Benefits of a Chemical Peel

Chemical peels can help improve your skin’s appearance by reducing fine lines and uneven skin coloration or age spots, but what exactly does a chemical peel do for your face? Find out more about what chemical peels do, including the chemicals involved and what the recovery time looks like. 

What Is a Chemical Peel? 

A chemical peel is a non-surgical skin treatment in which chemicals are applied to the top layers of the skin, removing those layers in the process. Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths, determined by the chemicals used, which alter the layers of skin affected. 

Why Do People Get Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel resurfaces the skin. After removing the top layers, the new layers of skin grow smoother and appear healthier. Chemical peels can help treat: 

• Fine lines

• Wrinkles

• Acne scars

• Uneven skin tones

• Dryness

• Scars

• Precancerous growths 

The results are often subtle, especially with lighter chemical peels, but become more pronounced with repeated treatments. Results are not permanent, as sun damage and aging can lead to new lines and skin color changes. 

Who Is a Good Candidate? 

People who suffer from acne scars, sun damage, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and moderate sagging can be good candidates for chemical peels. 

People with darker skin tones can have chemical peels as long as you exercise caution to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Rather than removing skin irregularities, this causes more pigmentation and can leave darker marks and scarring. 

You can avoid this for those with darker skin tones by properly preparing your skin before your peel and by sharing your complete medical history, including if you are prone to keloid scarring. 

Who Isn’t a Good Candidate?

Chemical peels are not recommended for those who currently suffer from: 

• Infections

• Cut skin

• Sunburn

• Psoriasis

• Eczema

• Dermatitis

• Rosacea

In these situations, a peel may cause even more damage to your existing skin and health issues. 

What Happens During a Chemical Peel Procedure? 

All chemical peels start by cleansing your face. The cleanse removes any makeup, oil, or dirt that might prevent the peel from working effectively. Removal of makeup products, oil and dirt  prepares the skin for the chemical peel.

Once your face is clean, the doctor or technician will brush an acidic chemical solution onto your skin and let it remain for a few minutes. During this time, the chemical solution will start to work on the skin’s surface layers, and you may feel some burning or stinging to varying degrees depending on the type of peel. 

While the chemicals are on the skin, you may notice that the treated area starts to turn a light gray or white. This is normal and is a sign that the chemical peel is removing the topmost layers of dead skin. The chemicals are then neutralized with a special solution and removed from your skin ensuring no residual treatment is left on the skin.  A light ointment is applied to protect your now highly sensitive skin and you will receive a treatment plan for the next 2 weeks to assist with a healthy recovery.

Which Chemicals Are Used? 

The ingredients used for a chemical peel vary depending on the strength of the peel, the patient’s medical history, and the reason(s) for the peel. Here are some of the most common chemicals used in our office:

• Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

TCA is a  treatment that pairs great with all skin types and tones. It’s used to treat blotchiness, discoloration, and signs of aging. This is a deeper peel performed only by Dr. Lober

• Glycolic Acid

Made from sugar cane, this was one of the original ingredients used in the first chemical peels. You might recognize the name from other skincare products, as it is used to help a number of skin issues. Glycolic acid is great at penetrating the epidermis and exfoliating, smoothing, and brightening your skin. This peel can be performed by our licensed medical aesthetician.

Does the Technician Have to Be Certified? 

Lighter chemical peels, also known as superficial peels, can be performed by an aesthetician as part of a spa service because they only remove the top layers of your skin and pose very little risk to your health. 

However, deeper peels can only be performed by licensed physicians, dermatologists, or plastic surgeons. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Chemical Peel? 

After each chemical peel your skin will be red, swollen, and sensitive. Always listen to your doctor’s directions about recovery care, including any procedures, ointments, or treatments you should use to assure your skin has a healthy recovery.

• Generally, light chemical peels, like Glycolic acid will heal within one to seven days. 

• With deep chemical peels, like TCA  you will experience swelling, redness and peeling which will last up to 14 days.

No matter which strength of chemical peel you experience, once your skin is healthy enough, you should use sunscreen every day. 

Schedule Your Appointment with Stephen Lober Plastic Surgery

With decades of experience, Dr. Lober and our staff ensure that each of our patients feels comfortable and stress-free throughout the entire process. With multiple degrees, licenses, and certifications, our team is up to date on the best practices and procedures for your care. Schedule your appointment today to find out how we can help you reach your goals.