Chemical peels can do wonders for your skin. If you’re looking for a way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and acne, chemical peels are your answer. But just how does a chemical peel work? The process is simple: A chemical solution is applied to the skin, which removes a layer of skin cells. This leaves behind a new layer of skin that’s smoother and brighter than before. There are different types of chemical peels that you can get from your dermatologist or aesthetician, depending on what your needs are. Some types include:
Salicylic acid: This can be used for treating acne and blackheads. It also helps to remove dead skin cells so you’ll have less oil production on your face. Glycolic acid: This helps with fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, dullness and rough texture. It also helps to exfoliate dead skin cells so that new ones will grow in their place (and look smoother). Beta hydroxy acid (BHA): This type works best for people with oily or acne-prone skin because it helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts from happening in the first place!
Read on to learn more about What To Know About Chemical Peel Look Like, What is a Chemical Peel & Why Would I Get One? and What Happens During a Chemical Peel?
What To Know About Chemical Peel Look Like
When you hear the words “chemical” and “peel,” you probably don’t immediately think that’s something you want for your face. It sounds a little scary, but actually, chemical peels offer a range of skin health and cosmetic benefits. One of the coolest things about chemical peels is how versatile they are. A good chemical peel improves skin tone and texture, manages chronic skin conditions, and even offers some anti-aging benefits. Generally speaking, peels are a budget-friendly, effective cosmetic dermatology treatment. This blog will dig deeper about what you can expect after your first chemical peel.
What is a Chemical Peel & Why Would I Get One?
If you’ve never had a chemical peel before, you may be wondering what this treatment even is. Simply speaking, chemical peels are exactly what their name suggests. They are facial treatments that use chemicals (commonly-used ingredients include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or trichloroacetic acid) to peel layers of skin, revealing healthy, new skin below. There are many different types of chemical peels. Depending on your specific needs and your dermatologist’s recommendation, you may choose a chemical peel option that ranges from very light (just the surface of the skin) to improve uneven skin tone and other mild symptoms, or you may choose a chemical peel that goes deeper to address fine lines, wrinkles, scars (including acne scars), adult acne symptoms, and other concerns.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels offer improved appearance for a wide range of skin tone and texture concerns. However, peels aren’t appropriate for every cosmetic need. Specifically, chemical peels aren’t recommended if your scars or wrinkles are very deep, and peels aren’t able to tighten sagging skin. For the most part, reasonably healthy people can safely receive chemical peels, but there are some health conditions and skin characteristics that make chemical peels less effective and increase the risk of adverse effects, including:
- Individuals who are receiving isotretinoin treatment for acne
- Individuals who have a personal or family history of scar tissue abnormalities such as keloid scars
- Women who are nursing, breastfeeding, or actively trying to get pregnant
- Anyone with open sores, lesions, infections, or poorly managed chronic skin conditions
- People who spend large amounts of time outdoors receiving direct sun exposure
- Individuals with naturally darker skin tone may be at an increased risk for pigmentation concerns related to chemical peels.
Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for My Chemical Peel?
We know you can get a chemical peel at the spa or even perform one at home, but before you do, we really recommend you talk to a dermatologist. This ensures you have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about which chemical peel procedure is right for your skin. And, honestly, we encourage you to let one of our medical professionals perform the procedure to avoid any negative effects like pigmentation issues, scarring, and infection that happen when peels are improperly performed.
Once you’ve decided that a chemical peel is the right option, your dermatologist will partner with you to develop a plan to prepare for your chemical peel treatment visit, which may include:
- Taking an antiviral medication to prevent skin infection
- Using a topical retinoid cream for a few weeks before your treatment to promote cell turnover and decrease healing time after your visit
- Applying topical bleaching agents like hydroquinone may also be recommended in the weeks leading up to your treatment as this can help to create an even skin tone and prevent hyperpigmentation after the procedure
- Using sunscreen daily and avoiding direct sun exposure whenever possible
- Applying a good moisturizer in the morning and evening to keep skin hydrated
- Reviewing and possibly discontinuing use of certain cosmetic products, hair removal chemicals, face masks, and other products that may increase the risk for adverse effects from chemical peels
- Forgoing shaving, plucking, or waxing in the area for at least 24 hours before your chemical peel
- When necessary, arranging for a ride to and from the office if you’ll be receiving a sedative
What Happens During a Chemical Peel?
