What To Know About Chemical Peel Pictures
Chemical peels are an excellent method of restoring your skin’s youthful appearance and enhancing its tone, texture, and clarity. You should know a few facts regarding chemical peels before scheduling a consultation with a dermatologist, though. All skin types can benefit from chemical peels, but those with oily or acne-prone skin will see the most dramatic results. Because of the potential for irritation and redness, they are not suggested for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Chemical peels are used to diminish or eliminate the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of your face and body. This lessens the appearance of pores and acne scars and also diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels have some minor adverse effects, including as redness and flaking around the treated areas, but these should go away after a few hours.
Acne scarring, uneven skin tone, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can all be improved with the help of chemical peels. Chemical peels are a form of exfoliation that helps reveal the fresher, younger skin underneath. You can have a peel at the dermatologist’s office or at home with OTC products. See what a chemical peel looks like in before and after photographs.. Read on to learn more chemical peel pictures recovery and chemical peel benefits.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Pictures
A peel is a method of applying various chemicals to the skin on the face or chest that result in epidermal and dermal injury. This injury, depending on depth of peel, can effect dramatic improvement in skin texture and removal of pigmentary disorders. Peeling can also be used for removing superficial skin lesions, lentigo’s and actinic keratoses as well as improvement of fine lines and wrinkles. Other areas that can be improved by peels are: hands and arms, solar keratoses, age spots, rough texture, dyschromia, dermal melanosis, sallow-yellow skin discoloration, melasma, and acne.
The skin is prepped with alcohol or acetone prior to the application of the peeling agent, this allows for a more even and controlled penetration of the acid. The peeling agent is applied for the correct time as indicated by your skin type and prior reactions. Adjustments are made as necessary with subsequent peels. Neutralizing agents may be applied at the end of the peel if required.
A peel results in what amounts to be a light to medium sunburn effect on the skin. There may be some peeling for 3 to 7 days following your procedure.
TYPES OF PEELS
GLYCOLIC ACID: (35%-70%)
Glycolic Acid works by stimulating new growth of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and also results in the production of new collagen and elastic tissue. This allows dead cells to be regenerated, gradually leaving behind a layer of smoother and softer skin, improving discoloration.
SALICYLIC ACID: (20%-30%)
Salicylic Acid is highly effective for correcting skin discoloration, tightening pores, and refreshing skin. It is suitable for all skin types.
JESSNERS PEEL: (SALICYLIC ACID 14%, LACTIC ACID 14%, AND RESORCINOL 14% IN ALCOHOL)
A Jessners Peel or a “Tune-Up” peel is particularly beneficial for clogged pores, thickened, aging skin, severe acne, environmentally damaged skin, and dyschromia (blotchy skin). It is suitable for all skin types. Jessners Peel penetrates more deeply into the epidermal layers of the skin. It is gentler than TCA peels. There is little or no downtime and most patients are able to return to their normal activities soon after receiving treatment.
TRICHLOROACETIC ACID: (TCA 20%-30%)
This is a deeper class of peeling used for acne scaring, lines around the lips and eyes, superficial wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. The acid penetrates through the epidermis into the top of the dermis. You can expect to peel for 5 to 7 days and 7 days of healing with a 30% or greater TCA peel.
Chemical Peel Benefits
A light chemical peel improves skin texture and tone and lessens the appearance of fine wrinkles. The results are subtle but increase with repeated treatments. If you have a medium chemical peel, treated skin will be noticeably smoother.
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.
The years of active breakouts may be behind you, but breaking up with acne is hard to do. Pimples may disappear, but all too often they leave behind an unfriendly reminder of their visit — acne scars.
Acne scars detract from your overall complexion, making many adults feel self-conscious about the way they look. Acne scars are stubborn, and home remedies, like over-the-counter bleaching agents, won’t do the trick. The good news is that acne scars are now treatable.
At Dontage Premier Aesthetic Anti-Aging Specialists in Falls Church, Virginia, we understand the frustration acne scars bring. Skin care specialist Waseem Garbia, PA-C, and his medical team provide warm, personalized care that’s customized to meet your unique skin care needs.
If you’re like most people with acne scars, you’ve done your research and know two top treatments that work to reduce facial scarring are chemical peels and microneedling. But it’s hard to know which is better for acne scars.
Read on to understand the difference between chemical peels and microneedling, and figure out which is better for your acne scars.
Chemical Peel Pictures Recovery
Chemical peels remove the outlet layer(s) of the skin by applying peeling agents which destroy skin cells and cause peeling. The subsequent peeling is what scares clients most about chemical peels, but we’re here to assure you it’s nothing to be afraid of.
So we’ve prepared a detailed guide on the day-by-day chemical peel process, along with pictures and tips on how to care for your skin at every stage. Let’s go through it!
What’s Chemical Peel Recovery Like?
It’s really not as bad as it’s portrayed to be. Your skin will go through some initial side effects like redness or mild irritation, and it’ll start peeling within 48-72 hours after the treatment. The flaking should end within 5 days of when it started, and new, better skin will be revealed underneath.
