What is a Chemical Peel Facial? Everything You Need to Know

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What is a chemical peel facial? Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about chemical peels.

Looking for a new way to treat yourself (and your skin)?

In 2015, 603,305 chemical peels were performed. In fact, it was among the top five requested nonsurgical procedures.

More people treat their pesky skin concerns with a chemical facial peel. This low-tech, non-intimidating treatment helps whisk away wrinkles. It’s even a wonder against acne.

Not sure if this facial treatment appeals to you?

Here’s what you need to know. Pretty soon you can sit back, relax and peel all your skin worries away.

What is a Chemical Peel Facial?

During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to the skin. This resurfacing procedure removes the top layer of skin.

Its exfoliating power cleans away dead skin cells. Once the solution is peeled off, your skin is refreshed and rejuvenated.

Chemical peels reduce wrinkles to leave softer, smoother skin. They also help treat scars and skin discoloration. Peels are often applied to the face, neck or hands.

Light-haired, fair-skinned patients are ideal candidates for chemical peels. If your skin tone is darker, you can still experience good results. But you might have skin tone that’s a little uneven.

Severe wrinkles, bulges and sagging skin don’t respond well to chemical peels. These can benefit from other facial treatment instead. Check-in with your dermatologic surgeon to determine your best treatment.

A chemical peel facial can cost anywhere between $100 and $400. The cost depends on location. Most, however, cost less than laser skin resurfacing.

Faces Spa chemical peels are possibly Glycolic, Salsilic, Lactiv acids, or some sort of fruit enzyme. Most peels should be done in a series for the optimal results.

Three Treatment Depths

Patients can request chemical peels at different depths to meet their skincare goals. The light, medium or deep peel each use different chemical solutions.

Light Peel

A superficial chemical peel focuses on removing the epidermis, the outer layer of skin.

This peel is ideal if you have wrinkles, acne, dry skin or  uneven skin tone.

You can also have this peel more often. Depending on your skincare goals, you can schedule a treatment as often as every two weeks.

Medium Peel

In addition to removing skin cells from the epidermis, this peel also removes portions of the dermis. The dermis refers to the upper part of your middle layer of skin.

This peel works best for acne scars, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

You can have a medium chemical peel every three to nine months. When you schedule your appointments, ask about the timeframe that best helps you maintain your results.

Deep Peel

The third type is a deep peel. This peel removes the epidermis as well as portions of the dermis’ mid to lower layers. This peel is best for treating deeper wrinkles, precancerous growths or obvious scars. You should only perform this deep peel once.

The Benefits

A chemical peel facial can improve varying skin concerns, including:

  • Certain types of acne
  • Mild scarring
  • Age spots, dark patches and freckles
  • Wrinkles caused by aging and sun damage
  • The fine lines around the mouth and under the eyes
  • The overall appearance and feel of your skin

Make sure to evaluate your skincare goals before you undergo this treatment.

Possible Side Effects

You might experience a number of side effects after a peel, including:

Changes in skin color

Hyperpigmentation is when the skin appears darker. Hypopigmentation is when the skin appears lighter. Both are possible.

Scarring

This is rare but possible. You might experience scarring on the lower face. But the use of steroid medications and antibiotics can soften their appearance.

Infection

You might experience a flare-up of the herpes virus, which causes cold sores. On rare occasions, a peel can also lead to a fungal or bacterial infection.

Redness

It’s normal for your skin to heal after a chemical peel. This can leave your skin slightly red. The medium and deep peels can leave your skin red for a few months

Heart, Kidney or Liver Damage

The deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid. This  can damage the heart muscle and cause an irregular heartbeat. There’s also the potential for kidney and liver damage

Sensitivity

Your skin is also more sensitive to skin after a treatment. Grab your shades and a hat before heading outside.

Your Aftercare

To improve the results after your peel, follow your doctor’s aftercare orders. You should also cleanse, moisturize and use protective ointments.

After a light peel:

  • Your skin will be mildly irritated, red and/or dry
  • Apply petroleum jelly or another protective ointment to soothe irritated skin
  • Your skin will appear lighter or darker for a short time
  • Your skin will need one to seven days to heal

After a medium peel:

  • Your skin will be tight, swollen and red
  • Use a protective ointment or petroleum jelly to soothe your skin
  • Use a gentle fan, ice packs and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain
  • Get a follow-up exam after your treatment
  • Your skin will likely form a crust and darken
  • Treated areas need seven to 14 days to heal
  • The redness may last a little longer

After a deep peel:

  • Your skin will be red and swollen
  • Your skin may throb and/or burn
  • Your doctor should prescribe painkillers and apply a watertight dressing
  • Avoid direct sunlight for two to three days
  • Sleep in a semi-reclined position to reduce swelling
  • You will need two weeks to develop new skin
  • The skin tone might appear darker or lighter
  • Don’t use cosmetics to conceal the redness until after two weeks

Make sure to protect your skin. Otherwise, new sun damage could reverse the results of your treatment.

Wipe Away Flaws With a Chemical Peel

Does a chemical peel facial appeal to you now? With this treatment, your skin issues are just an appointment away.

Explore our face spa shop today for alternative skincare options.

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