Let’s Talk Chemical Peels: The Basics
March 13, 2012 2:26 pm
If there is one truth that can’t be avoided, it’s that as we age our dead cells remain on the skin’s surface. That once healthy, glowing, young skin can easily be replaced with dull, lifeless material attempting to pass itself off as skin.As we age our skin simply doesn’t renew itself as quickly as it used to when we were younger.
Every year, millions of chemical peels are performed. Chemical peeling is a skin rejuvenation technique that has been used by skincare professionals for decades. I’m going to give you a thorough introduction of the chemical peel basics. So let’s dive right in:
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a skin rejuvenation technique designed to improve the appearance, structure, and texture of the skin. During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to the skin surface, causing the top two layers of skin to separate from the lower layers and peel off. This process essentially wounds the skin and it responds by producing new, younger, healthier skin and a more rapid rate. This new skin is generally smoother, plumper, and less wrinkled. In addition, the skin color can also become more uniform and even.
What can a chemical peel accomplish?
Chemical peeling can be used to treat fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth, and the wrinkles that result from sun damage. Sunspots and age spots can all be improved by chemical peeling. Additionally, the pre-cancerous skin changes that result from excessive sun exposure (also called actinic keratoses) can also be improved with a chemical peel. Chemical peels are also used to help clear up acne and to treat mild scars that were caused by acne.
Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?
The best candidates have fine lines and wrinkles with minimal skin sagging. Patients with light to medium complexions respond best because there is less of a chance of the skin getting darker (known as hyperpigmentation) following the procedure.
What areas of the body can be treated with a chemical peel?
A chemical peel may be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms.
Does it Hurt?
Generally speaking, a light to medium depth chemical peel is not painful. Most patients experience a warm to somewhat hot sensation that lasts for five to ten minutes. However, a deep chemical peel, such as a TCA peel for very wrinkled skin, may require pain medicine during and after the procedure.
Why are there so many different kinds of chemical peels?
At 360 Skin we currently focus on the four major chemical peels (Glycolic, Salicylic, GlySal, and Jessner). With so many different peels available, you and I have the ability to select a peel that’s going to work on your specific goals and we can minimize the amount of downtime the you’re going to need.And by downtime I generally mean you’re going to have some skin flaking off; it can look a little like simple peeling after a sun burn to a major sloughing off of skin.
A peel should be selected based upon the type of skin condition that needs improvement. If the skin changes are confined to the upper layers of the skin, then a superficial peel will be effective (Glycolic, GlySal). However, if the changes in the skin involve the deeper layers of the skin, then a deeper and more aggressive peel will be required to obtain improvement (Jessner).
How long is the recovery period following a chemical peel?
A superficial peel has a recovery period of a few hours to a few days, depending on how aggressive the treatment was. Recovery from a medium depth/aggressive peel generally takes about one week. Like I said, you’ll look like you’ve had a sunburn and it’s now peeling. An after service take home enzyme kit can also be obtained to help minimize this issue.
The Wrap Up:
Usually peels are performed in a series of six for to get the best results but this number can vary from person to person and will depend on the strength of the peel chosen and your individual goals. Peels can be booked anywhere from two weeks to two months apart. Generally if you have acne and want to improve on this condition a Salicylic peel every two weeks will work best, sun-damaged skin needs a peel every month to see a change and aging skin once every six weeks to once a year.
With proper consultation you should expect to be able to achieve your goals with very little disruption to your life, well within your comfort level, and with the support of your ever so helpful esthetician every step of the way. Give us a call and we can discuss your goals and get you started.