If you’ve been looking for an effective facial treatment to help improve the condition of your skin, chances are you’ve stumbled across the words “chemical peel.” If you’re unfamiliar with cosmetic dermatology, you probably wondered how that could possibly be safe for your skin and moved right along to another, safer-sounding procedure. However, a chemical peel is one of the most effective ways to improve the appearance of the skin. Despite its unnerving name, it’s important to know that a chemical peel performed at an experienced dermatologist office like our Fort Collins dermatology clinic is safe, simple and effective.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is an aesthetic treatment used to peel away damaged skin marked with signs of aging and other complexion issues. During the peel procedure, a chemical solution is applied to skin on the face, neck, or even on the hands. This solution exfoliates old skin and eventually peels off, leaving behind new skin that looks and feels better.
There are three main kinds of chemical peels:
- Light/Superficial Peel: Using a mild chemical solution, this peel primarily treats the outer layer of the skin and is best used to improve the appearance of mild skin conditions such as slight discoloration or rough skin. A light peel may take up to 7 days to heal.
- Medium Peel: A medium peels uses a stronger chemical solution to treat the outer and middle layers of the skin and is best used to remove damaged skin cells and improve the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, moderate discoloration, rough skin, and freckles. This peel typically takes 7-14 days to heal.
- Deep Peel: A deep peel delivers the most dramatic results as it penetrates through the middle layer of the skin, but it does come with a longer recovery time and can only be performed once. Using a stronger chemical solution, a deep peel removes damaged skin cells, age spots, shallow scars, fine to moderate lines, and freckles. Deep peels can require up to 21 days to heal and will require the most care following treatment.
During a chemical peel, patients may experience stinging or a burning sensation that can be eased with cool compresses or pain medication. Following a chemical peel, patients have reported redness, scaling, swelling, and blistering. Your dermatologist will provide you with ointments and medications to help skin heal. Your skin will also be more sensitive and susceptible to sunburn for several months making it extremely important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Patients who have had a deep peel may be instructed to avoid direct exposure to the sun for several months.
Click here to learn more about chemical peels.
Chemical Peels: Who Is a Good Candidate?
A chemical peel should be performed by a board-certified dermatologist following a comprehensive consultation to determine if your skin condition would benefit from a peel. Chemical peels are most effective on fair skinned, light-haired patients. Dark-skinned patients could be left with uneven skin tone.
You could be a good candidate for a chemical peel if you are experiencing a number of skin conditions including:
- Acne and acne scarring
- Light scarring
- Signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and sagging skin
- Hyperpigmentation, melasma, or discoloration
- Sun damaged skin
There are a number of reasons, however, that will prevent you from qualifying for a chemical peel such as:
- Nursing or pregnancy
- Active infection or skin disease
- Cut skin
- Sunburn
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea
- If you’ve been on Accutane in the last six months
- Using certain prescribed skin products or medications in the last 48 hours
- History of abnormal scarring
What Are The Benefits Of A Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are effective treatments for a number of skin conditions and concerns.
- It can help to improve acne as it can help to treat the bacteria that cause acne and even reduce blemishes.
- Treat and correct sun damage
- Correct issues with skin tone such as discoloration, age spots, and dark patches from pregnancy
- Treat visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and crows feet
- Improve the appearance of shallow scarring including acne scars
- Enhance skin tone and skin texture
- Create smoother, brighter, clearer, and more youthful skin
To read more about the benefits of a chemical peel, click here.
A chemical peel should only be administered by a licensed and experienced dermatologist to avoid damaging the skin. Contact Front Range Dermatology Associates today at (970) 673-1155 for more information or to schedule a consultation