Skincare regimes like cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are daily practices that help in skin maintenance. However, this does not prevent your skin from irregularities such as fine lines, sun spots, age spots, and mild scarring. Such skin issues are undesirable and may sometimes result in low self-esteem issues. The good news is, you can achieve radiant and smooth skin, thanks to cosmetic procedures such as a chemical peel. A consultation with Dr. Laura Riehm will give you more insight into what a chemical peel entails and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Here is what you need to know about chemical peels.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that involves using different chemical solutions such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid to cause injury to your skin’s upper layer. The epidermis eventually peels off, and new skin that is firmer and smoother grows back in place. The type of chemical solution your specialist uses depends on whether you need a light, medium, or deep chemical peel. They penetrate at different depths; some cause fewer injuries while others affect the top part of your skin’s middle layer.
Types of Chemical Peels:
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A light chemical peel
A light or superficial peel involves using glycolic acid or salicylic acid to remove the outermost layer of your skin (epidermis). It produces the most subtle results and is a good choice for patients with acne, fine wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, and rough sun-damaged skin. Your specialist recommends subsequent treatment sessions after the first to obtain desired results. Rarely do patients require any downtime as recovery may be within several hours to a few days.
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A medium chemical peel
A medium peel uses trichloroacetic acid, other times combined with glycolic acid to cause trauma on the skin’s epidermis and upper layer of the skin’s dermis. The procedure allows fresh and beautiful skin to grow back in place of the damaged one. Depending on your skin’s condition, you may need another treatment session for the desired results. A medium chemical peel can be used to address skin problems such as fine to moderate wrinkles, acne scarring, and moderate skin discoloration. Most patients report a stinging or burning sensation that lasts for approximately 20 minutes. Cool compresses offer a soothing effect, and most times, no neutralizing solution is required.
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A deep chemical peel
The procedure uses carbolic acid to cause injury down the middle layer of your skin. While it offers the most significant results, the recovery period is longer with this type of chemical peel. Before treatment, your doctor will administer intravenous fluids and closely monitor your heart rate. Your specialist may recommend a deep chemical peel if you have deep acne scars, extensive sun damage, actinic keratosis, and wrinkles. Unlike the light and medium peel, this procedure requires only one session.
When Is a Chemical Peel Not an Option?
Your doctor may advise against a chemical peel if:
- You are pregnant.
- You have active acne or have used oral acne medication in the last six months.
- You are prone to cold sores.
A chemical peel gives you an overall beautiful look, which reduces skin imperfections. Consult with your doctor at Skin Deep Laser MD, to learn more about this treatment procedure.
