Feeling comfortable and confident in your skin is hard for everyone sometimes, but it can be especially difficult if you struggle with skin damage on your face.
Your skin may become discolored or uneven from sun exposure or severe acne as you age. Skin naturally shows signs of aging with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Softer, smoother skin is possible, but it can be hard to know how to get there with so many products, facials, and procedures available today.
Dr. Gupta and her team at The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center in Cincinnati, OH, are dedicated to personalizing your treatment options and helping your natural beauty shine through.
Whether you are looking for an acne scar treatment or just feel like your skin could be brighter and more radiant, we offer a range of treatment options to help you look and feel your best.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a treatment used to improve the appearance of your skin. When the chemicals are applied to your face, they cause your skin to “blister,” and eventually, a layer of skin will peel off. The procedure mimics the body’s natural regeneration process by removing the damaged, outermost layer of the skin to reveal the healthy skin lying just underneath.
Unlike a facial, which addresses superficial skin imperfections like blackheads or dehydration, a chemical peel can address a variety of more advanced skin conditions. The process requires stronger exfoliants that can reduce the appearance of unwanted scarring, discoloration, and fine lines.
What Do Chemical Peels Treat?
There are many reasons a chemical peel might be right for you. Chemical peels can treat a wide range of skin conditions, including unwanted spots and scarring due to sun exposure or severe acne. You may consider getting a chemical peel if you want to reduce the appearance of:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Acne scars
- Sunspots
- Hyperpigmentation and dark patches
- Uneven texture
These facials can be an especially effective acne scar treatment, and they are commonly used for that purpose. A chemical peel on its own can have an impressive effect on the quality of your skin, but it is frequently combined with other cosmetic procedures for holistic results.
The Different Types of Chemical Peels
Yes, not all chemical peels are created equal. Your skin type and what kind of issue you are addressing will determine the strength and depth of the peel. There are three different depths: light, medium, and deep.
Light Peel
Light (also known as superficial) chemical peels target the outermost layer of your skin. They use mild acids to exfoliate gently and provide subtle improvements to your appearance. Recovering from a light peel might be as little as a few hours or at most a few days.
Medium Peel
Medium chemical peels target both the middle and outer layers of your skin. They can reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and discoloration or serve as an acne scar treatment.
As the intensity of the peel increases, so does the recovery time. Recovering from a medium chemical peel takes about five to seven days.
Deep Peel
Deep chemical peels penetrate deep into the middle layer of your skin to remove damaged skin cells. This type of peel will give you the most dramatic results, but it also requires a much longer recovery period. It can take up to two weeks for your skin to begin regenerating, so it is important to be gentle with your face post-procedure.
There are also different options for the type of exfoliant used in your treatment. We offer a range of chemical peels, including:
- Glycolic acid peels
- Salicylic acid peels
- Jessner’s peel
- VI peel
- 360 peel
- Blue peel
All of these options have different qualities that make them tailored to certain conditions or areas of treatment. Our knowledgeable dermatologists will work with you to evaluate your skin type and recommend which type of chemical peel is right for you.
Treatment Expectations
When you come in for your chemical peel, we will start by thoroughly cleansing your skin. Then our esthetician or dermatologist will apply the chemical peel. Depending on what type of peel you get, you may experience a warm, tingling, or itching sensation during the treatment.
Coming in with extra sensitive skin may lengthen your healing process, so we recommend avoiding unnecessary sun exposure and tanning booths for days to weeks before your appointment.
During your consultation, our dermatologist will provide you with detailed instructions about preparing your skin before the procedure.
Post-Treatment Expectations
The recovery process can vary depending on what type of peel you get. Typically, the effects of light to medium peels should clear up in just a few days.
For deeper peels, some redness, scabbing, or swelling is normal. Make sure to keep your skin clean and protected while it recovers, as the skin can be prone to infection in the period just after treatment.
After your procedure, you may find you have an increased sensitivity to the sun. This is common for many patients after a chemical peel. Avoid direct sunlight until your skin has finished peeling.
If you do need to spend time outdoors, make sure to wear a hat and stay in the shade as much as possible.
Are Chemical Peels Safe for Everyone?
People of all ages, skin types, and tones can benefit from chemical peel facials.
However, there are certain details to consider when determining whether a chemical peel is suitable for you. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking certain medications, a chemical peel may not be appropriate for you.
If you have a family history of ridged areas of overgrown scar tissue (keloids) or are prone to outbreaks of cold sores, then chemical peels may not be right for you.
If you have any doubts, be open and honest during your consultation and let our dermatologist at The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center in Cincinnati, OH, determine whether you are a good candidate for a chemical peel. Call today!