The intensity of the side effects and the flaking depends on the intensity of the peel. Chemical peels can be:
- Light – only the upper layers of the epidermis are affected
- Medium-depth – the epidermis and sometimes the upper layer of the dermis are affected
- Deep – deeper layers of the dermis are affected. This is an intense treatment and the only version which entails actual downtime.
The stronger the peel is, the more flaking there will be. Deep peels entail a strict care routine and may require you to stay home for a few days. With light and medium-depth peels, you can go business as usual, with some adjustments to your routine.
Chemical Peel Recovery Time
In general, the chemical peel healing time lasts up to 14 days. Depending on the intensity of the peel, it can end sooner, but it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions for the full 2 weeks.
The initial side effects will likely go away sooner, but the recovery processes which we don’t see also need time.
Light chemical peel recovery time may be as short as 7 days. Deep chemical peel recovery time can last much longer than the 2-week mark, for example, redness can last for weeks or even months.
Day by Day Chemical Peel Recovery
The first stage of the chemical peel healing process implies minor side effects which some clients don’t even experience. Then, the peeling stage can be expected around day 3, and it lasts for up to 5 days. Finally, all the affected skin flakes off and you’re left with glowing, improved skin.
But let’s go through each stage of healing chemical peel day by day.
Day 1 – Some Redness and Possible Frosting
Redness is a common side effect of a chemical peel. For the rest of the day after your chemical peel, you can expect the skin to look flushed – this is completely normal. If you have plans for the day, you can go through with them as long as you keep the treated area away from sunlight.
Certain types of chemical peels cause the so-called frosting effect – you will get white patches on your skin and it’ll look a bit weird.
Sensations of light tingling, aching or throbbing are common.
On the other hand, there are also peels with a prolonged effect, where the peeling agent isn’t removed at the end of the appointment, but rather left on for a few extra hours and you’re supposed to wash it off at some point.
In the case of deep peels, a protective dressing may be applied and you might be instructed to spend the rest of the day at home.
How to Care for Your Skin
In general, you’ll be instructed not to do anything to your skin for a while, let’s say 6 hours. After that, you’ll probably need to wash the skin with cool to lukewarm water only – no cleanser – and moisturize it generously with a product prescribed by your practitioner. Apply SPF on top.
Day 2 – Some Discomfort
Your skin may still look reddish. It may start feeling dry and tight, kind of like a sunburn. Some peels may start flaking as soon as day 2, however most don’t start peeling until day 3.
How to Care for Your Skin
You can apply your moisturizer whenever your skin starts feeling tight. Wash it with cool to lukewarm water as instructed. You will probably be allowed to wear makeup, but check with your practitioner. Wear your SPF.
Day 3 – Peeling Starts
In most cases, this is the point when the skin starts flaking.
If the treated area is the face, the flaking usually starts around the mouth, as this is the part of the face that moves the most and skin starts cracking as a result. It will gradually spread outwards, and may go as far as under your jawline, into your hairline, and some flaking may even occur on your earlobes.
How to Care for Your Skin
The most important thing at this point is not picking at the flakes of skin or pulling at them. The peeling can get quite intense and your skin may slough off in large chunks, but you must refrain from ripping them off. The flakes have to fall off on their own, or you risk discoloration and scarring.
What you can do, though, is cut off the larger flakes with sterile scissors, as long as you don’t pull.
Keep washing and moisturizing the skin as instructed, but only use dabbing motions – no rubbing. Wear your SPF. Try to refrain from wearing makeup – it will make the flaking look more prominent.
Day 4 – More Peeling
Day 4 will bring about even more flaking. For some, this is the most intense day and it can get scary. Don’t worry – large flakes are expected.
How to Care for Your Skin
The same as day 3 – no picking at the flakes, keep the skin moisturized and clean it with water. Wear your SPF.
Days 5-14
The pace at which the skin peels is individual and it depends on how intense the peel was. You can expect major peeling to last for 2-5 days from when it started, and some minor peeling may be visible for a bit longer than that.
In general, you can consider your chemical peel recovery completely over around day 14.
How to Care for Your Skin
Keep up with the prescribed aftercare routine until all peeling stops. Once it does, you can go back to your normal routine more or less, but keep wearing SPF for an additional few weeks. The protective barrier for your skin has been compromised and it’s very susceptible to sun damage.
Your Skin After the Chemical Peel Recovery
Once all of the dead skin is shed, the skin revealed underneath will be smoother, more even in tone, look younger, clearer and glowing. Its texture has been improved.
How significant an improvement you get depends on the intensity of the peel.
If you haven’t achieved the desired results yet, you can get another session after a few weeks, depending on how intense the last peel was.
NOTE
The day by day chemical peel recovery process can vary significantly from person to person. The timeline and the descriptions of the stages may differ in your case.
Body Chemical Peel Healing Process
Skin treated with a chemical peel goes through the same day by day chemical peel recovery cycle regardless of where on the body it is. Back peels, hand or foot peels, even buttock peels all have the same process as a facial peel.
