Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic treatment that can improve the texture and appearance of the skin.
They work by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath.
In this blog post, you will learn the different types of chemical peels available, the benefits they offer, and what you can expect before and after a treatment.
My skin concern is melasma and that’s why I get chemical peels every once in a while.
Different Types of Chemical Peels
There are several types of chemical peels, each with a different level of intensity. The depth of the peel will determine how much of the skin is removed and how long it takes for the skin to heal.
The lightest type of chemical peel is known as a superficial peel. These peels use mild acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), to gently exfoliate the skin.
Superficial peels are often used to improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and mild acne.
They require little to no downtime and can be repeated frequently, making them a popular choice for people with sensitive skin looking to maintain their skin’s appearance.
Medium peels, also known as a medium-depth peel, use stronger chemicals such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to penetrate deeper into the skin.
These peels are used to improve the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage, and moderate acne.
The downtime required for a medium chemical peel is usually around 7-10 days.
Deep peels use phenol, a strong acid, to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. They can be used to improve the appearance of severe wrinkles, sun damage, and precancerous growths.
The downtime for a deep chemical peel can be several weeks, and it is typically performed only once.
What do I do Before a Chemical Peel?
Before undergoing a chemical peel, it is important to have a consultation with a qualified skincare professional to determine which type of peel you’re a good candidate for regarding your skin type and concerns.
They will also be able to answer any questions you may have and provide you with pre-treatment instructions.
Before the treatment, it is recommended that you avoid sun exposure, certain skin care products with things like salicylic acid, and certain medications that can make your skin more sensitive.
It is also important to inform your skincare professional of any allergies or medical skin conditions you may have.
What Happens During a Chemical Peel?
During the treatment, the chemical solution will be applied to your skin and left on for a certain amount of time, depending on the type of peel being used.
The chemical solution will cause the skin to peel and blister, and the skincare professional will neutralize the chemical and remove it.
After the treatment, you will be given instructions for taking care of your skin during the healing process, which may include the use of a moisturizer, sunscreen, and avoiding sun exposure.
What Happens After a Chemical Peel?
After the treatment, your skin will be red and swollen, and you may experience some pain or discomfort.
The skin will start to peel and flake, and it is important to not pick or pull at the skin as it heals. It is important to follow the post-treatment instructions given by your skin care professional to ensure the best results.
Chemical peels can offer many benefits for the skin, such as:
- Improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the appearance of acne and acne scars, and the appearance of sun damage and age spots.
- Improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.
- Helping to reduce the size of pores.
- Stimulating the production of collagen, which can make the skin appear thicker and more youthful.
How Long Do Chemical Peels Last?
The type of chemical peel you receive will play a major role in determining how long the results will last.
As already mentioned, there are several types of chemical peels, each with a different level of intensity.
Superficial peels, also known as light peels, are the mildest type of chemical peel and typically have the shortest duration of results. They use mild acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), to gently exfoliate the skin.
Superficial peels can improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and mild acne, but the results are often temporary and will typically last for around 1-2 weeks.
Medium peels, also known as medium-depth peels, use stronger chemicals such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to penetrate deeper into the skin.
These peels can improve the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage, and moderate acne and the results typically last for about 1-3 months.
Deeper peels use phenol, a strong acid, to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. They can be used to improve the appearance of severe wrinkles, sun damage, and precancerous growths.
The results of a deep peel are more dramatic, but they also require a longer recovery period and the results last for longer, six months to a year, and sometimes even longer.
How to Make a Chemical Peel Last Longer
In addition to the type of chemical peel treatment you choose, there are several other factors that can affect how long the results will last. For example, the condition of your skin before the treatment, how well you take care of your new skin after the treatment, and your skincare routine can all play a role.
For example, if you have sun-damaged skin before the treatment, you are more likely to see results that last longer.
Additionally, if you maintain healthy skincare habits, such as using sunscreen, avoiding smoking, and staying hydrated, your skin will be better able to maintain the results of the peel.
Another important factor that can affect how long the results of a chemical peel last is the strength of the peel itself. Stronger peels will generally produce longer-lasting results than weaker peels, but they also require a longer recovery time.
It is also worth noting that while a chemical peel can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and acne scars, sun damage, and age spots, it can’t stop the natural aging process.
Also, the effects are not permanent. These changes will come back with time. As a result, many people choose to have touch-up peels every 6 months to a year to maintain their results.
In order to maintain the results of your chemical peel, it is important to continue to take good care of your skin.
This may include using sun protection, moisturizing regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. It is also a good idea to avoid harsh exfoliants and scrubs, which can irritate the skin and undo the results of the peel.
6 Chemical Peel Alternatives
The thought of chemical peels may evoke images of potential downtime and skin irritation for some individuals.
If you’re seeking alternative methods to achieve a renewed and youthful appearance without the intensity of a chemical peel, here are several gentler alternatives that can help you achieve radiant skin while minimizing potential side effects.
1. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliating treatment that gently removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. Using a handheld device, tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand are applied to the skin, buffing away the outermost layer.
This process reveals fresh, smoother skin underneath, reducing the appearance of fine lines, scars, and sun damage. Microdermabrasion is a well-tolerated procedure, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
2. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing utilizes concentrated beams of light to target specific skin concerns. The laser energy promotes collagen production and resurfaces the skin, addressing wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture. This treatment can be adjusted to suit different skin types and concerns, allowing for a customized approach.
Depending on the intensity of the treatment, some downtime may be required, but the results can be remarkable.
3. Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique that uses a sterile blade to remove dead skin cells and fine facial hair. This treatment not only enhances the skin’s texture and radiance but also helps to improve the absorption of skincare products.
Dermaplaning is gentle and well-suited for most skin types, with no downtime. It leaves the skin feeling smooth, soft, and refreshed. For more on how this compares to a chemical peel, click here.
4. Enzyme Peels
Enzyme peels are milder alternatives to chemical peels that use natural enzymes derived from fruits and other botanical sources. These enzymes gently exfoliate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their removal.
Enzyme peels are effective in improving skin tone, texture, and overall clarity. They are suitable for sensitive skin and can be used regularly without causing excessive dryness or irritation.
5. Hydrafacial
Hydrafacial is a multi-step treatment that combines exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant infusion to improve skin health and appearance.
This non-invasive procedure cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin using a specialized handheld device. It is gentle, comfortable, and suitable for all skin types. Hydrafacial provides instant results, leaving the skin plump, radiant, and rejuvenated.
6. Chemical-Free Topical Treatments
If you prefer to avoid any form of invasive procedure, there are various chemical-free topical treatments available. These include gentle exfoliants, serums, and masks that contain natural ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), fruit enzymes, and botanical extracts.
These products promote cellular turnover, improve skin texture, and address specific concerns such as hyperpigmentation or dullness. Regular use of these gentle alternatives can yield visible results over time.
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