Who doesn’t want to turn back the clock on skin damage acquired over the years? There are a great deal of cosmetic treatments designed fight back the effects of time, but some of them are highly invasive and require a period of recovery. Those who don’t like the idea of invasive treatments and would prefer a less strenuous treatment can now choose to undergo a chemical peel treatment.
Understanding Chemical Peel Treatments
The outermost layer of the skin is constantly bombarded with pollutants and the harsh effects of sun exposure. Skin that’s constantly exposed to these factors may develop unsightly dark spots and begin to look dull and unhealthy. A chemical peel removes the upper damaged layer of the skin to reveal the smooth layer of skin the resides underneath.
Chemical peels are composed of specially formulated skin resurfacing chemicals which induce controlled wounding. As a result, the superficial skin layer is removed and triggers skin turn over to generate healthy cells. Common skin problems like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, skin impurities and uneven skin texture are rectified.
Be Careful When Deciding on the Reason for Your Chemical Peel Treatment
Chemical peels are not recommended in the following cases:
• Wounded or sunburnt regions
• The presence of active cold sores
• You have undergone chemotherapy recently
• Breastfeeding and pregnant women
• Patients who suffer from vitiligo
• Candidates who’ve used Accutane over the last year
• Patients suffering from autoimmune diseases or any condition that debilitates the immune system.
Your Chemical Peel Experience
Before undergoing the treatment, your doctor will take your needs and goals into account to determine how strong the chemical peel used should be. The procedure varies based on the initial consultation.
Chemical peels vary in terms of penetrative power: there are light to medium depth peels. In general, the first step involved in a chemical peel is prepping the skin. Grease and residual oils from the skin are removed using a medical grade degreaser.
The peel is then smeared evenly over the face and allowed to sit for 5 minutes or less. During this time, you may experience slight stinging similar to the sensation of face bleaching. If the peel used is self-neutralizing, it is kept on for a longer period of time.
For the complete duration, which may take less than an hour, the beautician will stay in the room to ensure that your skin does not react poorly to the treatment.
Caring for Your Skin After the Chemical Peel
The depth and nature of the peel used determine the time taken for the skin to peel off completely. It is natural to notice peeling skin for up to 10 days after the chemical treatment.
Traditional chemical peels which are medium depth complete peeling by 5 days. High depth peels containing phenols will take longer to recover. After the treatment is completed, you will need to make sure that you keep your skin hydrated. Using a mild moisturizer and remembering to apply sunscreen can go a long way in keeping your skin protected and looking great.
Things to Consider Before a Chemical Peel
You should not book an appointment close to a big event. There is a high chance that your skin will be red and tender. If there is a big event coming up, schedule a chemical peel a month in advance.
A week before your chemical peel appointment, you should avoid depilatory creams, waxing, electrolysis or laser hair removal. If you’ve recently had a medical procedure that involves skin fillers or laser treatments, you should let your doctor know and follow any instructions given to you on how to proceed.
Contact Our Office
Interested in learning more about a chemical peel treatment? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ryan Hoffman. With his help, you can learn more about the process and find out which level of chemical peel is best suited for you.