A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back is smoother. With a light or medium peel, you may need to undergo the procedure more than once to get the desired results.
Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:
- Reduce fine lines
- Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
- Improve the appearance of mild scars
- Treat certain types of acne
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills
- Improve the look and feel of skin
Areas of sun damage may improve after chemical peeling. After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It should say “broad-spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
How should I prepare for a chemical peel?
If you tend to use skin cosmeceuticals such as retinol or prescription strength face creams, then contact us so we can advise whether you need to stop using these products for 1-2 weeks prior to your appointment.
You should understand that all chemical peels carry some risks and uncertainties. A chemical peel is usually a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. While very rare, infection or scarring are risks from chemical peeling treatments. Therefore after having a chemical peel, you should try not to touch the area too much. Also be sure to wear sunscreen every day even during the winter months!
Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?
Generally, most people are good candidates for chemical peels. We always recommend you have a skin consultation with us first so we can ensure you are 100% suitable for treatment, and we can advice the best treatment to help you.
Results
A light chemical peel improves skin texture and tone and lessens the appearance of fine wrinkles and acne. The results are subtle but increase with repeated treatments. If you have a medium chemical peel, treated skin will be noticeably smoother. Results may not be permanent because over time, age and new sun damage can lead to new lines and skin color changes.
We tend to recommend that if you have a condition such as ache or pigmentation then you will very likely need multiple treatments of 6 or more in order to help reduce or diminish the problem, depending on how deep into the skin the problem is. If your goal is simply to have smoother and glowing skin then a single treatment could help with that.
The skin peels we use in clinic are great in that you can go back to work the same day since since they don’t cause peeling, just a bit of mild redness.