What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical Peels are non-surgical treatments that are used to restore wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented or sun-damaged facial skin, using a chemical solution to peel away the skin’s top layers. The peels include exfoliation of the facial skin, often in combination with the microdermabrasion treatments.
A chemical peel utilizes a chemical solution to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. It is commonly used on the face, hands, neck, and chest. The solution is applied to the skin for a specific duration, dependent on the chemical strength and desired effects. This peeling process eliminates dead skin cells, resulting in an enhanced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
The application process for a chemical peel is straightforward and usually takes approximately 15 minutes. Initially, the skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and then the chemical peel solution will be carefully applied to the facial area, possibly extending the treatment to the neck and chest. The solution will penetrate the skin, undergo a brief period of action, and finally, be delicately removed. This causes controlled damage to the skin cells, triggering the body’s natural healing process. As the damaged layers of skin are shed, new cells are generated to replace them. This enhances skin texture and addresses skin care concerns like uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scarring.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels enhance your skin’s natural radiance, eradicate impurities, and effectively address hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and acne. These peels provoke controlled exfoliation of the skin’s epidermis and upper dermis, leading to revitalization and restoration. Throughout the treatment process, the active ingredients in the peel target signs of aging, discoloration, and acne, unveiling fresh, youthful skin. Professional chemical peels facilitate the shedding of superficial layers, revealing firm and luminous skin beneath.
What Can I Expect?
The licensed aestheticians at The Center will determine the treatment that is best for you, such as a Micropeel or Micropeel Plus, based on your individual needs. Contact us today to learn if chemical peels are right for you.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before a Chemical Peel
Before a chemical peel treatment, the skin will be prepared with a cleanser. Subsequently, the suitable chemical solution will be applied carefully to targeted areas of the skin.
What to Expect During a Chemical Peel
During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to the skin that exfoliates the outermost layers of dead skin cells to reveal smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Depending on the strength of the solution used, patients may experience a mild stinging sensation and varying degrees of peeling, but the result is typically glowing, more radiant skin.
What to Expect After a Chemical Peel
Following a light chemical peel, patients may experience symptoms such as redness, stinging, skin flaking, and irritation. It is important to note that these chemicals do not possess bleaching properties; however, slight changes in skin color may occur. It is advisable to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and diligently apply sunscreen to safeguard the new layer of skin.
During a medium chemical peel, patients should anticipate the occurrence of redness, stinging, and skin flaking, which can be likened to the sensation experienced with a deep sunburn.
After a deep chemical peel, patients typically resume work and normal activities after two weeks. Temporary discomfort, accompanied by peeling, crusting, skin redness, and potential discomfort lasting several days to weeks may be experienced. To alleviate discomfort, painkillers may be prescribed. While swelling usually subsides within two weeks, skin redness may persist for up to three months. A single deep chemical peel treatment can yield enduring and impressive results that may last up to 10 years.
Other Popular Procedures
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A breast lift, or mastopexy, enhances breast appearance by removing excess skin and firming the surrounding tissue. This surgical procedure results in perkier, fuller-looking breasts with a youthful contour.
LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction, often called "lipo" by patients, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from specific body areas. It targets regions such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks, particularly where diet and exercise have failed to achieve desired results.
KYBELLA™
KYBELLA® is an FDA-approved injectable medication designed to reduce submental fat, commonly known as a double chin. It's a non-surgical alternative to liposuction that uses synthetic deoxycholic acid—a molecule naturally found in the body that helps break down dietary fat. KYBELLA® works by destroying fat cells under the chin, leading to a noticeable reduction in fullness. Once these cells are destroyed, they can no longer store or accumulate fat, eliminating the need for further treatment after achieving your desired look.
Halo™ Laser Treatment
HALO™ Laser, a cutting-edge treatment, gives you flawless and radiant skin. By merging the advantages of both ablative and non-ablative laser technologies, this laser targets various skin issues such as wrinkles, sun damage, enlarged pores, and uneven texture. The HALO™ Laser stimulates collagen production resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different types of Chemical Peels available?
Superficial and deep chemical peels are two types of chemical peels available. Superficial peels, such as the Micropeel, are the more gentle option. They do not require downtime and involve applying a layer of acid to the skin, which is then neutralized. For more dramatic results, the Micropeel Plus is a slightly more aggressive option. It includes an additional layer of salicylic acid to unclog pores and penetrate deeper into the skin.
How long does a Chemical Peel procedure typically take?
A chemical peel procedure usually takes approximately 15-20 minutes. depending on the type and strength of the peel.
Is a chemical peel painful?
A chemical peel can cause slight discomfort and a burning sensation during application. This varies depending on the type and strength of the peel used.
Can Chemical Peels be customized for different skin types?
Chemical peels can be customized to target specific skin concerns and types, making them suitable for most individuals. Adjusting the type and strength of the peel can ensure safe and effective results for every unique skin type.
What is the difference between superficial, medium, and deep Chemical peels?
Chemical peels are an effective way to rejuvenate the skin by accelerating the skin’s natural exfoliation process` and revealing a smoother, brighter complexion underneath. There are three categories of chemical peels – superficial, medium, and deep – each with its unique set of strengths and limitations. Superficial peels are the mildest of the three, typically using gentle acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) to lightly exfoliate the skin’s surface. Medium peels penetrate deeper into the skin using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to address more stubborn concerns like acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Deep peels are the most intensive option, using phenol to reach the deepest layers of the skin and deliver the most dramatic results.