What Is a Chemical Peel?

If you’re interested in skincare, you’ve probably at least heard of a chemical peel. Maybe you’ve wondered what it is and been curious about trying one out for yourself, but didn’t have enough information to really dive in and give it a shot. If that’s the case, this article is here to explain all about what a chemical peel is, how it works, and why you might want to try one.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a treatment that uses a chemical solution to peel off the top layer of skin. Once this damaged top layer is removed, the healthy skin underneath is revealed, creating a smoother, fresher look. They can be done on the face, neck, or hands, and can be combined with other treatments.

Chemical peels can vary from lighter ones that have a shorter healing period but don’t create as dramatic results to heavier ones that take longer to recover from. Depending on the result you’re looking for, you’ll choose the intensity level that’s the best fit for you.

The lightest chemical peels are great for treating acne, dryness, uneven skin tone, and fine wrinkles. You can get one approximately one to two times a month.

A medium chemical peel treats uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and acne scars, and is often repeated several times to reach the desired result.

A deep chemical peel might be recommended for scars and deep wrinkles but isn’t as common a procedure as the other two types. It’s a bit more serious a procedure, requiring IV fluids and a longer healing time.

The Benefits of Chemical Peels

There are many different reasons why somebody might get a chemical peel and a variety of desirable outcomes that they can achieve. These include:

• Improving sun damage
• Treating age-related wrinkles
• Reducing fine lines like laugh lines and smile lines
• Treating acne
• Improving scars and acne scars
• Reducing freckles, dark patches, and age spots
• Improving the general look and feel of the skin

In short, if there is anything about your skin that you are unhappy with or simply want to achieve a brighter look, a chemical peel is probably going to be effective at helping you.

Who Should Try a Chemical Peel

Most people are good candidates for a chemical peel, especially those with fair skin and light hair. If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or fine lines, this is the perfect treatment for you.

However, there are some people who are cautioned not to get certain types of chemical peels. If you take oral acne medication, have a history of keloids, are pregnant, or frequently have cold sore outbreaks, chemical peels might not be the best idea for you. You can always speak to a doctor or one of the specialists at your medical spa to confirm whether or not this is the right treatment for your skin type and the results you are seeking.

What to Expect During and After Your Chemical Peel

Before your chemical peel, you’ll have a consultation to determine exactly what type of peel is right for you. If there are any special steps you’ll need to take before your peel, like stopping or starting certain medications, this is when it will be determined.

During the procedure itself, you might feel a slight burning or stinging sensation as your practitioner applies the chemical solution. A cool compress can help ease any discomfort.

After your chemical peel, how the healing process looks depends on the type of peel you get. That being said, you’ll probably experience some redness, blistering, and skin peeling. You should avoid exposure to the sun for several weeks or months to avoid damaging your fresh skin.

Once you’ve completely healed, which will take between a few days to a few weeks to heal in the case of the deep peels, your skin will be smoother, with an improvement in both its look and feel. Enjoy your beautiful new skin!

Visit Glow Aesthetic Center in Encino, CA for your next Chemical Peel treatment

Interested in trying out a chemical peel for yourself? Reach out to Glow Aesthetic Center in Encino, CA to learn more about how this treatment can help you.

Just call (818) 908-8815 or fill out the form on our Contact or Book an Appointment pages. We’ll schedule a consultation and get you on the way to receiving our top-quality service. Treat your skin to the care it deserves.