Chemical Peel
Chemical Peels have been used for over 100 years to create an even controlled shedding of damaged skin cells. A chemical peel uses a solution applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. It tightens the skin, reduces wrinkling, and restores a more youthful appearance.
What skin conditions can a chemical peel improve?
Chemical peels can effectively improve a wide variety of skin conditions including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven pigmentation
- Shallow acne scars
- Sun-damaged skin
- Age spots
- Freckling
What is the treatment like?
Chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, and even the arms and legs. Depending on your skin type and the desired results, your provider may recommend a superficial, medium, or deep chemical peel. Your provider will select the proper chemical or mix of chemicals and apply the solution to various areas of skin. Once applied, the chemical produces a separation and peeling of the outer layers of the skin. This stimulates the production of new skin from beneath.
Most patients experience a warm to hot sensation which may last as long as ten minutes.
What should you expect after treatment?
Reactions to chemical peels are similar to a sunburn and range from mild to more pronounced. Generally, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery.
A light peel usually results in some redness, and possibly some scaling for a few days.
Following any skin peel, it is important that you avoid any exposure to the sun. Your new skin is very sensitive and susceptible to injury. Always apply a wide spectrum (UVA and UVB blocking) sunblock of at least SPF 15 twenty minutes before you go outside. Your provider will prescribe a proper home skin care program to ensure proper healing.