A chemical peel treatment can do wonders for your skin, that is why we love this treatment so much. This article will help you to learn more about chemical peels and how it can transform your skin, even in winter.
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What is a Chemical Peel treatment?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance and smooth the texture of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin which are intended to remove the outermost layers of the skin. When the solution is applied it exfoliates the skin and the acid removes the damaged skin cells.
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A chemical peel treatment is also recommended by our Dermatologists to treat and address these conditions:
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Fine lines & wrinkles
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Acne
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Scarring
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Sun Damage
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Rosacea
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Redness
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Enlarged Pores
Different Types of Chemical Peels
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There are three different types of chemical peels. The recommended peel is determined by how deeply the skin should be exfoliated and will also depend on your skin type and shade and which condition you would like to address.
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Superficial Peel: This peel is recommended for skin conditions only affecting the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis. An Alpha-hydroxy acid or most often glycolic acid is used to gently exfoliate the skin.
Medium Peel: This peel penetrates not only the outer part of the skin but also the middle part of the skin called the dermis. The medium peel is normally recommended for those with:
Fine lines & wrinkles
Age spots
Moderate skin discoloration
Minor acne scars
An Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to do a medium peel.
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Deep Peel: A deep peel is done with Trichloroacetic acid or phenol which deeply penetrates the middle layer of the skin to remove the damaged skin cells. A deep peel is ideal for those of you who suffer from moderate to severe sun damage, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Improves the appearance and reduces the effects of sun damage
Improve the appearance of mild acne scars
Treats moderate acne
Reduce pigmentation, freckles, age spots and dark patches (Melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills
Smooths skin appearance and texture
Restore a youthful, vibrant appearance to wrinkly and sun damaged skin
Recommended aftercare for Chemical Peels
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There are certain precautions to be taken before and after getting a chemical peel and sun exposure is one of them. Because your skin is exposed to deeper layers when getting a chemical peel, it causes you skin to be much more sensitive to heat and UV rays. Exposure to the sun may cause more damage to new skin.
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After you had your chemical peel treatment, and you are in the early healing period which typically lasts 7-21 days depending on the type of peel you received, you must avoid sun exposure. After the early healing period has passed, you will need to limit your sun exposure as much as possible and apply sunscreen even if you are not going out into the sun. The UVA and UVB rays still influence our skin although we are not directly exposed to the sun.
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When you receive a deep peel, it is often recommended to avoid sun exposure for 3-6 months.
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That is why we recommend getting your chemical peel treatments in winter and when it is cooler when your exposure to the sunlight is less, and your skin is more protected during the healing stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We understand that sometimes you will have questions about a treatment. To read more about our frequently asked questions visit our chemical peels treatment page.
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Do you have a question, but it’s not listed? Please feel free to contact us with your questions and we would gladly be of assistance.
