A chemical peel is a treatment that uses the skin’s natural healing process to improve the appearance of your skin. A chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin, where it causes controlled damage to the outermost layers of the epidermis. This allows new skin cells to grow in their place. The goal of a chemical peel is to improve the appearance of your skin while also reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Chemical peels can be used on all different ages and types of skin but are more commonly used by people who are older than 60 years old. This is because as we age, we tend to experience more signs of aging like wrinkles and dryness which can be fixed with a chemical peel. There are many different types of chemical peels which have different effects on your skin depending on what you’re trying to achieve or treat so it’s important that you talk with your dermatologist about which type will work best for you!
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can be applied to the face, hands, and neck. They’re used to improve the appearance or feel of the skin. During this procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the area being treated, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.
Chemical peels can improve the skin’s appearance. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it “blister” and eventually peel off. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.
Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:
- Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
- Improve the appearance of mild scars
- Treat certain types of acne
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills
- Improve the look and feel of skin
Areas of sun damage may improve after chemical peeling.
After a chemical peel, skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen every day. It should say “broad-spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Also, it should be a physical sunscreen and be above SPF 30. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
What type of chemical peels can I get?
There are three different types of chemical peels that you can get. These include:
- Superficial peels, which use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. It only penetrates the outermost layer of skin.
- Medium peels, which use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle and outer layer of skills. This makes it more effective for removing damaged skin cells.
- Deep peels, which fully penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells; these peels often use phenol or tricholoracetic acid
Chemical Peel 60
Chemical Peels for Aging Skin
Chemical peels improve the appearance of aging skin by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less wrinkled in appearance. During the procedure, patients may experience a burning sensation lasting five to 10 minutes. Cold compresses may be applied to lessen the pain. Pain medication may be required for deeper peels.
Why choose chemical peels for aging skin?
Chemical peel procedures typically are used on the face, neck and hands. Fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for the procedure. Chemical peels can be used to treat:
- Fine lines around the mouth and under the eyes
- Wrinkles
- Mild scarring
- Age spots
- Sun damage
- The overall look and feel of skin
What to expect after the procedure
Afterward, patients experience a reaction similar to sunburn in the treatment area. Patients may experience:
- Redness, followed by scaling within three to seven days.
- Swelling.
- Blisters that will crust, turn brown and peel off within seven to 14 days following medium and deep peels.
- Bandages over treated areas for several days.
- Chemical peel patients should avoid the sun for several months following a procedure.
- Light peels may be repeated in one- to four-week intervals. Medium-depth peels may be repeated every six to 12 months.
- Temporary or permanent change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills, who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration.
- Scarring
- Reactivation of cold sores.
How to prepare for the procedure
Before the procedure, you and your ASDS dermatologist should discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. You also should:
- Discuss your aging skin condition and your treatment goals in order to determine the depth of chemical peel.
- Reveal any history of scarring, persistent cold scores or facial X-rays.
- Avoid any medications or supplements that can affect blood clotting – such as aspirin, ibuprofen or vitamin E – for 10 days before surgery.
- Avoid using medications such as Retin-A, Renova or glycolic acid.
- Determine in advance whether you will need to have someone drive you home following the procedure.
How much do chemical peels cost?
Chemical peels are almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, and insurance rarely covers it. You’ll be paying for the procedure out of pocket. Your initial consultation visit, however, may be covered by insurance.
The cost of the procedure will vary depending on factors like location, expertise of the provider, and what type of peel you want to get. Light peels can cost as low as $150, and deep peels can cost $3,000 or more (specifically if it requires anesthesia, or in-patient stays). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current average cost of a chemical peel is $673.
How is a chemical peel done?
Chemical peels are typically done in-office; deep peels may be done in an outpatient surgical facility. Before the procedure, they will likely have you tie back your hair. Your face will be cleaned, and eye protection like goggles or gauze may be applied.
