Chemical peel is a skin treatment involving the application of chemical solutions to the face, hands, and neck. The cosmetic procedure helps improve the skin’s appearance by reducing fine lines, and eliminating wrinkles, fading black spots, and freckles. Upon applying the solutions on the skin, it causes exfoliation and peeling away of the affected area. Once the skin peels off, it leaves smooth and finer skin. Want to know more about this process? Here’s all you need to know about chemical peel.
Some facts about chemical peel
- A chemical peel removes damaged skin cells from the epidermis.
- Once the skin peels off, the natural healing process begins with less scarring and depigmentation.
- The strength of chemicals used on the skin determines the level of damage.
- Depending on the skin problem, the type of chemical peel used differs.
- Skin problems resulting from sun damage or radiation are quite responsive to chemical peels.
- While most peels cause superficial wounds, a period of recovery is essential.
- Like every surgical procedure, there are risks associated with chemical peels. They include scarring, infection, and depigmentation.
- Today, dermatologists use chemical peels alongside lasers to eliminate scars and blemishes.
What type of chemical peel should I get?
Based on the exfoliating properties, there are 3 types of chemical peel, namely:
- Superficial peels
- Medium peels
- Deep peels
Typically, the type one should opt for depends on the skin type and skin problem to be treated.
Superficial peels
If the skin problem only affects the outer layer, epidermis, then superficial peels may be the best option. Since the process doesn’t penetrate the skin, it poses low risks, has little or no side effects, and heals up quickly. It might take 1-7 days for your skin to recuperate when you do superficial peel. Consider wearing sunscreen after this procedure. While superficial peels are mild, you may have to undergo 5 sessions to achieve a desirable result.
Medium peels
Skincare experts recommend medium peels for people with fine lines, wrinkles, minor acne scars, and skin damaged by the sun. Medium peels target the middle and outer layers of skin. Unlike superficial peels, the healing process for medium peels may take 7-14 days. Dermatologists advise patients to avoid sun exposure during the recovery period. The skin specialist may recommend antiviral drugs during the procedure to prevent infection.
Deep peels
Deep peels target the dermis and help remove damaged skin cells. Typically, dermatologists don’t prescribe deep peels; they recommend laser therapy for positive results. Nevertheless, the skincare expert may suggest deep peels if you have severe wrinkles, severe sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. Since deep peel penetrates the middle layer, recovery may be for 14-21 days. The patient will need to take antiviral drugs for a certain period, avoid makeup for 14 days, clean the skin 4-6 times each day, avoid sun exposure, and apply ointment for 2 weeks.
Popular chemical peel solutions include alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoids, salicylic acid, phenol, trichloroacetic acid, and Jessner’s solution (a formula of resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid).
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Who should do a chemical peel?
A person with an uneven complexion, sun-damaged skin, and actinic keratoses can do chemical peels. Also, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are eligible for this skin treatment. While this cosmetic procedure isn’t advisable for dark-skinned people, it may yield positive results considering their skin issues. However, they may end up with uneven skin tone after the process. People with saggy skin and severe wrinkles should opt for other cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, brow lifts, laser resurfacing, etc.
What are the risks and side effects of a chemical peel?
The side effects of a chemical peel can be mild or severe. Some common ones include redness lasting for months, dryness, scarring, and temporary patches of skin. Other severe side effects are infections, and heart, kidney, or liver damage.
Knowing the type of chemical peels to choose
Most dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick scale in prescribing the right peel for a patient. Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin into 6.
- white skin that is prone to burns and doesn’t tan
- white skin that is prone to burns and rarely tan
- darker white skin that may undergo slight burn and tan
- moderate brown skin that seldom burns and tans quickly
- darker brown skin that very rarely burns and tans rapidly
- black skin that does not burn and tans very easily
People with skin types 1, 2, or 3 are rarely predisposed to depigmentation or scarring after a chemical peel. Thus, they can opt for any type of chemical peel.
People with skin types 4, 5, or 6 are likely to experience skin discoloration or scarring after a chemical peel. It’s best for individuals with this skin type to visit a dermatologist with experience in chemical peels. Superficial peels seem suitable for brown-skinned people or individuals with black skin. While dark-skinned people can undergo medium peel, it should be done with utmost care.
What to do before undergoing a chemical peel
Ensure you visit a doctor before proceeding to do a chemical peel. The specialist will determine the right option that suits you. They’ll also ask about your medical history. Avoid using retinol or Retin-A topical medication before the process (at least 48 hours before the chemical peel). Inform your physician about any medication you’re taking. The skin care specialist may recommend antiviral medication if you have a high risk of contracting cold sores or fever blisters. They may suggest the use of lotions such as glycolic acid to speed up the treatment process. Avoid waxing, hair bleaching, and use of exfoliants or facial scrubs before a chemical peel.
How chemical peels are done
Chemical peels are done in the doctor’s office or surgical room. As an outpatient procedure, you may not need to be admitted to the health center. Before starting the procedure, you may need to cover your hair. The doctor will clean your skin thoroughly. You may have to wear protective gear like gauze or goggles. For a deep peel procedure, the expert may need to numb the area using a topical anesthetic. After cleaning the surface, the dermatologist will apply chemical solutions like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid to the area. During the procedure, most people experience burns lasting for 5 to 10 minutes. Their skin may sting as well. Cold compress relieves the sting and burns.