In most cases, chemical peels are performed in your dermatologist’s office with no anesthesia or mild local numbing. For patients who are receiving deeper chemical peels, mild sedative medication may be used on the day of the procedure. Before we begin the process, we cleanse and dry the skin thoroughly, and then use thick emollients, gauze, or other methods to protect your eyes, hair, nose, and mouth.
The peel itself involves applying a chemical solution to the skin and allowing it to sit. You may notice some stinging or discomfort as the solution sits on the skin. Then, depending on the type of chemical peel used, the dermatologist may apply a neutralizing agent to the treatment area. Most often the entire area is treated at once, but sometimes deeper chemical peels are performed in small sections which allows the dermatologist to carefully monitor your response and adjust treatment.
Some stinging or burning is normal during a chemical peel, but we never want anyone to be in excessive discomfort. At every step of treatment, we’ll do everything we can to ensure our patients are completely comfortable. That includes coming up with a good at-home care plan following the chemical peel to ensure you heal quickly and comfortably.
What Should I Expect After My Chemical Peel?
Patients can be really fearful going into a chemical peel because they’ve heard horror stories about people who had bad reactions. When they’re done correctly by a professional and the right chemical peel solution is used for your skin type, you should see really good results with minimal discomfort and downtime. Below are the top 10 things you should expect after your first chemical peel.
1 – Side Effects are Common, but They Should be Mild & Short-Lived
There’s a common misconception out there that chemical peels are really painful or the side effects are severe. Each person will react differently to skin treatments of all kinds, but for the most part, the side effects following chemical peels should be mild and healing should be completed within two weeks.
A common recovery timeline may look like:
- First few hours – you’ll notice some redness, tingling, or burning
- First few days – you may notice some dryness, irritation, and mild swelling
- Two to Three days – your skin may look flaky or peel, and discolorations or imperfections may temporarily be more noticeable
- Three to four days – you may breakout or notice skin looks tan or slightly darker than usual
- Five to seven days – all side effects should start to subside, and your skin should begin to look and feel “normal”
- Seven to fourteen days – you’ll see the formation of healthy, new skin, but you may notice some redness or skin that is darker or lighter than usual for up to a month
2 – Your Skin Will Peel
It is called a peel for a reason. The chemical is applied to peel away the existing layer of skin. After three to five days, you’ll start to see the skin peeling away. This should be similar to how your skin flakes away after a sunburn. You should gently remove the flakes when cleaning your face, but avoid pulling or picking at the peeling skin as this can cause irritation and increase the risk for infection.
3 – One Treatment is Great, but Multiple Chemical Peels Deliver Maximum Results
Many people think they’ll achieve the results they want after just one chemical peel. It usually takes several treatment sessions to see the desired outcomes. Most people notice some improvement after their first chemical peel, but with multiple treatments over the span of several months, patients will be astonished by how much better their skin looks.
4 – You Will Likely Need to Visit the Dermatologist for Follow Up Appointments
While most people have very mild reactions following chemical peels, it’s important to pay close attention throughout your recovery period and let your dermatologist know right away if you notice signs of infection or have other concerns. Because of the potential for rare but serious health risks, we like to schedule follow up visits with our patients after chemical peels. This also gives us a chance to check progress and adjust ongoing treatment plans.
5 – You May Need to Skip the Cosmetics for Awhile
For the first 1-2 weeks, you should not use any makeup. Chemicals and other substances in cosmetics can unnecessarily irritate the skin and prolong the healing process.
