Chemical peels are intended to reduce signs of acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging by exfoliating dead skin cells and revealing a new layer of skin underneath.
A variety of professional chemical peels help to:
- correct the effects of the sun 🌞;
- regenerate your skin;
- decrease scarring from acne or trauma;
- decrease discoloration;
- decrease the depth of the wrinkles;
- stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Superficial chemical peels have fewer days of downtime where your skin is red and peeling. If you want to correct more serious skin irregularities, you may want to consider a heavier medical peel. If your skin has issues in texture, pigmentation, and scarring.
Many peels are known as superficial peels. The main ingredients are lactic acid and salicylic acid. This means they target the top layers of your skin, with little recovery time. The medium-depth chemical peels will require longer downtime – redness and peeling may last 6-8 days.
How many peels do you need before you begin to see results?
Some people will see the immediate results with the superficial peels, while others may require a series of treatments. Either way, the results aren’t permanent. There may be needed several monthly treatments before you achieve the desired results.
Day of peel
After cleaning the skin, the chemical solution will be applied. Superficial skin peels are applied in layers and left on your skin. They’re not timed and removed like deeper chemical peels. The strength of a superficial peel is controlled by the number of layers applied.
The specialist will apply a calming topical lotion with broad-spectrum SPF protection on top of your final layer before sending you home.
What to Do After the Peel
Superficial chemical peels from Skin may require very little following the procedure.
Within the first 2 days of your procedure, you should avoid:
- overheating
- hairdryers near the treated area
- swimming
- activities that result in a lot of sweating
- exfoliating the treated skin
- hot showers, baths, and other hot steam
- icing or heating the treated area
You should avoid direct sun exposure in the 1 or 2 weeks following the peel. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more regularly, and don’t use a tanning bed within 2 weeks.
Delay other skin treatments near the affected area for 5 or more days. You should also use any products following the procedure as recommended by your skin specialist.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects from a superficial peel will affect the treated skin and typically include:
- peeling;
- redness;
- dryness;
- tightness.
Chemical peels are intended to be used in a series, typically 3 to 4 weeks apart. Keep in mind that you may want to get regular peels or use cosmetic products to retain the benefits of the peel.