Achieving smoother skin may involve exploring treatments beyond daily cleansers and moisturizers. Chemical peels represent a category of aesthetic procedures designed to accelerate the natural exfoliation process. By applying a specific solution to the skin, these treatments remove outer layers of dead cells, revealing the fresher skin beneath.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are a cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance and feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions are applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.
These treatments are typically performed on the face, neck, and hands. They work by creating a controlled injury to the skin, which prompts the body’s natural healing response. People seek these treatments for various reasons, including reducing fine lines under the eyes, treating wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging, and improving the overall look and feel of skin.
What Are the Different Types?
Chemical peels are generally categorized by the depth of their penetration into the skin. The choice of peel depends on a variety of factors, such as the specific skin issues being addressed and the desired recovery time. Light peels penetrate only the outermost layer of skin to gently exfoliate, and are used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin.
Medium Peels
These treatments penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. Medium peels are effective for treating a range of skin imperfections, like age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and moderate skin discoloration. They can also be used to smooth rough skin, but recovery may require a week or more of downtime.
Deep Peels
Deep peels penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells, treating moderate lines, age spots, and shallow scars. Patients can expect to see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. This type of procedure is used on the face and can be performed only once.
What Does the Process Involve?
The procedure varies depending on the type of peel selected. Before the treatment, the skin is thoroughly cleansed. During the procedure, the specialist applies the chemical solution. Patients might feel a burning sensation for a few minutes, followed by some stinging. Cool compresses can be applied to the skin to ease this stinging.
After the procedure, the skin’s reaction depends on the depth of the peel. Light peels may result in some redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn. Medium and deep peels can result in blisters that may peel off over the course of a week or two. Bandages may cover part or all of the treated skin for several days. Sun protection is necessary following any chemical peel treatment. The new skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun.
Confer With an Aesthetics Specialist
Selecting the appropriate chemical peel requires a thorough evaluation of your skin type, history, and aesthetic objectives. A consultation with an aesthetics specialist allows for a safe assessment of which chemical solution will best address your concerns without compromising skin health. These professionals can explain the details of your treatment, such as recovery times and realistic outcomes.