Your doctor may numb the area with a topical anesthetic, especially if you’re receiving a deep peel. For deep peels, your doctor may also use a regional anesthetic, which will numb large areas. They are particularly likely to do this if you’re having your face and neck treated. For deep peels, you’ll also be given an IV, and your heart rate will be closely monitored.
Light peel
During a light peel a cotton ball, gauze, or brush will be used to apply a chemical solution like salicylic acid to the area being treated. The skin will start to whiten, and may have a slight stinging sensation. Once complete, the chemical solution will be removed or a neutralizing solution will be added.
Medium peel
During a medium chemical peel, your doctor will use a gauze, special sponge, or a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical solution to your face. This may contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid. A blue color may be added to the trichloroacetic acid, commonly known as a blue peel. The skin will begin to whiten, and your doctor will apply a cool compress to the skin. You may feel stinging or burning for up to 20 minutes. No neutralizing solution is needed, though they may give you a hand-held fan to cool your skin. If you’ve had the blue peel you will have a blue coloring of your skin that may last for several days after the peel.
Deep peel
During a deep chemical peel, you will be sedated. The doctor will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply phenol to your skin. This will turn your skin white or gray. The procedure will be done in 15-minute portions, to limit the skin exposure to the acid
Steps to a chemical peel
Most often, your treatment will be performed by a licensed skincare professional in your plastic surgeon’s office or medical spa. Peels involve the application of a chemical solution to your entire face or just to certain regions, such as the crow’s feet area around your eyes or the vertical wrinkles around your mouth.
The chemical solution is either applied lightly or rubbed more vigorously onto the skin being treated using a sponge, cotton pad, swab, or brush (avoiding your brows, eyes and lips). During peel application, you may experience a slight tingling (light to medium peels) or a burning sensation (deep peels). These sensations are usually minimal for light and medium peels but are more severe for deep peels. The length of time the solution is allowed to work is determined by carefully observing the changes in the appearance of your skin. With certain types of chemical peels, the solution may be “neutralized” after an appropriate amount of time has elapsed.
The different types of chemical peels vary according to their specific ingredients and their strength. The depth of their peeling action may also be determined by factors such as how long they remain on the skin and how they are applied onto the skin.
No covering or after-peel ointment is necessary after a light or medium peel and you can expect little to no downtime. However, after a deep peel, a thick coating of petroleum jelly or other protective ointment is layered over the face, covering the protective crust that develops rapidly over the area. This stays in place for one to two days. In some cases, dressings, tape or a bandage may be applied (this is particularly effective in cases of severe wrinkling). A deep peel requires a longer recuperation period.
Chemical peels exfoliate dead cells and can improve texture, acne, sun damage and congested pores. Deeper peels can address wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Chemical peel process day by day
Day one post-chemical peel
After your chemical peel is complete and you leave the office, what should you expect on day one?
You’ll leave the clinic with the peel solution still on your face, and you’ll notice your complexion take on a yellow hue throughout the day. (Not to worry — this means it’s working!) After a few hours, you’ll apply the retinol crème your provider sent you home with.
You might notice some redness and sensitivity as the retinol gets to work. Many people describe the feeling as similar to having a sunburn. However, the telltale peeling that comes with a chemical peel won’t start for another day or so.
WHAT TO AVOID THE DAY OF YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL—
While your skin is still healing, keep a few factors in mind. Your skin is incredibly raw and sensitive, and it needs additional protection. To protect it and maximize your results, you should avoid any strenuous exercise or activities that lead to sweating.
In addition, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear sunscreen (with at least an SPF of 30) if you can’t avoid it entirely.
You’ll also want to avoid letting your skin dry out. Although applying product to raw skin can feel uncomfortable, it needs moisture to heal. Allowing your skin to dry too much can lengthen the healing process and make it more likely that your skin will scab or even scar.
Day two post-chemical peel
Day two of the chemical peel process day to day is where you’ll likely start to see your skin peel. The top layers of your skin are beginning to dehydrate and slough off, and you’ll see this more often start between the eyes and in the corners of the nose and mouth.
