Chemical Peels

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a chemical peel, also known as a face peel or skin peel, is a skin treatment that uses a topical chemical applied to the surface of your facial skin to remove damaged skin cells. After your skin peels off, the skin that grows underneath is usually brighter, tighter, and more rejuvenated. Chemical peel benefits include improving several skin conditions, like acne, melasma, wrinkling, and sun damage.

For example, to be a candidate for a chemical peel, you mustn’t take the medication known as Accutane for at least six months before the procedure, note the Cleveland Clinic. A good candidate is also someone who does not have a history of skin scarring, highly sensitive skin, or the inability to stay out of the sun during the healing period. According to the Cleveland Clinic, chemical peels can be performed on all skin types. However, people with darker skin pigments have a higher risk of skin discoloration after a chemical peel.

You may need to follow a specific skincare routine two to four weeks before getting a chemical peel. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), this can help reduce your potential for side effects and improve the success of your treatment. It will be necessary for your medical provider to know about any medications you take, especially those for skin conditions, like topical retinol. These medications must be avoided for some time before the treatment.

A chemical peel is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning that you can go home the same day of the procedure. A dermatologist will first clean your skin and ensure that you are comfortable. A dermatologist may also apply a numbing medicine to the surface of your skin. In addition to these steps, deep peels will require sedation via intravenous medication and surveillance with a heart rate monitor, notes the AAD.

After the preparation period, a dermatologist will apply a chemical solution to the skin of your face. This may sting or burn. After several minutes, the chemical solution is removed or neutralized. You may feel sunburned skin, but cool compresses can help, according to the AAD.

After a chemical peel, you will need to have someone else drive you home, especially if you have been sedated. In addition, you may need to take pain medications and continue using cool compresses while your skin heals. According to the AAD the recovery process for your chemical peel will vary depending on the type of peel you received.

•  For light peels, the AAD notes that you may experience redness and scaling, and it may take 1 to 7 days for your skin to recover. It will be important that you moisturize and use sunscreen during this time. You may need to schedule follow-up peels to achieve a complete result.
• For medium peels, the AAD notes that you may experience swelling, blisters, and crusting, and it may take 7 to 14 days for your skin to recover. During this time, it will be important that you soak your skin, use a specific ointment, avoid the sun, and take antiviral medicine. You may discuss with your dermatologist a timeline for when you may want a follow-up peel to maintain results.
• For deep chemical peels, the AAD notes you may experience redness, swelling, blistering, crusting, and discomfort, and it may take 14 to 21 days for your skin to recover. During this time, it will be important that you do several soaks a day, apply ointment and moisturizer, and take antiviral medicine. You will also need to completely avoid the sun for 3 to 6 months. According to the AADit is not advisable to have more than one deep peel.

The AAD recommends making sure to follow your dermatologist’s instructions for skin care after your peel. The extent to which you can follow these guidelines can dramatically influence the appearance and quality of your skin after the procedure.