A chemical peel is a treatment in which a chemical solution is used to exfoliate your skin. A chemical is applied to your skin, which causes tissue death (in a controlled manner), resulting in the topmost layer of your skin peeling off. Once the layer is peeled off, a new skin layer is regenerated, which is smoother, less wrinkled, and better than your old skin. The new skin is usually quite sensitive, but it heals completely within a few days.
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that involve using acids to exfoliate the skin. It can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be 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.
They can be used to:
- Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- 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
Types of chemical peel
There are three types of chemical peel, based on how deeply they exfoliate the skin:
- Superficial peels
- Medium-depth peels
- Deep peels
The right choice depends on the type and shade of a person’s skin and what issue they are hoping to address.
1. Superficial peels
Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis.
Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly.
Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal. It is important to wear sunscreen during this time.
Because superficial peels are the gentlest type, a person may need up to five sessions to see the results they want. People may be able to have superficial peels every 2–5 weeks.
2. Medium-depth peels
Dermatologists may recommend medium-depth peels for:
- Fine wrinkles
- Sun-damaged skin
- Minor hyperpigmentation
- Minor acne scars
Medium-depth peels take 7–14 days to heal. They cause swelling that worsens for 48 hours after the treatment and may cause blisters.
The dermatologist provides a solution that a person should use to help their skin heal. It is also important to avoid sun exposure during recovery time.
The dermatologist may also prescribe an antiviral medication, which a person takes for 10–14 days. People can wear makeup after 5–7 days but must avoid total sun exposure until the skin heals fully.
3. Deep peels
Dermatologists do not usually use deep chemical peels. For issues affecting the deeper layers, laser therapy often provides a better Source.
However, a dermatologist may recommend a deep peel if a person has:
- Moderate to severe sun damage
- Moderate to severe wrinkles
- And moderate to severe hyperpigmentation
Due to their strength, deep peels take 14–21 days to heal. A person needs to:
- Recuperate at home.
- Take an antiviral medication for 10–14 days.
- Wash the skin with a special solution between four and six times a day.
- Apply an ointment for 14 days, then use a thick moisturizer.
- Avoid makeup for at least 14 days.
- Avoid sun exposure for 3–6 months.
Which Chemical Peel is Right for Your Skin?
Types of Chemical Peels:
1. Glycolic Peel
The glycolic peel has the smallest molecular size and penetrates the deepest. It’s great for the exfoliation and rejuvenation of aging skin. Glycolic peels come in different strengths, depending on the results you’re looking for.
2. Lactic Peel
Derived from milk, the lactic peel is ideal for skin that’s dry or sensitive to active ingredients like retinol. If you’re concerned about having an adverse reaction, the lactic peel is easier on the skin.
3. Beta Peel
The beta peel is used to treat acne in both younger and older patients. It uses salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin, help with oil control, and target the bacteria that cause acne.
4. Vitalize Peel
The Vitalize peel includes citric, lactic, and salicylic acids, plus a retinol layer, to improve the quality and lighten the pigmentation of your skin. A vitalize peel is superficial with a very little peeling, so this is a great place to start for people who have never had a chemical peel.
5. Pigment Balancing Peel
Using a formulation of acids, the pigment balancing peel is designed to lighten the pigment of the skin. It’s important to have realistic expectations when trying to eliminate brown spots and reduce pigmentation. This process takes time, and you need to use sunscreen for the pigment balancing peel to have the desired effect.
6. TCA Peel for Actinic Keratosis
TCA is trichloroacetic acid used to provide a medium-depth peel to the skin. This treatment can help to remove abnormal skin cells. There are significant cosmetic benefits to this procedure as well.
Is a chemical peel good for all skin types?
Generally, superficial peels can be used on all skin types. However, if you have a darker skin tone, you have a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after treatment. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you may want to get the advice of your dermatologist about other less aggressive treatments to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peeling may also not be recommended if you:
- Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
- And have extra coloring on your scars.
- Have skin conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive.