6 – Adjust Your Skincare Routine & Follow the Dermatologist’s Instructions
The body’s natural healing process is the reason chemical peels are so effective at improving skin’s appearance, so it’s essential to allow your skin to heal after treatment. Our providers usually work with patients to plan ahead for their aftercare, including making product recommendations based on skin type for cleansing, moisturizing, promoting cell turnover, and of course, protecting healing skin from sun damage.
While each person should talk to their dermatologist about a specific post-peel skincare plan, some basics include:
- Let the product work – You’ll start to see some dryness and other changes to your skin within the first few hours of application. To allow the product to work and avoid unnecessary skin irritation, you should avoid other skincare for the first 24 hours after your peel.
- Use dressing & medications – If you receive a deeper chemical peel, your dermatologist may apply dressings and healing ointments after your treatment. Follow your dermatologist’s recommendation for removing and replacing bandages and apply healing medications as recommended.
- Stay hydrated – As your skin is drying out and peeling away, it’s even more important to maintain hydration from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.
- Don’t pick at it – We know the dry, flaky skin is just begging to be pulled off, but try not to scratch, pull, or pick at your skin. This can increase the risk of scarring, and oils and germs transferred from the hands can lead to infection.
- Address pain & swelling – In most cases, taking a mild over-the-counter pain reliever is effective in managing discomfort. For very deep chemical peels or those who have a very low tolerance for pain, your dermatologist may prescribe something to help with your discomfort during healing. Additionally, you may be instructed to use cold compresses to manage symptoms during the first day and help avoid swelling and inflammation.
- Gently clean skin – After the first day, you should start washing your face in the morning and evening, using cool water and a gentle cleanser.
- Moisturize – Apply moisturizer at least twice a day to promote the healing process and protect the skin. Even if you typically have oily skin and only use a light moisturizer, you may need to use a good, thick moisturizer as your skin recovers following a chemical peel.
- Skip the exfoliant – Chemical peels are exfoliating, so you don’t need to use any exfoliant for the first week after treatment. That includes avoiding the use of exfoliating brushes and scrubs as well as cleansers or toners that contain a chemical exfoliant.
7 – Don’t Skip the Sunscreen!
Sunscreen is a must every day, but following a chemical peel, sun protection is even more essential. The skin is more sensitive to damage from the sun’s UVA/B rays. You should avoid exposure to the sun immediately after your treatment, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors. Immediately following your chemical peel, you should not use chemical sunscreens. Instead, use a physical sunblock to avoid an adverse response to the ingredients in some chemical sunscreens. Additionally, keeping the treated area physically shielded from the sun by wearing hats, scarves, or other protective coverings may be recommended after your chemical peel.
8 – Avoid High Temperatures & Overexertion
To combat potential side effects like redness, tingling, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you need to keep your skin cool. That means limiting time outdoors, taking cooler showers or baths, and avoiding overexerting yourself during exercise. In most cases, you can return to your regular routine after the first two weeks.
9 – You Might Break out
Many patients receive chemical peels to help improve the appearance of acne scars or combat the symptoms of adult acne, so when they hear that they may break out after their chemical peel, it’s upsetting. Unfortunately, the combination of larger amounts of dead skin and inflammation from the procedure can lead to pimples. We know how frustrating it can be, but after this initial breakout, the skin should clear up within just a few days and look healthier.
10 – Be Patient – True Results Take Time
Our patients are always reminded that changes to the skin take a long time to accumulate, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it takes time to correct irregularities and damage. Cosmetic procedures do not restore youth overnight. The results of your chemical peel treatment plan will depend on the time you invest and your commitment to consistent treatment and at-home care. Be patient. If you’re concerned that a peel hasn’t had the desired effect, contact your dermatologist or ask about your results during your follow up visit.
Chemical peeling treatment
A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove layers of skin, revealing the more youthful skin underneath. Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne, scars, uneven skin coloring and other skin imperfections. Different chemicals determine the depth of your peel and type of skin condition treated.
