A chemical peel is a treatment for the skin to renew the top layer and remove damaged skin cells. There are several types of chemical peels, each with specific benefits. A superficial or medium depth peel is used to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, fading blemishes, and smaller scars. This kind of peel removes the top layers of dead skin cells while reducing pore size, leaving your skin looking smooth and younger looking.
Superficial and medium peels are usually safe, as long as they’re done correctly. These type of peels are not permanent and they need to be repeated. Deeper peels are more risky. They’re longer-lasting and do not usually need to be repeated.
Read on to learn more about Is Chemical Peel Permanent, How Much Does A Chemical Peel Cost?, Is Chemical Peel Painful?
Is Chemical Peel Permanent
What Is The Goal Of A Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels work by resurface the skin. This is done by inducing a controlled wound and therefore removing the superficial top layers of the skin. Chemical peels promote a healthy, new top layer of skin and improve skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture and skin impurities.
What To Expect During A Chemical Peel?
Procedures will vary based on which type of chemical peel is being used. The skin is prepared and cleansed with a medical grade degreaser to ensure the treated area is free from any oil. The chemical agent is then applied and stays on the skin for 3 to 5 minutes. Most patients report feeling a mild stinging which typically only lasts a few minutes. Some peels are designed to self-neutralize and can stay on your skin for up to four hours.
Will There Be Visible Peeling?
The success of the peel should not be determined by the amount of peeling you experience. Patients should focus on the end results. The amount of peeling can vary on the condition of the patient’s skin and the depth of the peel being performed. The skin is still re-growing at an accelerated rate, which will result in an improved skin tone, texture and an improvement of fine lines and uneven pigmentation.
How Long Will A Chemical Peel Last?
The lasting effects of a chemical peel will depend on the type of peel (light, medium or deep) and the patient’s skin type. Light chemical peels usually lasts about 2-5 weeks and medium chemical peels typically last about 3-9 months. Deep chemical peels should only be performed one time.
What To Avoid Before A Chemical Peel?
The following should be avoided:
- Avoid waxing, electrolysis, deploritory creams, and laser hair removal one week before a peel
- Discontinue the use of any topical prescriptions two to three days before the peel. This includes Retin-A, differin or Tazorac, and any products which contain retinol, alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA), beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) or benzoyl peroxide.
- Patients who have recently had medical cosmetic facial treatments or procedures such as Laser treatments, cosmetic fillers or other surgical procedures should wait until the skin has completely healed before undergoing a chemical peel.
When Should A Chemical Peel Be Avoided?
You should not have a chemical peel if you any of the following conditions apply:
- Active cold sores, herpes simplex or warts in the treatment area
- Extremely sensitive or sunburned skin
- Ese Accutane within the past 12 months
- Have recently undergone chemotherapy or radiation
- Aspirin allergies
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Vitiligo
- History of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. Chemical peels should not be used by patients who have any condition which may compromise the immune system
What Should I Expect After A Peel?
Your skin will feel tighter and be red immediately following the peel. Your skin may feel slightly tacky and have a yellowish or orange tinge which will subside within a few hours of treatment. This happens from the Retinoic acid which is applied to the skin. This is a self-neutralizing peel and the face should not be washed for at least four hours after the procedure.
When Does The Skin Start To Peel?
Peeling typically begins about 48-72 hours following the treatment and can last for 2-5 days. It is important to not pick off any of the peeling skin. The peeling should be minimal and easily controlled through the use of a good moisturizer. Prematurely peeling of the skin will result in dry, cracked, raw and painful skin which may turn into hyperpigmentation.
How Much Does A Chemical Peel Cost?
Below are some quick facts regarding chemical peels:
- Chemical peels are used to remove damaged skin cells and give the face a younger, healthier appearance
- There are three types of peels available: light, medium, and deep
- A peel is incredibly safe and is typically performed by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, licensed healthcare provider, or trained skin care specialist
- Light chemical peels require minimal down time for recovery and typically do not require patients to take time off work
- Medium and deep chemical peels may require up to a few weeks for recovery
- The procedure typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete
- The cost for a chemical peels depends on which type you receive but is $670 on average
A chemical peels is a cosmetic treatment which is often used on the face, hands, and neck. They are used to improve the overall appearance and texture of the skin. During this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to the treatment area, which causes the skin to exfoliate and peel off. Once the old skin is gone, the new skin is usually smoother, has fewer wrinkles, and may have less sun damage.
