How does a chemical peel work?
A chemical peel is a skin treatment wherein a chemical solution is applied by a skincare specialist to the skin causing it to blister and peel, exposing a new layer and improving appearance.
They come in a range of strengths, from deeper phenol-based peels to more superficial peels like glycolic acid – your dermatologist will recommend the correct strength, and interval for your skin type.
What 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
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Sun-damaged skin
- Wrinkles
What results can be expected from a chemical peel?
Chemical peels will vary in result, depending on the area, skin type, the type of peel and what kind of result you are expecting. It is strongly recommended that you consult a qualified dermatologist to get the best results.
What is a chemical peel session like?
Your experience will vary depending on the strength of the peel, for light and medium peels you may receive a local anesthetic. For very deep chemical peels, you may require general anesthesia.
After your skin has been numbed, a chemical peel solution is applied to your face and is left to take effect. The amount of time left on your skin will depend on the specific type of peel, from a few seconds up to an hour, as determined by your dermatologist.
Some peels will be neutralized with water, and then a protective mask or layer of petroleum jelly is placed on your treated skin.
Frequently asked questions
Chemical peels vary in type and intensity, your doctor 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.
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.
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.
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