What is a 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 benefits
Out with the old and in with the new. Chemical peels treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, pore size, acne, pigmentation, and more. These aesthetic treatments are some of the most sought-after, and millions of people are already enjoying the life-changing benefits. At AURAE MD in La Jolla, CA, we offer the widest variety of peels to reveal a new, radiant, you. Read on to find the top ten benefits of chemical peels.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a powerful skin exfoliating solution applied to the face, neck, or hands to reveal the smooth and clear skin underneath. What makes this technique so popular is that it’s useful for a variety of skin concerns.
Are All Chemical Peels the Same?
No, there are different peels. Peels are generally classified by their ingredients. Each skin condition may respond differently to the ingredients in a peel. For example, wrinkles, pigment problems, and superficial blemishes respond very well to a stronger peel. Acne often responds best to salicylic acid peels.
Alpha-hydroxy (AHA), glycolic, lactic, or fruit acid peels are among the gentlest peels. Stronger options like trichloroacetic acid peels penetrate the skin more deeply and can rid the skin of wrinkles.
All peels can provide skin rejuvenating benefits, but your skin’s type and condition dictates which peel to use. Contacting Dr. Margo Aura Emami is the best way to find out which peel is right for you.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
The exact process varies depending on the chosen peel. Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepared for the treatment before the application of the peel. Next, a chemical solution is applied to your skin and left in place for a designated time. While you wait, the peel solution exfoliates the skin. Once the peel has completed its work, it is peeled away to reveal new, regenerated skin.
10 Top Benefits of Chemical Peels
There is a peel for all the most common skin concerns. Below are the top ten benefits of a chemical peel.
1. Treats Acne
Topical acne treatments can only go so far, and a peel exfoliates deeper. Getting a peel cleanses your skin more thoroughly and reveals a fresh new layer of skin, without the acne. Peels for acne work best when received in a series, and Dr. Margo Aura Emami can customize a peel schedule to help keep your skin blemish-free.
2. Minimizes Pores
Large pores are a common concern for many, and all who have them wish they’d go away. Removing the outer, often damaged layer of skin with a peel has the benefit of making pores look smaller.
3. Erases Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Nothing leaves us stuck in the past as much as lines on the skin. These reminders prevent us from living in—and fully enjoying—the present moment. When fine lines or wrinkles have got you down, peels come to the rescue. These chemical solutions can permanently remove fine lines and ease even the toughest wrinkles.
4. Fades Discoloration
You deserve to feel confident, vibrant, and beautiful. If sunspots, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation are getting in your way, a peel can help. Many clients find that a peel lifts discoloration from the skin for good.
5. Lifts Skin
When you don’t want the downtime of a facelift, a peel could be the right alternative for you. Skin lifting is one of the incredible benefits a peel offers.
6. Soothes Scarring
There is an implied permanence with scarring that isn’t accurate. Many scars from acne or anything else recede when exposed to the chemicals found in a peel.
7. Balances Texture
Uneven skin tone and blemishes add a dimension to the skin that many people don’t want. Peels bring balance to the overall texture of the skin.
8. Smooths Skin
Peels are best known for unparalleled skin-smoothing benefits. By lifting rigid layers of skin from the face, neck, or hands, the result is gorgeously smooth and touchable skin.
9. Non-Invasive Treatment
This treatment is one of the most effective options not requiring needles or surgery. Some clients pair this treatment with other treatments because of this. For others, it’s comforting to know that they can achieve their desired look without surgery.
10. AURAE MD Customizes
At AURAE MD, your peel is customized to ensure you get the most benefits from treatment. Whether you have a combination of concerns or a concern not listed above, there is a peel option for you.
Is There Anything to Avoid After a Chemical Peel?
After receiving any peel, it’s essential to avoid the sun while your skin heals.
Superficial Peels
Superficial peels take one to seven days to heal fully. Use lotion or cream on the skin while it heals. Wear sunscreen every day after your skin heals. You can wear makeup the day after your appointment.
Medium Peels
Medium peels take five to ten days to heal completely. The skin may peel during this time. If you have a history of cold sores, you may be advised to take antiviral medication during this time. Use a mild lotion or cream on the skin during the healing process. After five to seven days, you can wear makeup.