Chemical peels help transform dull and dry skin into a youthful and radiant one. Dermatologists recommend chemical peeling to correct numerous skin issues and help renew the skin’s overall texture. Using different types of acids, hence its name, chemical peels break down and diminish issues like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
So, if you are doing some research before your appointment, this article will help you know more. Here’s what to expect to happen before, during, and after a chemical peel.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A popular facial treatment, a chemical peel removes dead cells from the skin’s surface to help reveal new skin underneath. Using a chemical solution, a dermatologist applies this to the skin and help exfoliate its top layer. Medium and deep chemical peels also help remove dead skin cells from the inner layers. The chemical peel treatment can be used to help address several skin issues, including:
- Shallow wrinkles – also known as atrophic crinkling rhytids
- Fine lines and creases – fine lines are closer to the skin’s surface, while creases are more deep-set
- Sun damage – causes pigmentation, loss of skin tone, and rough, uneven skin texture
- Mild scars – can either be acne-caused or from skin trauma
- Dark spots and age spots – pigmentation caused by over-exposure to the sun and age
- Pigmentation irregularities – abnormal or unbalanced color of the skin
- Acne – pores of the skin become blocked by hair, oil, bacteria and dead skin cells
Eventually, your dermatologist is the best person to tell you if you must become a candidate for a chemical peel. The chemical peel treatment is generally the best option in improving mild issues of the skin. Having deep wrinkles or severe pigmentation issues may make the dermatologist likely recommend treatments other than chemical peels like dermal injections and laser treatments.
In addition, it can be crucial to discuss medical history and background with your dermatologist. Your discussion may include any medical conditions you might previously have or still have and all prescriptions and medications you are currently taking. Dermatologists will use this information to determine whether a chemical peel is a healthy option for you or if other procedures will be more appropriate to your concern.
How To Prepare for a Chemical Peel
Your dermatologist will give proper instructions to prepare you for your chemical peel treatment better. Preparations are necessary because this can affect either the effects of the procedure and your recovery time, too. Here are tips in preparation for your upcoming chemical peel:
1.Don’t exfoliate in the meantime.
Chemical peels are in-depth forms of exfoliation, so it is essential to note that exfoliating at least a week before your appointment will affect the outcome of this procedure.
Try to also watch out for similar ingredients in your daily skincare products that may have the same exfoliating effect, even though you may or may not be that active in exfoliating using scrubs or exfoliants. Using these products before your appointment could unknowingly create and cause unwanted damages to your skin.
2. Stop using any anti-ageing or anti-acne medications before your appointment.
It is highly recommended that you stop using skincare products with ingredients such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid at least five days before your scheduled appointment. These types of products could significantly impact how your skin tolerates the chemical peel.
3.You may also be requested to stop using other facial products.
Your dermatologist may also request you to temporarily avoid using products like facial scrubs, masks, and self-tanners, especially if it’s part of your daily facial routine.
4.Protect yourself from the sun as much as possible.
It is vital to protect your face and skin from the sun’s rays and eventual damage it might cause before your chemical peel, so try always to apply SPF daily.
5.Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
On the day of your appointment, your skin should be well-hydrated for the chemical peel. Products that could be dry out your skin should be avoided at least a few days before your appointment. Simply put, drink plenty of water.
6.Try not to schedule a chemical peel appointment close to an important event.
Chemical peels offer lasting results, so a certain amount of recovery time is needed immediately following the treatment. Having big shindigs happening in the next couple of weeks after your appointment might not be the best thing to do.
Make sure you arrive at your scheduled appointment without any form of makeup and with clean and washed skin. In some instances, dermatologists also prescribe antibiotics to patients before undergoing a chemical peel.
What Happens During a Chemical Peel?
Most chemical peel treatments take about 30 to 60 minutes, greatly depending on the depth of the peeling to be done. Appointments start with skin preparations. The dermatologist first cleanses your skin and cover your eyes and hair before applying the chemical peel solution. Using either a brush or a sponge, dermatologists will apply the solution to your skin that has an exfoliating acid, like glycolic or salicylic acid. You might get a feeling of a slight stinging sensation while the solution sits on your skin.
The dermatologists will leave the solution on your skin for a specific amount of time, then neutralize and remove it after. Finally, they will apply a cool compress to your face that will soothe your skin. You might be prescribed pain medication to take at home if you had a deep peel.
What To Expect After a Chemical Peel?
Depending on the depth of the treatment, the aftermath of a chemical peel may differ per patient. Mild chemical peel treatments result in redness and swelling for up to a week. And likely experience some flaking, too. Medium and deep chemical peels result in more redness and swelling, having the skin also becoming crusty and flaky, which lasts up to two weeks. If you are concerned about any side effects, best to contact your dermatologist right away.
Aside from the expected best results from a chemical peel, it is also best to continuously communicate with your dermatologist after the treatment. They may recommend skin ointments to help soothe the area and recover faster. However, medium to deep chemical peels might require pain medications. Also, avoid the sun and refrain from wearing and using makeup as long as your dermatologist recommends. With this, the results of your chemical peel will be as successful as you have wanted it to become.
Are you interested in learning more about chemical skin peels? Our amazing friends from Revive – SkinFX are proud professionals who offer you help for various medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services. Visit them today to get started.
