What Is A Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the face, neck, or hands. The solution exfoliates the skin and eventually peels off, resulting in a smoother, less wrinkled appearance.

What Are The Benefits of Chemical Peels?

• Reduces fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
• Treats wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
• Improves the appearance of mild scars
• Treats certain types of acne
• Reduces age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills
• Improves the look and feel of skin

What Are The Different Types of Chemical Peels?

There are three types of chemical peels:

• Superficial (also known as ‘lunchtime peel’): Alpha-hydroxy acid penetrates the outermost layer of skin to exfoliate it. Superficial peels are used for treating skin discolorations and rough-textured skin on the face, neck, hands, or chest. Superficial peels have earned the nickname of lunchtime peels because they are quick to do, averaging about 30 minutes.
• Medium peel: Glycolic acid penetrates the outer and middle layers of skin to dissolve damaged skin cells. Medium peels are primarily used to treat age spots, wrinkles, moderate skin discoloration, and certain types of precancerous skin growths.
• Deep peel: Trichloroacetic acid penetrates the middle layer of skin to dissolve damaged skin cells. Deep peels can remove moderate lines and wrinkles, age spots, and shallow scarring. This procedure can only be performed on the face.

Do Chemical Peels Hurt?

Sometimes. Many people feel a burning or stinging sensation that lasts several minutes. For deep chemical peels, the doctor may decide to administer pain medication either during or after the procedure.

How Long Is The Recovery Time After A Chemical Peel?

The recovery time for a chemical peel will depend on which level of peel you received. You should not smoke or expose your skin to sunlight after a chemical peel, as it can cause infection and scarring and lengthen recovery time.

• Superficial peels: 1 to 7 days healing time. Wear sunscreen daily. Wait 24 hours before applying makeup. 
• Medium peels: 1 to 2 weeks healing time. Avoid all sun exposure. If antiviral medication is given, take it exactly as directed by the doctor. 
• Deep peels: 14 to 21 days healing time. Bandages will be applied to the face to protect it from the sun and aid in the healing process. If antiviral medication is given, take it exactly as directed by the doctor.

Do Men Get Chemical Peels?

Yes! Male clients who get chemical peels enjoy not only more attractive-looking skin - they get the bonus benefit of a closer shave. Men have traditionally been more likely to complain about their skin, but hesitant to ask about chemical peels. That’s quickly changing. Dermatologists and skin-care experts have noted an increase in demand among men for skincare treatments for both medical and aesthetic reasons. 

Should I Get A Chemical Peel?

Just about anyone can get a chemical peel if they want to experience rejuvenated skin. However, there are a few considerations to make if you fall into one of the following categories.

• Pregnant and nursing women are advised against getting chemical peels. It is not known how it can affect fetuses and babies.
• Individuals with severe wrinkles and sagging skin do not respond well to chemical peels.
• Individuals with dark complexions should make sure they are receiving the right type of chemical peel. Medium and deep peels can sometimes create more hyperpigmentation on the skin.
• Let the doctor know if you are taking antibiotics before you do a chemical peel.

If you are unsure whether or not you’re a good candidate for a chemical peel, feel free to make an appointment to speak with Dr. Cardi.