect after a chemical peel
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that uses a chemical solution to peel away old and damaged skin cells, allowing healthier and more youthful skin to emerge. It can help address a number of issues including wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Some of the great benefits of this skin rejuvenation treatment include:
- Improves the efficacy of your skin care products
- Heals discolouration and scars on the skin
- Exfoliates away dead cells and increases cell turnover for healthy, glowing skin
- Results in a more even-toned complexion
7 Reasons to Consider a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels come in varying strengths and they can accomplish a great deal — whether you simply want a gentle exfoliation or you require treatment for more ingrained dermal problems. During a consultation, your skin care specialist can assess your concerns and skin type to determine which type of chemical peel is safest for you.
Customized Chemical Peels at our Edmonton Medical Spa
At our Edmonton med spa, our highly trained team of aestheticians creates customized chemical peel treatments to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, and even acne scars. We also offer minimally invasive anti-aging treatments including Botox, Juvederm, and IPL photorejuvenation to address any skin concerns you might have and help you achieve all your aesthetic goals.
Want to know how we can help you achieve healthy, glowing, and more youthful-looking skin? Contact Our Edmonton Medical Spa
What to Expect Following Your Chemical Peel Treatment
A chemical peel works to peel away tired and dull skin cells while stimulating the growth of fresh and healthy skin. In addition to this, chemical peels will result in accelerated cell turnover and encourage the production of collagen. How to Prepare Your Skin for a Chemical Peel
If you are undergoing a chemical peel treatment, here’s what you can expect after your procedure and some tips on how to take care of your skin for the best results.
What Happens After a Chemical Peel?
The recovery period following a chemical peel will vary depending on the type of peel you opted for. However, in general, here’s what you can expect:
- The duration of the recovery period can range from three to 14 days, depending on the type of chemical peel.
- For most peels, patients can expect a recovery time of five to seven days.
- Following the procedure, your skin will dry out. During this time, you must drink plenty of water
- Avoid washing your face for at least 24 hours following your peel.
- Over the next few days, your skin will begin to peel. The most intense peeling will occur during the middle days of your recovery
- You may also experience some irritation, crusting, or skin redness. However, if you notice any bleeding or oozing, you must contact your skin specialist straight away
4 Tips to Take Care of Your Skin After a Chemical Peel
When performed by a highly-skilled aesthetician, a chemical peel is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate your appearance and eliminate any scars or signs of aging. However, in order to get the best results, you must look after your skin properly following your treatment.
Here are some tips to follow:
- Avoid using hot water for at least one week: For the first week following your chemical peel, avoid washing your face or showering with hot water. This is because hot water can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In addition to this, the steam will open up your pores which can significantly increase your risk of infection.
- Let your skin peel naturally. The most important thing to keep in mind following your chemical peel is to avoid touching your face. Picking and pulling your skin can result in scarring. The best course of action is to allow your skin to peel off naturally.
- Be gentle with your skin and avoid exfoliation. Following your chemical peel, the skin’s protective barrier will be temporarily compromised. This means that you should avoid any cleansing products with exfoliators such as facial scrubs until your skin has completely healed. When drying your skin, do not rub it. Instead, pat it dry gently with a soft towel.
- Always use sunscreen and limit your exposure to the sun. Your face is at its most sensitive post-peel, so you want to avoid the sun for at least a few days. When you do go outdoors, make sure to use sunscreen and stick to shady spots. Use the sunscreen for a minimum of six weeks after your chemical peel.