- Can’t stay out of the sun for the healing period.
What to expect before a chemical peel?
Your aesthetician or doctor will assist you in making the decision in terms of which type of chemical peel is best suited for you and your skin type. Considerations such as what areas you want to target, the realistic results you want to achieve, how much of a risk are you willing to take, amongst other things will be discussed.
For medium and deep peels your physician will give you a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your skin at least 2-3 weeks prior to your appointment. You will need to ensure that you follow these steps, which will involve things like cleaning your face twice daily, applying moisturizer 1 to 2 times a day, and always using sunscreen in order to enhance the skin peel and promote faster healing.
By following these directives, you also minimize your chances of complications such as infection. In some instances, tretinoin (Retin-A, which is a medicine normally used to treat acne) is prescribed to assist with pre-treatment as it may also aid in the healing process after the peel.
Your physician will also advise you to stop smoking for at least 6 weeks prior to your treatment. You would need to avoid taking medicines that can cause increased bleeding such as aspirin, and certain anti-inflammatory drugs.
Before a superficial chemical peel
The only preparation for this ‘lunchtime’ peel is staying clear of electrolysis (a procedure wherein an electric current is applied, generating heat to remove superficial blemishes and hair roots), waxing, sunburn, or anything else that may irritate the skin 3 days prior to your chemical peel.
Before the actual peel is administered the clinician will clean your skin with an appropriate cleanser and toner to remove any debris on the surface of the skin.
Before a medium chemical peel
To prepare for a medium depth chemical peel adequate priming of the skin is advised. This is achieved by applying a depigmenting agent such as hydroquinone or retinoic acid and the use of sunscreens. This should be discontinued at least 3-5 days prior to your appointment.
You should not be currently using Accutane (medication used to treat severe cystic acne) and not have used it within the 12 month period.
You should ensure that your skin is free of active oral herpes infections (for example cold sores), open wounds, or any other type of skin infection. People who are prone to cold sores are advised to take anti-viral medication prior to their appointment.
Do not bleach, wax, or scrub for at least one week prior to your appointment.
It’s imperative that you refrain from having any other sort of chemical peels (whether home-based or professional) at least 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Avoid sun exposure for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
Before a deep chemical peel
You will need to avoid any artificial UV radiation such as tanning booths or beds.
Refrain from any other sort of chemical peel prior to your appointment.
Make sure that you disclose any medications that you may be using to your doctors. This will ensure that you don’t have any allergic reactions or complications if undergoing sedation or anesthesia.
Sometimes deep chemical peels require sedation, and so it is advisable to arrange a lift home with a friend or family member as you will not be able to drive after the procedure is done.
Make sure you plan your recovery prior to having the procedure done. Ensure that you have wide-brimmed hats to cover your face from the sun, have enough sunscreen on hand for daily applications, and let your employer know that you may need to take a few days off due to the discomfort that you will most likely experience post-procedure.
What is Chemical Peeling Treatment?
Chemical peel treatment is an effective procedure that successfully helps in visibly reducing acne scars, acne, freckles, rough and patchy skin. It also helps in reversing signs of aging like dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Scarring from injuries, skin damage from prolonged exposure to the sun, and uneven pigmentation can further be address with a chemical peeling procedure.
How to care about a skin peeling Treatment?
The duration of recovery will differ from one person to the next and on the type of chemical peel used. Redness, scaling, blistering, swelling, and reaction similar to sunburn can be expected for about 3 to 14 days after the procedure.
To get the best results, it is important to follow doctors’ or dermatologists’ advice on chemical peel treatment aftercare. You can also be advised to avoid exposure to the sun for a few months as the new skin will be fragile and more prone to damage.
Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?
Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for chemical peels. If you have darker skin, you may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated. But you also may be more likely to have an uneven skin tone after the procedure.
Skin sags, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to chemical peels. They may need other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures, such as laser resurfacing, a facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or soft tissue filler (collagen or fat). A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for you.
