What To Know About Chemical Peel Or Chemical Peel

What To Know About Chemical Peel Or Chemical Peel

In the United States, chemical peels are among the most sought-after beauty treatments. In addition to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scars and age spots can also be removed using chemical peels. Chemical peels are effective because they exfoliate the outermost layer of dead skin. Although it may seem painful, the sensation is more akin to a tingling sensation.

Chemical peels can be either superficial or substantial in depth. To avoid irritation, even the most sensitive skin types can apply superficial peels on the skin’s surface. In contrast, medium depth chemical peels, which reach the skin’s second layer, can be utilized on any skin type with the proper precautions (the dermis).

A chemical peel is a technique used in dermatology and plastic surgery to improve the appearance of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. This aids in the treatment of acne scars, wrinkles, blemishes and blotchiness of skin due to aging, pregnancy or sun exposure. Read on to learn more on chemical peel side effects and chemical peeling advantages and disadvantages.

What To Know About Chemical Peel Or Chemical Peel

A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes trauma or injury to your skin’s layers. The skin layers eventually peel off revealing more youthful skin. The new skin is usually smoother with fewer lines and wrinkles, has a more even color and is brighter in complexion.

What conditions does a chemical peel treat?

Chemical peels are used to treat certain skin conditions or to improve your appearance by improving the tone and texture of your skin.

Chemical peels are most commonly performed on your face, neck or hands. They can help reduce or improve:

• Fine lines under your eyes or around your mouth and wrinkling caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors.
• Certain types of acne.
• Mild scarring.
• Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin coloring.
• Precancerous scaly spots called actinic keratosis.
• Rough skin, scaly patches, dull complexion.
• Dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills.

You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel. This joint decision can vary depending upon the condition of your skin and the objectives of treatment.

Sags, bulges, deep scars, deep facial lines and more severe wrinkles don’t respond well to chemical peels. If these are your concerns, other cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a face lift, brow lift, eye lift or soft tissue filler will be better options. A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the best treatment for your concerns.

Is a chemical peel good for all skin types?

Generally, superficial peels can be used on all skin types. However, if you have a darker skin tone, you have a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after treatment. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you may want to get the advice of your dermatologist about other less aggressive treatments to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peeling may also not be recommended if you:

• Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
• Have extra coloring in your scars.
• Have skin conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive.
• Can’t stay out of the sun for the healing period.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

How are chemical peels performed?

A chemical peel can be performed in a doctor’s office or in a surgery center as an outpatient procedure. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils, while your eyes and hair are protected. A chemical solution is then applied to your skin. Chemical solutions typically used include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol). The different types of chemicals cause a controlled injury, each penetrating through to a different skin depth, then peeling away to reveal a new layer of skin.

The different chemical solutions provide different results. The choice of chemical depends on your goal. You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel.

• A light (“lunchtime”) chemical peel provides subtle improvement over time and is often done in a series. The outermost layer of skin is removed. This choice may be best if you have fine wrinkling, acne, uneven skin coloring or dry, rough sun-damaged skin to help promote a healthy glow. Recovery from this type of peel may be within hours to a few days but with little to no down time.
• A medium chemical peel gives your skin a smooth, fresh look. The outermost layer and the upper part of your middle skin layer are removed. This choice may be best if you have uneven or moderate skin discoloring, age spots, acne scarring or fine-to-moderate wrinkles. Recovery from this type of peel may take a week or more and require some down time.
• A deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic results. This chemical penetrates down to the lower middle layer of your skin. Recovery time is longer with a deep peel. This choice may be best if you have moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and/or precancerous growths called actinic keratosis. A deep chemical peel requires pretreatment for up to eight weeks. Your doctor will provide specific instructions. A deep chemical peel is a one-time only treatment if applied to your face and does have significant down time.

To prepare for your chemical peel, some general instructions include:

• Avoid tanning and direct sun exposure for two weeks before each treatment.
• Apply topical products (such as hydroquinone) as instructed before treatment to prepare your skin.
• Don’t use any products containing retinoids (such as tretinoin) one to two weeks before treatment, unless your physician tells you differently.
• If you have been prescribed oral antibiotics or an oral antiviral medicine, start taking it at least 24 hours before your chemical peel.
• Peel areas must be free of any open sores, lesions or skin infections.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions for your peel type and your unique skin condition.

Day of peel: Your skin will be thoroughly cleaned. If you are having a deep chemical peel, you will receive general anesthesia (you will be asleep).

