If you are considering a chemical peel...
A chemical peel can make you look years younger by removing and softening fine lines, age spots, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, enlarged pores and blemishes. A chemical peel is a safge and efective accelerated form of exfoliation that smooths the skin's surface kby chemically removing the outer layers, which facilitatates the formation of new skin cells. Chemical peels can rejuvenate the skin, eliminate blotchy patches and improve wrinkles through chemical exfoliation. You can choose from three peel depth levels, depending on the amount of skin damage. your result is fresh, softer, younger looking skin. The effects of a chemical peel often can be enhanced when combined with a facelift.
- How is a chemical peel performed?
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Prior to the peel, you will follow a special skin care regimen to prepare your skin. After your skin has been primed through skin care or microdermabrasion, your skin will be cleansed and a mild toner will be used to remove the natural surface oils. The agent is then applied targeting the epidermis and dermis to remove the superficial layer of dead skin cells. After a period of time, your physician or skin care specialist will neutralize and remove the product. Your skin is cleaned and an antimicrobial ointment is applied, followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen.
- Types of chemical peels
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For a light peel
The skin is preapred and a mild chemical peel will be applied. The peel creates a healthy, refreshed appearence to the skin with no down time because the living skin is left intact. as you heal, the old, damaged skin will be replaced by a layer of new healthy skin. A layer of collagen will also form below the skin surface to help tighten and smooth out your new skin. Light peels do not require any anesthesia.
For a medium depth peel
A stronger, more concentrated chemical peel is applied so the deeper layer of skin, the dermis, will be affected. A medium depth peel can effectively improve facial wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.
For a deep depth peel
An even stronger chemical agent is used to penetrate the deep layer of the dermis. The ppel targets deep and widespread wrinkles and extremely rough skin. It is used only in selected cases and is not recommended for darker skinned patients. A sedative may be used to lessen any discomfort.
- Who can benefit from a chemical peel?
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Women and men with superficial wrinkles of the face, neck, upper chest and arms are excellent candidates for a chemical peel. Those concerned about uneven skin pigmentation, enlarged facial pores, sun damage, superficial acne scars and age spots may also benefit from a chemical peel.
- What is the healing process?
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Your doctor or skin care specialist will send you home with specific after-care instructions for your newly rejuvenated skin. After light peels, the treated skin turns red or pink and heals without crusting. Healing typically occurs in 7 days or less. For medium depth peels, there may be some flaking during the healing process, which is typically complete within 2 weeks. There may be some redness, which can be covered with camouflage makeup and may persist for up to 3 to four weeks. For deep peels, your doctor will give you strict instructions. Avoid sun exposure with all types of peels and let your skin heal naturally - treat it gently and use only recommended cleansers and moisturizers.
- When will I be able to see the results?
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You will start noticing pink, fresh skin emerging from under the peeling, damaged skin within the first few days. PAtients should not help the skin peel along by pulling or rubbing the old skin off. Within a few weeks, any pinkness will fade for most light peels. Depending on the depth of the peel, you may have lingering pinkness that my look like a mild sunburn or flushed appearance. Your doctor will recommend the type of peel most suitable to your skin type, skin condition and your desired results