5 Steps To Do A Chemical Peel At Home
Here are some tips for doing it at home.
Always do a patch test to check if you are allergic to any of the chemicals. Even if you have done chemical peeling before, do a patch test every time you do it. To do a patch test:
Take a small amount of the product and apply it to your inner arm or on your wrist.
Leave it on for 24-48 hours. See how your skin reacts. Remove it after 48 hours and wait for two more days to make sure it does not cause a delayed reaction.
If your skin is fine after doing the patch test, go ahead with the chemical peel. If you are using it for the first time, start with the lowest concentration possible. You can gradually increase the concentration as your skin gets used to the acid. To begin with, you can use 8% TCA, 30% lactic acid, or 30% glycolic acid. If you are using any tretinoin-based products, stop using them a week before using the chemical peel.
Now, let’s discuss how you can do chemical peeling at home.
Step 1: Clean Your Face
Before applying the chemical peeling solution, cleanse your face with a gentle and soap-free cleanser.
Step 2: Protect The Sensitive Parts
Areas such as the skin around your eyes, the corners of your lips, and your nostrils are very sensitive. Apply petroleum jelly on them to protect them from the acid.
Step 3: Apple The Chemical Peeling Solution
Use a Q-tip, a cotton swab, or a cotton pad to apply the chemical solution to your face. Start with the areas that are less sensitive, such as the skin on your forehead, cheeks, and chin, and then apply it to your nose and neck.
Step 4: Leave It On For The Time Recommended By The Manufacturer
The wait time differs with the ingredients. However, it’s always safe to keep it on for lesser than the recommended time. For instance, if the instructions ask you to leave it on for 2 minutes, it’s best to remove it after 1 minute or 1 minute 30 seconds.
Step 5: Remove The Peel
Remove the chemical as per the instructions provided with the product and apply a neutralizing solution. Usually, all products come with a neutralizing solution. This is to stop the solution from working on your skin. If your product doesn’t come with any neutralizing solution, it means the chemical stops working as soon as you remove it from your skin.
You can also make your own neutralizing solution. Just mix baking soda in some water until it forms a paste and applies it after you wash the chemical off your face.
If your first attempt goes well, you can increase the intensity or concentration of the acid the next time.
After chemical peeling, you need to be very careful about what you put on your skin. Here is a skincare regimen you can follow right after chemical peeling.
7 Side Effects Of Chemical Peel:
Chemical peels can cause various side effects, including:
1. Redness
Expect some redness of the skin after a chemical peel. With deeper peels or with certain skin types, redness can be severe. It may fade within a few weeks, or it may last several months. The strength of the solution used for the chemical peel will determine how much redness will occur and how long the redness will last.
2. Crusting
Crusts or scabs may develop on areas treated with any type of chemical peel as the skin reacts to the trauma of having a mildly acidic solution applied to it. Phenol peels can be expected to result in some crusting as the old layer of skin exfoliates and the underlying layer of skin emerges.
3. Changes in skin color
A chemical peel can cause treated skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or lighter than normal (hypopigmentation).
4. Sensitivity to Light
A chemical peel can increase a patient’s sensitivity to sunlight so avoidance of sun exposure is usually advisable for several months after the treatment. Wearing sunscreen is highly recommended following a chemical peel.
5. Infection
A chemical peel can cause a flare-up of the herpes virus – the virus that causes cold sores. Rarely, a chemical peel can lead to a bacterial or fungal infection.
6. Heart, kidney, or liver damage
A deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid (phenol) which can damage the heart muscle and cause the heart to beat irregularly. Phenol can also harm the kidneys and liver.
7. Flaking and Peeling
Flaking and peeling are normal chemical peel side effects that are temporary and relatively minor. A patient must not pick at the flakes and peeling skin because pulling off peeling skin before it is ready can result in infection and scarring.
Also read: How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars Naturally
Cost
The cost of chemical peels depends on the type of peel you get
the average cost of a chemical peel is $673
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