A chemical peel is a procedure used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin, and acne scars. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, removing the top layers, resulting in new and smoother skin from below to surface. In essence, a chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure. There are three different types of chemical peels – light, medium, and deep – depending on the issue being treated.
Here, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about chemical peels.
How to Prepare
A dermatologist, or doctor who specializes in skincare and conditions, is trained to perform chemical peels, as well as aestheticians. Before your chemical peel, your skin expert will review your medical history and perform a comprehensive skin exam to determine what type of chemical peel you will benefit from the most. Your skin expert will also discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you and talk about your expectations and what your desired outcome is.
Your skin expert will give you various instructions before you come in for the chemical peel. This may include avoiding excessive sun exposure and certain cosmetic treatments. If you’ll be sedated during the procedure, you’ll want to arrange for someone to drive you home. Your skin expert may also prescribe a retinoid cream or bleaching agent to use a few weeks before the chemical peel to help reduce side effects.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
For a light chemical peel, pain relief isn’t usually needed. However, for a medium or deep chemical peel, a sedative or painkiller may be used. Your skin expert will use a cotton ball or gauze to apply a solution containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid to the skin. The skin will begin to whiten, and you may feel mild stinging while the chemical solution is on your face. To remove the chemical solution, your skin expert will apply a neutralizing solution to the skin.
After the procedure, your skin will be red, dry, and mildly irritated or swollen. Your skin expert may apply a soothing ointment such as petroleum jelly to help with pain and irritation. Ice packs or cool compresses can help with swelling. You may take over-the-counter pain-relieving medication to help with discomfort. After a few days, you will be able to wear makeup to cover up any redness.
Risks
A chemical peel is not without side effects. Redness is common and may last for a few weeks after a medium or deep chemical peel. Scarring can happen but is rare. Hyperpigmentation, or darker than normal skin, can happen after light chemical peels, while hypopigmentation, or lighter than normal skin, can occur after deeper chemical peels. Because layers of the skin are being removed, exposure to bacteria, viruses, or fungi can occur, leading to infection. These risks can be diminished significantly by having an experienced and reputable skin expert perform your chemical peel and by following their aftercare instructions properly.
Results
With a light chemical peel, you should start to see subtle changes in skin texture and tone with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. You may need repeated treatments to see more noticeable results. With a medium or deep chemical peel, you will see noticeable results right away and the treated skin will look and feel smoother. Keep in mind that over time, sun damage will cause more lines and skin color changes to appear. You’ll want to ask your skin expert how long to avoid the sun after a chemical peel, as new skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Chemical Peels in Dallas, TX
Here at Privé Aesthetics, we offer chemical peels by our highly qualified team of professional aestheticians. We’re here to help you achieve younger, smoother-looking skin. Conveniently located on Hillcrest Avenue across from the SMU campus, we offer some of the best aesthetic services in the Dallas area.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call us today at (817) 739-6640 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We will get back to you as soon as possible with an available appointment date. We look forward to helping you look your best.
