Chemical Peels

What They Are:

A chemical peel uses a solution applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells.

What They Do:

With age, the natural rejuvenation process of skin cells slows down. Chemical Peels create an even and controlled shedding of damaged skin cells. They can be used to tighten skin, reduce wrinkling and restore a more youthful appearance.

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Treatment Timeline:

Chemical peels have different treatment timelines based on the strength of your peel.  Depending on your skin type and the desired results, your physician may recommend a light, medium, or deep chemical peel. 

During the procedure, most patients experience a warm to hot sensation which may last as long as ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. For deeper peels, some patients require anesthesia and can take up to a few hours to complete.   

Light peels only take a few hours to a few days for full recovery, whereas medium to deep peels can take anywhere from a week to a few months. 

Alternatives:

Dermabrasion, Microdermabrasion

Why You Need an Experienced Provider:

Chemical peels can be dangerous if not done correctly.  An experienced physician or aesthetician is vital in determining the right strength of peel for your skin to protect you from the risks associated with chemical peels. 

The higher the strength of the peel, the greater risk of complications. Chemical peels can result in:

• Redness. It is typical to have some redness of the skin after a chemical peel, and the strong the peel, the more redness should be expected
• Color changes in the skin. Treated areas may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin
• Crusting and scaling
• Swelling (edema), especially around the eyes
• Scarring
• Allergic reaction to the chemical
• Infection. People who have a history of herpes outbreaks are especially prone to infection after a chemical peel
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight