You’ve heard about the amazing results that are possible with chemical peels, but you may be wondering what to expect. We’re here to help you understand what to expect on a chemical peel so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you. A chemical peel is a treatment that helps improve your skin by removing damaged layers of skin and exposing new, healthy skin underneath. It can be used to treat acne scars, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and other signs of aging.
The most common type of chemical peel is called an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). The AHA works by penetrating into the dermis layer of skin and causing exfoliation by dissolving bonds between dead cells so they can be shed more easily. This process also reduces inflammation and stimulates collagen production in younger patients.
Read on to learn more about What To Expect On A Chemical Peel, What Are the Advantages of a Mild Chemical Peel?
What To Expect On A Chemical Peel
You look in the mirror and you see wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, and more, and you ask yourself, “How do I get rid of all of this?” So you grab your phone and Google “treatments to get rid of wrinkles and dark spots”. Odds are you came across chemical peels. Chemical peels have been one of the most effective ways to get rid of dark spots, wrinkles, and acne scars. But what exactly are they and what do they do? Not to worry! We’ll tell you all you need to know about chemical peels and what to expect from this treatment.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a dermatology treatment that uses the reaction of a chemical solution to improve the overall appearance of facial skin. This solution is made up of a type of acid that causes controlled injury when applied to the skin. The severity of the injury depends on the type of acid used which ranges from light, medium, and deep. It is this injury that promotes the production of new, smoother, healthy-looking skin.
What to Expect From a Chemical Peel
Let’s break down this treatment step by step to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
BEFORE
Before treatment begins, your esthetician will thoroughly clean your face so that it is completely free of dirt and debris. Depending on the severity of the chemical peel, your dermatologist may need to numb the treatment area. Once you’re fully numb, the treatment will begin.
DURING
The esthetician will begin to evenly apply the chemical solution. You should be asked to rate your level of tingling sensation on a scale of 1 to 10. This lets them know whether or not the solution is too strong for you. Be sure to be as accurate as possible, as you do not want to risk having the solution burn your face.
Once the solution is applied, it will begin to turn white, signaling that the treatment has taken effect. Once it has, a neutralizing solution will be applied to the treated area. This solution is usually a corrective serum accompanied with a moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen to hydrate and replenish your skin. Once this is applied, you are free to go.
AFTER
Once you leave the office, you will notice that your skin instantly looks smoother and has a beautiful glow. Over the next few days, your skin will begin to peel. Depending on the severity of the solution and the number of layers that were applied, you could experience minor flaking, minor peeling, or major skin peeling. You may also have slight redness, irritation, crusting, and dryness. If any of your symptoms become unbearable or you experience oozing or bleeding, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
RESULTS
If you follow your doctor’s advice for keeping your skin clean and moisturized, you’ll begin to see results right away and will become more noticeable over time. You may notice fewer wrinkles, smoother skin, and less discoloration. However, to get the most of your treatment and maximize your results, you’ll need to be treated regularly.
Chemical peeling advantages and disadvantages
A chemical peel is a mixture of chemicals that forms gel-like consistency. It’s applied to the face in order to smooth the surface of the skin, remove the appearance of fine lines and remove blemishes. There are three types of chemical peels: mild, medium-depth and deep. Each have their advantages and serve different purposes.
What Are the Advantages of a Mild Chemical Peel?
- Chemical peels help to smooth dry skin
- Can help with pigmentation problems
- Controls acne
- Removes blemishes
- Less recovery time
- Helps with mild sun-damage
- Reduces mild blotchiness
- Fresher and younger looking appearance
What Are the Advantages of a Medium-Depth Chemical Peel?
- Thin facial lines are removed or the appearance is less noticeable
- The medium-depth reduces facial birthmarks
- The pigmentation in the skin is improved
- Helps with dry skin and old acne scarring
- Helps with sun-damaged skin
- Improves blotchy skin
- Younger looking overall appearance
What Are the Advantages of a Deep Chemical Peel?
- Ability to remove pre-cancerous growths
- Deeper acne scar emanation
- Long lasting effect
- Eliminates deeper lines on the face??
- Controls acne
- Helps with deep or course wrinkles
- Age spot removal
- Only a single treatment is necessary
- Smoother skin, younger appearance
- Long-term results are very good when the peel is specifically for acne scarring
The advantages of chemical peels are many, and all three help with different issues. The deep chemical peels are reserved for those with the worst types of skin problems, including serious acne, scarring and birthmarks. Some disadvantages of chemical peels need mentioning.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Chemical Peel?
