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Chemical Peel

in Manitowoc, WI

A chemical peel gets rid of age spots, wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation to reveal younger looking skin. There are different types of peels, with different strengths, so ask your Forefront provider which type of chemical peel is best for your skin type and aesthetic goals.

How does a chemical peel treatment work?

A chemical peel is a treatment where a chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing it to blister and peel. When this happens, a fresh new layer of skin is exposed, which is smoother, more evenly colored, and overall more youthful.

Chemical peels come in a range of strengths, from deeper phenol-based peels to more superficial peels like glycolic acid. Your Forefront provider will recommend the treatment best for your skin type.

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What conditions can a chemical peel treat?

Chemical peels can reduce the appearance of skin conditions like:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots
  • Aging skin
  • Crow’s feet
  • Hyperpigmentation such as freckles, melasma, and other dark spots
  • Rough or uneven skin texture
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Wrinkles

Which type of chemical peel is right for me?

Chemical peels vary in type and intensity. Your Forefront provider can help you decide the depth of the desired peel and what type of chemical is best for you. This decision is based on your skin type, which areas you want peeled, what kind of results you want, how much risk you are willing to take, and other things. A small “test spot” may be peeled to get a better idea of the results, especially for people who have darker skin.

Chemical peel results will vary depending on the area being treated, skin type, and type of peel. Patients can generally expect to see more even pigmentation, fewer wrinkles and acne scars, and a smoother, more youthful appearance.

What is a chemical peel treatment session like?

For light and medium peels, you may receive a local anesthetic for comfort. Very deep chemical peels may require general anesthesia.

After your skin has been numbed, a chemical peel solution is applied to your face. The amount of time it is left on your skin will depend on the specific type of peel, and can range from a few seconds up to an hour.

At the end of the treatment session, a mask or layer of petroleum jelly will be placed on treated skin for protection as it heals.

Are there any preparations before a chemical peel?

Your dermatologist will recommend a skincare routine for 2-3 weeks prior to treatment to ensure a more uniform peel and faster healing after the peel. Preparation may also reduce the chance of infection and other problems, especially uneven color changes in the skin. In some cases, daily use of tretinoin (Retin-A) is also suggested, which is most often used to treat acne, but may also speed healing after a peel.

What kind of chemical peel post-care is required?

While healing times will vary on the type of chemical peel you have done, proper skincare is very important and will speed up healing time, help results last longer, and prevent infection. Your provider will recommend:

  • Cleaning the skin often with water or a special wash from your doctor.
  • Changing the dressing or ointment on the wound (for medium and deep peels).
  • Moisturizing the skin daily.
  • Avoiding any sun exposure until peeling has stopped and sunscreen can be used.

Are chemical peels safe?

With most chemical peels, adverse reactions are rare, but can include scarring, numbness, and infection. Following mild to medium peels, patients can expect some relatively common chemical peel side effects such as mild irritation, redness, and peeling. In rare cases, deep peels using phenol can cause more severe problems during treatment. As with any medical procedure, it is best to consult with a trained dermatologist who can best evaluate the best procedure based on your wants, while taking your health into account.

Interested in learning more about chemical peel treatment? Contact a Forefront location near you.

1 Location in the Manitowoc, WI area

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