The procedure: During a chemical peel, solution is applied to your skin. You may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation that will last a few minutes. This is followed by a stinging sensation. To relieve the sting, a cool compress may be applied your skin. The chemical is then washed off and/or neutralized.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What are the possible complications of chemical peels?

In certain skin types, there’s a risk of a temporary or permanent change in the color of your skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy or a family history of brownish discoloration on your face may increase your risk of developing abnormal pigmentation.

There’s also a low risk of scarring in certain areas of your face and certain individuals may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.

If you’ve had a history of herpes outbreaks, there’s a small chance of reactivating the cold sore. Your dermatologist can prescribe medication to reduce the chance of a flare up. Follow the instructions of your doctor.

Before your chemical peel, be sure to tell your dermatologist if you have a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth created at the site of a skin injury), any unusual scarring tendencies, any X-rays of your face or history of cold sores.

Infections are rare but still a risk.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

What should I expect after the chemical peel?

What to expect varies depending on the depth of your chemical peel.

If you’ve had a light chemical peel:

• Expect a sunburn-like reaction to occur after your peel, meaning you’ll see redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days.
• Apply lotion or cream as directed until your skin heals. After your skin heals, apply daily sunscreen.
• You can wear makeup immediately after treatment or the next day.
• Additional peels may be repeated every two to five weeks until you achieve your desired results. Typically three to five peels are needed to achieve your goal.

If you’ve had a medium chemical peel:

• Expect some redness, swelling, stinging and flaking of your skin. Swelling may last and/or worsen for 48 hours. Blisters can develop and will break open. Skin will crust and peel off over seven to 14 days.
• Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. Apply lotion or cream daily. Don’t expose your skin to sunlight until completely healed.
• Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
• You can wear makeup after five to seven days.
• Additional medium-depth peels may be repeated at six to 12 months intervals, if needed, to maintain results.

If you’ve had a deep chemical peel:

• The treatment area will be bandaged. Your bandages will be removed in a few days. Expect a healing time of 14 to 21 days.
• Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. After 14 days, apply moisturizer as directed. Don’t expose your skin to sun for three to six months.
• Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
• Wait at least 14 days before using any makeup.
• You can only have one deep peel performed on your face.

To get the best results, regardless of the depth of your peel, follow these tips:

• Don’t use a tanning bed or other type of indoor or even outdoor tanning while your skin is healing.
• After your skin heals, always apply a daily sunscreen.
• Apply a daily moisturizer, as directed, to keep your skin moist to prevent scarring.

Your new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications. Your doctor will provide you with post-treatment instructions to reduce the chance of developing abnormal skin color after your peel and other complications.

If your skin itches, swells or burns, call your doctor. Scratching your skin could lead to an infection.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Is a chemical peel covered under insurance?

No, usually not. Chemical peels are considered a cosmetic treatment and therefore not covered by insurance.

Chemical Peel Side Effects

• Redness, scabbing and swelling. Normal healing from a chemical peel involves redness of the treated skin. …
• Scarring. …
• Changes in skin color. …
• Infection. …
• Heart, kidney or liver damage.

Chemical peel facts

• A chemical peel damages the skin in a controlled manner, producing a superficial wound.
• As the natural healing process repairs the damage, the skin’s appearance is improved.
• The nature of the chemicals applied to the skin determines the depth at which the damage occurs.
• The type of chemical peel used depends on the nature of the skin problem to be treated.
• Skin problems that respond best to chemical peels are due to chronic sun damage from ultraviolet light.
• Since most skin peels damage the skin, there is a period of recuperation necessary.
• As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, which include scarring, infection, and undesirable color changes.
• Currently, dermatologists often use chemical peels in conjunction with other destructive techniques like laser to diminish the signs of sun damage or acne scarring.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel involves the application of toxic chemical solutions to the skin in a controlled manner, producing controlled tissue death. The desired depth of the wound is dependent upon the condition to be treated. After the peel, the skin regenerates. The damaged skin regenerates from deeper layers of the epidermis and from the superficial dermis.

What are the different types of chemical peels?

Chemical peels are broadly defined by the depth of damage in the skin that they produce. They are categorized as superficial (lunchtime peel), medium, and deep. Superficial peels do not damage skin below the epidermis, the most superficial skin layer. Medium peels may reach to the superficial layer of the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. Deep peels generally reach the deeper layers of the dermis. The depth of damage depends on the nature and concentration of the chemicals in the peeling solution and the length of time they are permitted to interact with the skin. Popular chemicals in peeling solutions include retinoids (tretinoin dissolved in propylene glycol), alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid), beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), trichloroacetic acid, and phenol (carbolic acid). Jessner’s solution, a combination of resorcinol (14 g), salicylic acid (14 g), and lactic acid (85%) in ethanol (95%).