- Excessive peeling normally happens more with the medium-depth peel and particularly with the deep peel
- Stinging sensation when initially applied
- Redness appears. Again, this is particularly so with the deep and medium peels. The light peel normally results in peeling like a sunburn.
- Temporarily may feel a bit of numbness
- Deep chemical peels can cause a crusting or scabbing after the treatment, as the deep dead skin cells are sleuthing off. This is temporary.
- Sensitivity to the sun ? you will need to stay out of the sun for a short time after the peel as your skin is more sensitive
- Costs can also be a disadvantage for some, since the average chemical peel cost $500 for each treatment
While some disadvantages do exist for chemical peels, the advantages do outweigh them particularly for those suffering from severe skin problems, such as acne or acne scarring. Even with the disadvantages, most people that have had them report they would have it again because of the overall improvement of their skin’s surface and the younger fresher look the entire chemical peels bring about. The discomforts often associated with a chemical peel are temporary and subside rather quickly.
What to expect after a chemical peel
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that uses a chemical solution to peel away old and damaged skin cells, allowing healthier and more youthful skin to emerge. It can help address a number of issues including wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
Some of the great benefits of this skin rejuvenation treatment include:
- Improves the efficacy of your skin care products
- Heals discolouration and scars on the skin
- Exfoliates away dead cells and increases cell turnover for healthy, glowing skin
- Results in a more even-toned complexion
7 Reasons to Consider a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels come in varying strengths and they can accomplish a great deal — whether you simply want a gentle exfoliation or you require treatment for more ingrained dermal problems. During a consultation, your skin care specialist can assess your concerns and skin type to determine which type of chemical peel is safest for you.
Customized Chemical Peels at our Edmonton Medical Spa
At our Edmonton med spa, our highly trained team of aestheticians creates customized chemical peel treatments to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, and even acne scars. We also offer minimally invasive anti-aging treatments including Botox, Juvederm, and IPL photorejuvenation to address any skin concerns you might have and help you achieve all your aesthetic goals.
Want to know how we can help you achieve healthy, glowing, and more youthful-looking skin? Contact Our Edmonton Medical Spa
What to Expect Following Your Chemical Peel Treatment
A chemical peel works to peel away tired and dull skin cells while stimulating the growth of fresh and healthy skin. In addition to this, chemical peels will result in accelerated cell turnover and encourage the production of collagen. How to Prepare Your Skin for a Chemical Peel
If you are undergoing a chemical peel treatment, here’s what you can expect after your procedure and some tips on how to take care of your skin for the best results.
What Happens After a Chemical Peel?
The recovery period following a chemical peel will vary depending on the type of peel you opted for. However, in general, here’s what you can expect:
- The duration of the recovery period can range from three to 14 days, depending on the type of chemical peel.
- For most peels, patients can expect a recovery time of five to seven days.
- Following the procedure, your skin will dry out. During this time, you must drink plenty of water
- Avoid washing your face for at least 24 hours following your peel.
- Over the next few days, your skin will begin to peel. The most intense peeling will occur during the middle days of your recovery
- You may also experience some irritation, crusting, or skin redness. However, if you notice any bleeding or oozing, you must contact your skin specialist straight away
4 Tips to Take Care of Your Skin After a Chemical Peel
When performed by a highly-skilled aesthetician, a chemical peel is a safe and effective way to rejuvenate your appearance and eliminate any scars or signs of aging. However, in order to get the best results, you must look after your skin properly following your treatment.
Here are some tips to follow:
- Avoid using hot water for at least one week: For the first week following your chemical peel, avoid washing your face or showering with hot water. This is because hot water can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In addition to this, the steam will open up your pores which can significantly increase your risk of infection.
- Let your skin peel naturally. The most important thing to keep in mind following your chemical peel is to avoid touching your face. Picking and pulling your skin can result in scarring. The best course of action is to allow your skin to peel off naturally.
- Be gentle with your skin and avoid exfoliation. Following your chemical peel, the skin’s protective barrier will be temporarily compromised. This means that you should avoid any cleansing products with exfoliators such as facial scrubs until your skin has completely healed. When drying your skin, do not rub it. Instead, pat it dry gently with a soft towel.
- Always use sunscreen and limit your exposure to the sun. Your face is at its most sensitive post-peel, so you want to avoid the sun for at least a few days. When you do go outdoors, make sure to use sunscreen and stick to shady spots. Use the sunscreen for a minimum of six weeks after your chemical peel.