Some of the most common skin issues people use a chemical peel to treat include the following:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Sun damage
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Minor scars
- Melasma
- Uneven skin tone or redness
There are three types of chemical peels which are available.
- Light peels: this type of peel uses a mild acid such as an alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. It only penetrates to the outermost layer of skin.
- Medium peels: peels which use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the outer and middle layers of skin. This is more effective in the removal of damaged skin cells.
- Deep peels: a peel which fully penetrates the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells. This type of peel often uses phenol or tricholoracetic acid.
Chemical Peel Cost
Chemical peels are considered to be a cosmetic procedure. As a result, your insurance will not likely cover the cost and you will pay for the procedure out-of-pocket.
The cost of the procedure can vary based on multiple factors such as location, provider, the condition of your skin and which type of peel you receive. Light peels can cost as little as $150, while deep peels can cost $3,000 or more. Some deep peels may require anesthesia or in-patient stays for recovery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a chemical peel is $673.
Chemical peels are typically done in the provider’s office or at an outpatient surgical facility. Before the procedure, your hair will be tied back so it does not get in the way of the peel. Your face will then be cleaned, and an eye protection will be applied.
Your doctor may numb the area using a topical anesthetic, especially for patients who are receiving a deep peel. For deep peels, the doctor may also use a regional anesthetic, which can aid in numbing larger areas. This is especially common for patients who are having both their neck and face treated with a peel. For deep peels, patients are also given an IV and their heart rate is closely monitored.
Prior to the procedure, you will have a consultation with the skin care specialist. During the consultation, you will work with the provider to determine the optimal treatment based on your goals. You will also discuss any medications, your medical history and any relevant information such as any history with scaring.
Is Chemical Peel Painful?
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to hide your face after receiving a chemical peel in huntersville north carolina. There are various types of chemical peels available, however, there is no need to hide out after you receive a peel. Chemical Peels use advanced formulas which not only provide controlled penetration throughout the epidermis, but also help to detoxify, soothe and hydrate your skin. This helps ensure your skin is will extremely red or uncomfortable after treatment.
The recovery time for chemical peel is quite short. Most patients can immediately return to their daily routines and activities.
Chemical peels cause patients minimal pain. While you may experience a slight tingling, tightness, or a change in the temperature of your skin, chemical peels are not painful. The provider will monitor your reaction to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
While patients should not feel pain during or after the procedure, the peel may cause the skin to have temporarily increased sensitivity. To avoid irritation or discomfort on your skin, avoid exfoliating for at least 48 hours following a chemical peel. Avoid rigorous activities for at least 24 hours and drink plenty of water. This will help protect your skin and extend the incredible post-treatment results.
Patients do not need to take time off work following a chemical peel. In the past, the chemical peel recovery time was lengthy and patients needed to take time off work for their skin to heal. Fortunately, these formulas are a thing of the past and are no longer used. Modern chemical peels coax the skin into the desired form rather than injure it. This is done with the use of an advance acid-hybrid formula which is strong, safe and effective.
A chemical peel will give you skin which is smoother, brighter, firmer and more hydrated without any downtime or the need to take time off work. Patients can immediately return to work following a chemical peel.
Chemical peels do more than just peel the skin. Chemical peels which use modern formulas include a combination of multiple exfoliating acids such as glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids. These chemicals work by tightening the skin, unclogging pores, improving fine lines, and leaving skin with a velvet-like soft texture. In addition, some chemical formulas help to remove the skin’s impurities, pollution and heavy metals to ultimately detoxify the skin.
Chemical peels can be used to help address the following skin issues on your face, neck, or hands:
- Improve a rough or uneven skin texture
- Treat blackheads, whiteheads and some types of acne
- Reduce breakouts
- Help with the appearance of mild scars
- Treat wrinkles from aging and sun damage
- Reduce aging spots, freckles, and dark patches from pregnancy or birth control
- Severely dry skin
- Improve the overall appearance and feeling of the skin
There are numerous benefits patients receive from chemical peels.
The skin does not always flake and peel off after a chemical peel. The flaking and peeling, which should be minimal, can usually be managed by using a good moisturizer.
Immediately following a chemical peel, the skin has an increased sensitivity to the sun. It is important to wear sunscreen daily and protect the skin against the harmful sun. Sun screen should be labeled as “broad-spectrum”, which means it protects against UVA and UVB rays. It should also be at least a SPF 30 or higher. Limit time spent in the sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is the strongest. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to help protect your face from the harmful rays.