How Chemical Peels Can Effectively Address Your Skin Concerns?
Chemical peeling is one of the highly safe, sought-after and super-effective cosmetic treatments done on your skin, using different chemical solutions, in order to remove layers of your skin.
So, have you ever wondered why chemical peeling treatments are done?
- Treat certain skin conditions like rosacea
- Reveal more youthful, even texture and smoother skin below
- Help fight acne, scars and hyperpigmentation
- Reduce skin imperfections like fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhance skin appearance
Which one of the above is a benefit of chemical peeling?
The right answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE!
Let’s now understand chemical peeling further, through this blog article, its several benefits and side effects, treatment procedures, advantages and disadvantages of chemical peels treatment for your skin, some dos and don’ts, and a few tips for best results.
Did You Know? A chemical peel is also referred to as chemexfoliation and dermapeeling. |
Chemical Peeling Tips For Best Results
- Assess your skin type and the condition you are seeking treatment for, with the help of a professional dermatologist. Always go for certified and licensed healthcare providers to avoid any health complications
- Consult your skin doctor on the kind of results that can be expected from the chemical peel procedure, which type of chemical peel (light, medium, and deep) can be most effective in your case and what your recovery can possibly look like
- Openly share about your skin concerns, any abnormal skin scarring, frequent cold sores, that you may have experienced in the past, with your skin expert so that they can account for any adverse reactions while making your treatment plan. Inform them about any medications you are currently on. In patients with skin conditions like psoriasis, a weakened immune system, those who are pregnant / breastfeeding and others who have undergone any surgery or have heart disease, the doctor might want to evaluate individual risk factors and recommend if you are right for chemical peels treatment or not. It’s best to not opt for chemical peeling in such scenarios
- Ask your doctor for a list of dos and don’ts tailored as per your unique needs, to be followed before, during and after your chemical peels treatment
Chemical Peeling Process: A Step-By-Step Guide
Chemical peeling treatments are done at dermatologists’ clinics on an outpatient basis. After tying the patient’s hair entirely at the back, their face is cleaned properly. The patient is given eye protection goggles. In certain situations, the doctor may also recommend topical anesthesia especially for face and neck treatments. Depending on the type of treatment, the chemical solution is gently applied on the skin, on the specific treatment area and then neutralized and removed.
Types of chemical peels | Factors to consider | Treatment specifics |
Light chemical peel (also called as superficial peel) | Beneficial for | Exfoliates your skin by peeling off your topmost skin layer |
Recovery time | Not much downtime, about 1 – 7 days | |
Treats what | Can help address wrinkles, acne, rough skin and unevenness in skin tone | |
Is it painful? | Mild stinging sensation during application of chemical solution | |
Medium chemical peel | Penetration area | Removes epidermis and a layer beneath that |
Which is more effective? | Stronger than light chemical peel treatment | |
Recovery time | Redness may last for months, but usually healing happens in 7 to 14 days | |
Treats what | Freckles, damaged skin cells, moderate skin discolouration, age spots, fine lines | |
Post-op observations | Eyelids may swell shut. Post treatment period characterized by redness, swelling, blisters, skin crusts | |
Deep chemical peel | Treats what | Can treat deeper wrinkles and scars, and also precancerous skin patches |
Process and outcomes | Use of extremely strong chemicals in the procedure, done only once, effects can last for as long as 10 years. The doctor can also numb the treatment area, give general anesthesia and IV and closely watch the heart rate alongside the process | |
Procedure | Usually done in 15-minute intervals to restrict skin from getting continually exposed to the acid. The treatment area will then be bandaged during recovery phase | |
Relief tips | Use of ice packs, cold compresses or a cool fan for 20 minutes |
Benefits Of Chemical Peeling Treatment
- Enhance skin appearance
- Fix dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or birth control pills
- Remove skin dullness
- Promotes skin health and radiance
- Treat skin discolouration
- Reduce acne scars, wrinkles, aging lines
- New skin underneath peeled skin is smoother and even
Side Effects Of Chemical Peeling
Sometimes, chemical peeling can result in certain complications like:
> Temporary or permanent skin color change
> Infection
> Scarring
> Cold sores
> Redness and swelling
> Dryness and burning
> Heart, kidney, liver damage
Dos And Don’ts In Chemical Peeling Treatments
Dos:
- In deep chemical peels, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to wash and moisturize your skin effectively along with a list of products to be used and avoided
- After chemical peels, your skin’s sensitivity towards sun is increased, use sunscreens and hats to protect your skin while also limiting your exposure to sun
- Prepare your skin for the treatment by using medications as instructed by your doctor
- Better to have someone accompany and drive you back home after the treatment
Don’ts:
- Hair removal products, waxing, facial scrubs, hair bleaching – say no to all
- Avoid using painkiller medications, lotions and creams without discussing with your doctor
- Especially in deep chemical peels, avoid stepping out in the sun. Do not use makeup unless advised by your skin expert
- Smoking can result in unwanted reactions, better to avoid it after chemical peels
Conclusion
Chemical peels are a restorative cosmetic procedure that can endow remarkable skin results in patients when done under the supervision of a well-trained and experienced dermatologist. From saying bye to aging signs and damaged skin cells, to welcoming glowing healthy skin underneath, chemical peeling treatments can have several unimaginable benefits. Consult our experts and skin doctors at Serena Medical Center today to understand in detail what to expect from this treatment, whether your skin is good for chemical peels and what precautions you need to take before, during and after the course of the chemical peeling treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many chemical peeling treatments are required for best results?
The number of chemical peeling treatment sessions needed in different individuals usually depends on their skin, peeling types and outcomes desired.
- Which areas on my skin can be treated with chemical peeling?
Chemical peels can be done on your face, hands and neck. The cost may vary depending on the treatment area chosen and number of treatments required.
- How do I know if my skin is good for chemical peels?
Patients with fair skin, light hair, and overall good health are considered ideal for chemical peel treatments. People with darker skin are generally at a higher risk of skin discolouration and uneven tone after a chemical peel. Moreover, a doctor may review your medical condition and health status beforehand as chemical peeling isn’t for everyone.
Disclaimer: This piece of content is no substitute for direct medical advice. The purpose and intent of this blog is to just impart knowledge, share general tips and spread awareness. It is in no way a replacement to any medical consultation provided by professionals. Serena Medical Center strictly recommends reaching out to qualified healthcare providers and medical experts for personalized advice and further information.