Choosing a chemical peel

May 01, 2018

Choosing a chemical peel

A chemical peel is your way to younger, brighter skin! The benefits of a chemical peel are endless and can offer anyone excellent results when performed by a trained professional. A chemical peel (or clinical exfoliation) is a procedure where the goal is to remove the dead and damaged skin from the upper layers of the epidermis. When this damaged and dead skin is removed, it reveals smoother more even toned skin. Chemical peels are effective on skin concerns such as blemishes, uneven skin pigmentation, and wrinkles.


The benefits of a chemical peel are immediate, but please note that depending on the type of chemical peel you receive it may require downtime where you limit your exposure to the sun.

 

Light Chemical Peel’s are referred to as glycolic acid peels, which the goal is to improve skin texture, sun damage, and acne scars. This is the most non-invasive chemical peel and provides a gentle reduction in fine lines, acne damage, and uneven skin tone. During this procedure, the acid is left on the skin for a relatively short period, in which the acid exfoliates the top layers of the skin and encourage the production of collagen and elastin. Light chemical peels are ideal for those who experience minor skin imperfections or for those who suffer from acne. As noted this is a non-invasive chemical peel, therefore you may return to daily activities almost immediately while still avoid exposing treat skin to the sun. It should be noted that optimal benefits are seen with several treatments, speak with your certified professional to discuss your specific treatment plan.

 

A medium chemical peel or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) offers the same benefits as the light chemical peel but goes deeper into the skin and provides more dramatic results. With a medium chemical peel, you can start to reduce the appearance of age spots, smooth fine lines as well as deep-set wrinkles, and diminish acne scars. The procedure is similar the light chemical peel, where they are differentiated is with the aftercare. With a medium chemical peel, you can expect a crust to form on the treated area, which peels off within 7-10 days. You may choose to hibernate until the peeling is complete, as you do slightly resemble a snake but are not required to. But have no fear; once the crust is gone you will have noticeably better skin. The new skin underneath will be sensitive and red for up to a week, again limiting sun exposure, as this is a new layer of skin that is more sensitive. Also similar to the light chemical peel, multiple treatments may be recommended to achieve ideal results.

 

A deep chemical or Phenol peel offers the same benefits as a light and medium chemical peel but goes much deeper. The results from a deep chemical peel are much more dramatic and only one treatment is required to achieve those results. A deep chemical peel is a much greater commitment in terms of the downtime after the procedure. You will need at least one week after the treatment to recover. If you are considering this level of chemical peel, discuss all aspects with your licensed professional and ensure that you are aware of all possible outcomes. For most, light/medium chemical peels are sufficient for the results that they are after.

 

Therefore depending on what type of skin conditions you are working with will determine what level of chemical peel you and your skin care professional will decide upon. One tip that we would like to offer before getting your chemical peel is that you have realistic expectations of the results. It is common that many go into their chemical peels and expect to come out with brand new skin. While we would like to think that this is achievable with anything other than a deep chemical peel, it is not. Do ask questions and be well informed prior to the procedure, therefore you will have a better idea of your treatment plan and can adjust your expectations accordingly. Chemical peels are extremely effective but as mentioned are best served in multiple treatments.




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