The skin can be reddish right after the treatment, then it calms down for a day or 2, and then the flaking starts. It will last for a few days, and new skin is revealed underneath. The flaking can last 2-5 days, depending on how intense the peel was.
Chemical Peel Aftercare
During the healing process, you need to keep up with the aftercare routine to make sure your skin heals the way it’s supposed to and to relieve the side effects.
The chemical peel aftercare routine is relatively simple – you have to wash the treated area in a specific way, keep it generously moisturized, and covered with a layer of SPF at all times.
It’s essential you let the peeling cycle end naturally, meaning it’s forbidden to pick at the skin at any stage of the healing process.
A chemical peel resurfaces your skin through the use of a chemical solutions applied to the skin. As the chemicals react on your skin, they exfoliate the top layer, causing it to eventually peel off, leaving room for new, smoother skin to grow.
There are three basic types of chemical peel treatments, and each type has different effects and different time required to heal. The choice of peel depends on the results you’re seeking.
Superficial peels use a milder acid and generally work best on mild discoloration. Medium-level peels penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to lessen the appearance of imperfections, such as age spots and wrinkles. Deep chemical peels penetrate far into the middle layers and remove damaged skin cells for more dramatic results.
Waseem and the team at Dontage will evaluate your skin to ensure you receive the best peel for your unique needs.
WHAT IS MICRONEEDLING?
Microneedling uses tiny needles to micro-puncture the skin. This nonsurgical procedure works by increasing collagen production in the punctured areas.
Collagen, a naturally-occurring protein made by the body, is the key ingredient in keeping your skin looking young, firm, and smooth. As we age, collagen production naturally declines. In addition, collagen production can be prematurely stunted when the skin is injured and then scarred, as with scars caused by acne.
Microneedling is safe to use on all skin types and is a safe and effective way to treat scars and other skin imperfections like wrinkles, sun spots, large pores, and more. Most patients find it to be pain free and experience dramatic results.
Microneedling isn’t a one-and-done treatment, however. Multiple treatments are generally required for optimal results. Waseem will evaluate your skin and recommend the right number of treatments for you. Most patients receive between 4-6 treatments, but each patient’s needs are different.
WHICH IS BETTER FOR ACNE SCARS?
Both chemical peels and microneedling will improve the appearance of your skin. Chemical peels generally work best on superficial imperfections, while microneedling penetrates deeper to improve more troublesome issues.
Many people with acne scars find a combination of microneedling and chemical peels deliver the best results. Microneedling will reach deeper under the skin to promote healing of scarred areas. Once the microneedling treatments are complete, a chemical peel can rejuvenate your skin further, leaving you with clearer, younger-looking skin.
No one treatment fits everyone’s needs. It’s important to meet with skincare professionals, like Waseem and the team at Dontage, to determine which is best for you.
HOW CAN I GET STARTED?
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your acne scars, be sure to seek treatment from certified professionals. With 16 years of professional experience, Waseem can recommend the right treatments to give you the clear, healthy skin you deserve.
Ready to take the first step in reducing the appearance of acne scars? Contact Waseem and the team at Dontage by phone or request an appointment online today.
Microneedling and chemical peel same day
Acne is difficult to overcome. Even after the pimples have disappeared, scars often remain a bitter reminder that we once suffered from this affliction. These scars cause the skin to look uneven, which in turn can lead to many insecurities. Home remedies or whitening creams usually do not work, so it is necessary to resort to professional dermatological treatments.
Professionals recommend treatments such as chemical peelings and micro-needling to eliminate these marks on the skin. These treatments are highly beneficial both in combination and separately. The question is, can you do a chemical peeling after micro-needling? Keep reading to find out, but first, we will explain both processes separately.
What is micro-needling, and how does it work?
Microneedling is a non-surgical procedure in which the skin receives small punctures with the help of a radiofrequency device with microscopic needles or tools like derma-rollers and derma-pens. This treatment is painless, and the micro-punctures heal almost instantly.
In microneedling, the punctures are made at the superficial level of the skin to stimulate and raise collagen production and increase elasticity in those specific areas. That promotes rejuvenation and reduction of scars, expression lines, flaccidity, and sunspots, resulting in a firmer, smoother, and younger appearance.
This treatment works on all skin types safely and with optimal results. Note that a single session is not enough, and the number of treatments required may vary for each patient, although usually between 3 and 6 sessions are performed. Even so, results show from the first session.
What is a chemical peeling, and how does it work?
Chemical peeling is a non-surgical procedure that consists of applying a chemical agent directly on the skin in the face, neck, and other body parts. With this powerful treatment, dead cells are exfoliated to stimulate new cells that will give the skin a smoother and younger appearance.
Chemical peels use a solution that “peels off” the top layers of the skin to improve its texture and appearance while diminishing acne marks, wrinkles, sun damage, blemishes, and redness.
There are superficial, medium, and deep peels, each indicated depending on the desired effect. All of them have a different healing time, and their application will depend on the evaluation of a dermatologist for each patient.