What To Know About Chemical Peel Healing >Chemical peels are a type of skin treatment that can be used to improve the look and feel of the skin. Chemical peels use chemical solutions to remove damaged layers of the skin and promote new cell growth. This can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, discoloration, large pores, and other issues.
Chemical peels can also help with superficial infections, like acne or rosacea. In fact, they’re often used as an alternative treatment for moderate to severe acne. Read on for more information about how chemical peels work and what you should expect when you’re healing from one!
Chemical peels can be used for a variety of skin concerns, from blackheads to acne. While you may have heard about chemical peels and wondered if they are right for you, the truth is that peel healing requires special care. A good way to understand what to know about peel healing is to look at the science behind the treatment. Chemical peels stop working when they aren’t given proper care. To make it through chemical peel healing successfully, read on for more information. Read on to learn more on Chemical Peel Benefits and Skin Looks Worse After Chemical Peel.
What To Know About Chemical Peel Healing
Chemical peels can improve the skin’s appearance. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it “blister” and eventually peel off. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.
Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:
- Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
- Improve the appearance of mild scars
- Treat certain types of acne
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills
- Improve the look and feel of skin
Areas of sun damage may improve after chemical peeling.
After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It should say “broad-spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Also, it should be a physical sunscreen and be above SPF 30. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?
Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for chemical peels. If you have darker skin, you may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated. But you also may be more likely to have an uneven skin tone after the procedure.
Skin sags, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may need other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as laser resurfacing, a facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or soft tissue filler (collagen or fat). A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for you.
Before You Get a Chemical Peel
Tell your doctor if you have any history of scarring, cold sores that keep coming back, or facial X-rays.
Before you get a chemical peel, your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin by using other medications, such as Retin-A, Renova, or glycolic acid. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
Work with your doctor to determine the depth of your peel. This decision depends upon the condition of your skin and your goals for treatment.
Ask your doctor in advance whether you will need to have someone drive you home after your peel.
How Chemical Peels Are Done
You can get a chemical peel in a doctor’s office or in a surgery center. It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning there’s no overnight stay.
The professional who does your peel will first clean your skin thoroughly. Then they will apply one or more chemical solutions — such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol) — to small areas of your skin. That creates a controlled wound, letting new skin take its place.
During a chemical peel, most people feel a burning sensation that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. Putting cool compresses on the skin may ease that stinging. You may need pain medication during or after a deeper peel.
What To Expect After the Chemical Peel
Depending upon the type of chemical peel, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs following the procedure. Peeling usually involves redness followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days. Mild peels may be repeated at one to four-week intervals until you get the look you’re after.
Medium-depth and deep peeling may result in swelling as well as blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of seven to 14 days. Medium-depth peels may be repeated in six to 12 months, if necessary.
After treatment, you may need bandages for several days on part or all of the skin that was treated.
You’ll need to avoid the sun for several months after a chemical peel since your new skin will be fragile.
Chemical Peel Benefits
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that removes the top layer of your skin. 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.
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.
Who’s a good candidate for a chemical peel?
Like other cosmetic treatments, chemical peels are not appropriate for everyone.
You might be a good candidate if you have:
generally healthy skin
mild scarring
superficial wrinkles
a lighter complexion
On the other hand, it’s best to avoid chemical peels if you:
have sagging skin
have deep wrinkles or scars
frequently develop cold sores
have a history of abnormal skin scarring
have psoriasis or atopic dermatitis
have a darker skin tone (higher risk of hyperpigmentation)
have recently taken an oral acne treatment
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have a compromised immune system
have undergone radiation therapy or recent surgery
have heart disease (if considering deep chemical peels)
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What’s the recovery process like?
As your skin heals, you may need to apply a protective ointment. You’ll also need to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
The recovery process is different for each type of peel. Let’s take a closer look at what recovery may be like for the different chemical peels.
Light chemical peel
After a light chemical peel, you may experience mild irritation and dryness. You can typically wear makeup the following day and resume your normal skin care activities, like cleansing and moisturizing .
It will most likely take between 1 to 7 days for your skin to fully heal.
Medium chemical peel
The most common side effects of a medium chemical peel include:
swelling
redness
stinging
In most cases, you can safely wear makeup within 5 to 7 days.
The recovery process typically lasts 7 to 14 days. You may have some redness for several months, though.
Deep chemical peel
The most common side effects of a deep chemical peel include:
crusting
swelling
severe redness
The swelling can last for 14 days, while the redness may last for 3 months.
It may take up to 14 days for your skin to grow back. During this time, you’ll need to wear a surgical dressing and take medication for the pain.
You can typically start wearing makeup after 14 days.
Although rare, deep chemical peels can be associated with more severe side effects and complications, including:
infection
bruising
delayed wound healing
reactivation of herpes simplex virus.
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.
What to expect during and after a chemical peel
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.
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.