Fearing an adverse reaction, many avoid facial treatments like chemical peels; however, these procedures are safe for most skin types.
As part of a chemical peel treatment, professional will clean your face before applying a solution of chemicals such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid or carbolic acid (phenol). These acids cause controlled wounds that allow new skin cells to emerge.
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are designed to refresh and rejuvenate skin cells for a more vibrant complexion, helping with issues like uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and sun spots. Chemical peels also stimulate collagen production which keeps skin tight and smooth.
Chemical peels are usually performed at a doctor’s office or surgical center and are outpatient procedures; you won’t need to stay overnight. Before the peel begins, your professional will thoroughly cleanse your face and may apply a numbing cream to alleviate irritation.
Chemical peels typically last about 30 minutes before being neutralized and removed with warm water. You may feel some tingling at first; this should wear off within minutes.
Deeper peels use stronger chemicals, like glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid or phenol, that penetrate both middle and outer layers of skin in order to treat damaged tissue and eliminate scar tissue. As these deeper peels may increase scarring risk, be sure to inform your doctor if any history of keloids exists prior to proceeding with them.
How does a chemical peel work?
Chemical peels are resurfacing techniques that utilize chemical solutions to exfoliate the top layers of skin. Depending on their strength and chemical type, chemical peels can treat various conditions including sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, mild acne breakouts or precancerous scaly spots (actinic keratosis).
Dermatologists often utilize medical degreasers to thoroughly cleanse the skin before applying a peeling agent. Patients should lie down while this agent is applied, with eyes and hair covered to avoid accidental exposure to it. Once on, it remains on for several minutes; patients typically feel some mild stinging sensation.
After applying the peeling agent, patients can then rinse it off before applying an ointment or soothing product as directed. A dermatologist will monitor for signs of complications like rashes, cold sores or herpes outbreaks to reduce risk for complications in future sessions. Should this occur, medications will likely be prescribed in order to mitigate their potential impacts.
What are the side effects of a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are typically administered in doctor’s offices or outpatient surgery centers, where your skin will first be cleansed with a degreaser before chemical solutions such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or TCA are applied in small patches across your face or body. You may experience temporary discomfort that can be relieved with cool compresses or an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen.
After receiving a chemical peel, your skin may become red and itchy in the areas where the chemical was applied. If this persists, contact either your physician or practitioner who provided your peel.
Your skin may be more vulnerable to sunlight after receiving a chemical peel, so use physical sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and limit sun exposure as much as possible until your skin heals. Tanning should also be avoided and you may benefit from wearing a sunhat or scarf until its time for your next session of sunbathing. In rare instances, chemical peels can result in permanent scarring or pigment changes so ensure you choose an experienced practitioner registered on a register that demonstrates they comply with established training, skill, and insurance standards for their procedure.
What are the benefits of a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are effective ways of combatting discoloration and lightening scars or dark spots on the skin, improving tone, texture and elasticity. A chemical peel may be particularly useful for people suffering from acne-prone or sun-damaged skin; additionally it may aid those living with rosacea or similar redness conditions.
As an outpatient procedure, this process takes place at either a doctor’s office or surgery center as an outpatient process. Professionals will clean the area to be treated before applying a chemical solution; during which you may feel burning or stinging sensations for approximately five to ten minutes during which cool compresses may help ease discomfort. Pain relief might not be needed during a light peel; however sedatives or painkillers might be prescribed if undergoing deep peels.
Prior to receiving a peel, it is recommended that certain cosmetic treatments such as hair dyeing or permanent-wave treatments and facial scrubs should be put off for at least a week. Furthermore, you should refrain from shaving and apply an SPF 50+ sunscreen over any areas where treatment has taken place.