What are the benefits of chemical peels?

If performed correctly in appropriate patients, the appearance of the treated skin will have a more youthful texture with a uniform coloration that will blend with their untreated skin.

Are at-home or over-the-counter chemical peels as effective as professional chemical peels?

As a rule, so-called over-the-counter peels do not damage the skin and therefore cannot produce the same sort of results that a peel performed by a physician is likely to achieve. On the other hand, they are safe products and are unlikely to produce any skin damage. The so-called “microdermabrasion” is similarly non-invasive.

Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?

The most common candidate for a chemical peel is a person with sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, and/or actinic keratoses. Sun damage results in fine wrinkling, skin thinning, sun spots (liver spots or solar lentigines, fine lines, freckles, age spots), and a precursor to skin cancers called actinic keratoses. Skin peels also treat acne scarring.

You may notice downy excess body hair growing during your pregnancy but don’t be alarmed, this is quite normal and will typically go away around six months post-partum. However, what about using laser hair removal treatments during your pregnancy?

Many women find out they’re pregnant after they’ve started a course of laser hair removal and are keen to know if it’s safe to continue. We discuss the important considerations below.

HAIR GROWTH DURING PREGNANCY

If you notice hair growing on your body in some unusual places, such as your stomach, you needn’t worry about it! In fact, it’s very common to find downy, light hair growing in some unexpected places during this exciting time of your life.

This condition is known as Hirutism and many women may experience it during their pregnancy because they have higher than normal levels of androgen in their bodies, which can trigger Hirutism.

You might even notice your body hair getting darker too because this can happen due to heightened levels of melanin. This is the pigment in our bodies that is responsible for our natural colouring.

The excess body hair is typically found around the stomach, nipples and the face among other unusual areas and it can also cause your hair and nails to grow too. But, don’t despair – the good news is that this extra hair won’t stay forever and will typically disappear around six months after your delivery. However, if it doesn’t go away or is getting thicker or darker past this point, it’s a good idea to follow up with your doctor.

However, if you are concerned about the appearance of this excess hair and would like to remove it then waxing, shaving, plucking or threading are usually safe hair removal options for pregnant women.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS WHEN GETTING LASER HAIR REMOVAL DURING PREGNANCY?

Most doctors and health care professionals usually don’t recommend the use of laser hair removal treatments during pregnancy, not because of concerns about the safety to the unborn baby, but because it poses a slight risk of permanent pigmentation damage to the skin. This is because, during pregnancy, the skin’s pigmentation can change due to the androgen hormones in your body.

However, due to the lack of scientific evidence, there is no clear guidance as to whether laser hair removal beauty treatments are safe to have during pregnancy. This lack of scientific and medical research into the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy means that we can’t say for certain how this treatment could impact on the health and development of a foetus.

CAN YOU CONTINUE LASER HAIR REMOVAL WHEN PREGNANT?

Some women become concerned about their excessive hair growth during their pregnancy and seek to use laser hair removal to remove it. Others have already started a course of laser hair removal before they realise, they’re pregnant and wonder if it’s safe to continue the treatment.

It will depend on the individual beauty spa’s insurance and internal policies for offering laser hair removal treatments, as to whether they decide to continue with a course of treatment when their patient is pregnant. In some cases, they may decide to postpone or delay the course of laser hair removal until the baby is born, just to be on the safe side.

At Primas Medispa London, we are more than happy to discuss your specific requirements should you find that you fall pregnant during a course of laser hair removal treatment at our spa. Contact our friendly team today to find out more about booking one of our laser hair removal packages.

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.

A chemical peel is a restorative cosmetic procedure that may help reduce the signs of aging on your face.

During a chemical peel, a dermatologist will apply a chemical solution to your skin. This solution peels away damaged skin cells, allowing healthy skin to grow in their place.

This may help improve common skin concerns, such as:

• wrinkles
• hyperpigmentation
• acne
• uneven skin texture

However, the exact results will depend on many factors, including the severity of your skin issues and the type of peel you receive.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of chemical peels, their benefits, and what to expect during recovery.

What to know about different types of chemical peels

Your dermatologist can work with you to help determine whether a light, medium, or deep chemical peel is best for your skin and the concerns you’re looking to treat.

