Everything you need to know about chemical peels

Preparing the skin before a chemical peel is crucial to achieving the best results and minimizing the risk of skin irritation or damage. Here are some steps that you can take to prepare your skin for a chemical peel:

1. Cleanse your skin thoroughly: Clean your skin well with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs that can irritate the skin.
   
2. Stop using exfoliating products: Stop using exfoliating products, such as scrubs or acids, for at least a week before the peel. This can help prevent skin irritation and improve the effectiveness of the peel.
   
3. Protect your skin from sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sun exposure can increase the risk of skin irritation and discoloration following the peel.
   
4. Discontinue certain medications: If you're taking medications that increase skin sensitivity, such as retinoids or antibiotics, your dermatologist may advise you to discontinue use before the peel.
   
5. Hydrate your skin: Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin well-moisturized. Hydrated skin is less likely to experience irritation and better equipped to heal following the peel.
   

After a chemical peel, it's important to follow a proper aftercare routine to promote healing, minimize the risk of complications, and achieve the best possible results. Here are some general guidelines for aftercare following a chemical peel:

1. Protect your skin from the sun: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from sun exposure. Sun exposure can increase the risk of skin irritation and discoloration following the peel.
   
2. Avoid using exfoliating products: Avoid using exfoliating products, such as scrubs or acids, for at least a week after the peel. This can help prevent skin irritation and allow your skin to properly heal.
   
3. Keep your skin hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin well-moisturized. Hydrated skin is less likely to experience irritation and better equipped to heal following the peel.
   
4. Use gentle skin care products: Avoid using harsh skin care products, such as toners or astringents, for at least a week after the peel. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products that are non-irritating.
   
5. Avoid picking or scratching: Avoid picking or scratching your skin, as this can increase the risk of scarring and further irritation
   

After a chemical peel, it's important to follow a proper aftercare routine to promote healing, minimize the risk of complications, and achieve the best possible results. Here are some general guidelines for aftercare following a chemical peel:

1. Protect your skin from the sun: Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from sun exposure. Sun exposure can increase the risk of skin irritation and discoloration following the peel.
   
2. Avoid using exfoliating products: Avoid using exfoliating products, such as scrubs or acids, for at least a week after the peel. This can help prevent skin irritation and allow your skin to properly heal.
   
3. Keep your skin hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin well-moisturized. Hydrated skin is less likely to experience irritation and better equipped to heal following the peel.
   
4. Use gentle skin care products: Avoid using harsh skin care products, such as toners or astringents, for at least a week after the peel. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products that are non-irritating.
   
5. Avoid picking or scratching: Avoid picking or scratching your skin, as this can increase the risk of scarring and further irritation.
   
6. Follow your dermatologist's instructions: Your dermatologist or licensed esthetician will provide you with specific aftercare instructions based on the depth of your peel and your individual needs. Follow these instructions closely to ensure the best possible outcome.
   

During a chemical peel, you can expect the following steps to take place:

1. Cleansing: Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any makeup, oils, or other impurities.
   
2. Application of the peel: The chemical peel solution will be applied to your skin using a brush, cotton swab, or other applicator. Depending on the type of peel, the solution may be left on your skin for a specific amount of time before being neutralized.
   
3. Neutralization: If necessary, the chemical peel solution will be neutralized using a neutralizing solution.
   
4. Rinsing: Your skin will be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove any remaining traces of the peel solution.
   
5. Aftercare instructions: Your dermatologist or licensed esthetician will provide you with aftercare instructions, including any necessary topical creams or ointments, and advise you on how to protect your skin from sun exposure.
   

During the peel, you may experience a warm or tingling sensation on your skin. This is normal and typically indicates that the peel is working. The depth of the peel will determine the intensity of the sensation, as well as the level of redness and peeling that you can expect after the procedure.

During a chemical peel, you can expect the following steps to occur:

1. Cleaning: Your skin will be cleaned to remove any oils, dirt, or makeup.
   
2. Application of the peel: The chemical peel solution will be applied to your skin. The length of time the solution will be left on will depend on the strength of the peel.
   
3. Neutralization: If necessary, the chemical peel solution will be neutralized to stop the reaction.
   
4. Washing: Your skin will be washed with water to remove any remaining residue.
   
5. Moisturizing: A moisturizing cream or ointment will be applied to your skin to help hydrate it.
   
6. Protection: Sunscreen or protective clothing may be recommended to protect your skin from sun exposure.
   

During the peel, you may experience a mild stinging or burning sensation, but this should subside within a few minutes. The depth of the peel will determine how your skin will look and feel following the procedure. You can expect some redness and flaking of the skin for a few days to a few weeks following the peel, depending on the depth of the peel.

 

 

 

Chemical peels are skin treatments that use a solution of various types of acids to exfoliate and renew the skin. The most commonly used acids in chemical peels include:

1. Glycolic acid: A type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. It is known for its ability to gently exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
   
2. Lactic acid: Another type of AHA that is derived from milk. It is known for its hydrating properties and ability to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
   
3. Salicylic acid: A type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is derived from willow bark. It is commonly used to treat acne and is known for its ability to penetrate deep into the pores to unclog them and reduce breakouts.
   
4. TCA (Trichloroacetic acid): A medium-depth peel that is commonly used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It is also used to treat precancerous skin conditions such as actinic keratosis.
   
5. Phenol: A deep peel that is used to treat severe cases of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging.
   

The type of acid used in a chemical peel will depend on the individual's skin type, skin concerns, and desired outcome. Kerry will be able to determine the best type of acid for your individual needs.

 

WHAT IS A PEEL:

 

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that involves applying a solution of various types of acids to the skin to exfoliate and renew the skin. The solution works by removing the outer layers of dead skin cells, which can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and rough texture.

There are different types of chemical peels, including light, medium, and deep peels, which vary in their strength and the depth of exfoliation. Light peels, such as glycolic acid peels, are used to treat mild skin concerns and are typically performed in a series of treatments. Medium peels, such as TCA peels, can provide more significant results and are used to treat a wider range of skin concerns. Deep peels, such as phenol peels, are more aggressive and are used to treat severe skin concerns, but they also have a longer recovery time.

Chemical peels are typically performed by a dermatologist or licensed esthetician and are usually performed as an outpatient procedure. The length of the procedure will depend on the type of peel being performed and can range from a few minutes to several hours. After the peel, the skin may be red and slightly swollen, and there may be some peeling or flaking. The length of recovery will depend on the depth of the peel, but it can range from a few days to several weeks.