Light chemical peel

A light chemical peel, or superficial peel, will lightly exfoliate your skin. It only removes the epidermis, which is your topmost skin layer.

A light chemical peel is usually used for:

• fine wrinkles
• uneven skin tone
• acne
• dry skin

This treatment uses mild chemical agents, so it’s usually safe to get light chemical peels every 2 to 5 weeks.

Medium chemical peel

A medium chemical peel is slightly stronger than a light peel. It removes your epidermis plus the top layer of your dermis, which lies beneath the epidermis.

A medium peel is typically used for:

• wrinkles
• uneven skin tone
• acne scars

You may need several treatments to get the results you want.

Deep chemical peel

A deep chemical peel removes your epidermis, along with the upper and middle layer of your dermis. It uses very strong chemicals, so you may need a local anesthetic before the procedure. This will help prevent pain and discomfort.

A deep chemical peel is best suited for:

• deeper wrinkles
• deeper scars
• precancerous skin patches

The effects of this peel can last for 10 years, so it’s done only once. You won’t need repeated treatments.

What are the benefits?

Chemical peels can improve many skin issues. Let’s look at some of the most common ones that chemical peels may help treat.

Acne

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition. It’s often treated with topical products or oral medication, but chemical peels may also help.

The procedure can:

• break down comedones (plugged hair follicles)
• decrease oil production
• kill bacteria
• reduce inflammation
• increase absorption of topical treatments

Light and medium chemical peels are usually used to improve acne.

Acne scars

As acne heals, the skin creates new collagen fibers in an attempt to repair lesions that have been created by inflamed skin.

The production of new collagen fibers can create hypertrophic scars, which are bumpy and raised, or atrophic scars, which create depressions in your skin.

A chemical peel can help by exfoliating the top skin layer, which removes excess collagen. Medium chemical peels are typically recommended for acne scars.

Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and red bumps. If it also causes acne-like breakouts, it’s known as acne rosacea.

Sometimes, a chemical peel can help relieve these symptoms. It’s typically recommended for mild or moderate rosacea.

Aging skin

Chemical peels may reduce signs of aging, including:

• wrinkles
• fine lines
• age spots
• uneven skin tone
• roughness
• dryness
• liver spots

When skin grows back after a chemical peel, it triggers the production of collagen and elastin. This can help make your skin supple and strong, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

The new skin that grows back is also smoother, which helps decrease roughness and dryness.

Chemical peels aren’t recommended for removing deep wrinkles, however. It also won’t tighten sagging skin.

Hyperpigmentation

In addition to acne scars and age spots, chemical peels can improve other forms of hyperpigmentation, such as:

• uneven skin tone
• melasma
• freckles
• surgical scars
• scars due to injury
• discoloration due to sun damage

Dullness

If you have a dull complexion, you may benefit from chemical peels.

The treatment allows new skin to resurface, which may help your complexion look brighter and healthier.

Precancerous growths

Actinic keratoses are rough skin patches caused by years of sun exposure. They’re known as precancerous growths, since they can potentially turn into skin cancer.

A deep chemical peel can remove these growths and decrease your risk of skin cancer.

Laser for hair removal and skin treatments have been approved by the FDA since the late 1990’s. Since this time no studies have proven that laser hair or skin procedures are unsafe for pregnant or non pregnant women.

There have been studies on pregnant rats that have shown negative effects, but incidental human exposure to laser procedures during pregnancy has not proven harmful. However, because there are no long-term studies and due to the delicate nature of pregnancy it has been recommended by most professionals that laser hair removal be postponed until after the birth of the baby. As a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) I would have to agree with this recommendation. It is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health and welfare of mom and baby!

Should I Do Laser Hair Removal When Pregnant?

Some may think that the suspension of the hair removal process would cause a lessened effect on hair removal but this is not necessarily so. The hair follicles that have been killed as a result of laser treatment will never grow hair again. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding do tend to increase hair growth but waiting until after the birth of the baby to begin or continue treatments will not effect the results. Laser hair removal during breast feeding is fine as long as it is not done on the areola or breast tissue.

As far as skin treatments are concerned the same is true during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Numbing agents are commonly used with laser skin treatments. These medications do travel through the skin to our blood supply and have been found in breast milk, so it is best to postpone laser skin treatments until after you have stopped breastfeeding. For optimum results postponing laser treatments until after pregnancy and breastfeeding is recommended especially with the edema and skin changes that are associated with this time.