Although it may be tempting, resist the urge to help your skin peel manually. Wash your skin gently and follow up with a stronger moisturizer, like Recovery Lotion.
For many people, the redness they experience in the first few days is enough to keep them home from work and social events. Expect that your skin will react this way, and don’t schedule anything significant in the few days directly after your chemical peel.
If you deal with breakouts, you may experience some “purging” of any blemishes present under the surface before your peel. While this isn’t common, it is possible to start with a new retinol skin care product.
Day three and four post-chemical peel
Day three and four are when you will likely experience the worst peeling and flaking. Your skin is most likely to feel uncomfortable these days — and it’s also at its most vulnerable. Follow your provider’s skin care recommendations carefully, as they are designed to help protect your skin and assist it with its natural healing process.
Now, more than ever, your skin needs to be protected. You may even want to wear a sun protective hat along with your sunscreen to make sure your skin stays safe and doesn’t burn. Doing that keeps your healing process moving forward.
Don’t be surprised if you notice more peeling in certain areas of your face than in others. This is normal and doesn’t indicate any problem with your skin’s healing process.
Day seven post-chemical peel
A week after your chemical peel is performed, you’ll finally be able to start seeing your results. This is where all of the flaking, peeling and redness starts to pay off. (Professionals consider the results of a chemical peel permanent, so enjoy that new skin you’re starting to see!)
Depending on how well or quickly your skin is healing, you can usually return to your normal skincare routine a week or so after your chemical peel.
Make sure that your skin is completely done peeling before using any harsher or more abrasive skin care products, as the skin may still be sensitive. When your skin stops feeling as tight and dry, you should be ok to switch back.
Our post-chemical peel skin care routine is excellent for helping your skin to heal, but it isn’t meant for long-term use for most of our patients. Unless you have dry, sensitive skin, prolonged use can lead to breakouts or oily-looking skin.
One week post-chemical peel (and beyond!)
Your skin is far less flaky and sensitive by this point in your chemical peel journey. However, because your skin has gone through a process meant to safely “damage” your skin so that it looks better than ever, there may still be some noticeable healing going on.
More sensitive areas of your skin may start to crust and scab or even have a noticeable color change. Usually, this process is complete around two weeks after your chemical peel. However, some redness may persist for months, especially in hotter weather or when you exercise
Before You Get a Chemical Peel
Tell your doctor if you have any history of scarring, cold sores that keep coming back, or facial X-rays.
Before you get a chemical peel, your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain drugs and prepare your skin by using other medications, such as Retin-A, Renova, or glycolic acid. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
Work with your doctor to determine the depth of your peel. This decision depends upon the condition of your skin and your goals for treatment.
Ask your doctor in advance whether you will need to have someone drive you home after your peel.
How Chemical Peels Are Done
You can get a chemical peel in a doctor’s office or in a surgery center. It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning there’s no overnight stay.
The professional who does your peel will first clean your skin thoroughly. Then they will apply one or more chemical solutions — such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol) — to small areas of your skin. That creates a controlled wound, letting new skin take its place.
During a chemical peel, most people feel a burning sensation that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. Putting cool compresses on the skin may ease that stinging. You may need pain medication during or after a deeper peel.
What To Expect After the Chemical Peel
Depending upon the type of chemical peel, a reaction similar to sunburn occurs following the procedure. Peeling usually involves redness followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days. Mild peels may be repeated at one to four-week intervals until you get the look you’re after.
Medium-depth and deep peeling may result in swelling as well as blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of seven to 14 days. Medium-depth peels may be repeated in six to 12 months, if necessary.
After treatment, you may need bandages for several days on part or all of the skin that was treated.
You’ll need to avoid the sun for several months after a chemical peel since your new skin will be fragile.
How Long Does it Take For Skin to Peel After a Chemical Peel?
Peeling will generally start two to three days after the treatment. It can last up to five days.
It is crucial not to pick off the skin during that time, even though it may become pretty dry.
The actual peeling will likely be minimal. The general advice is to apply moisturizer after the treatment; that should be enough.
Please wait for the peeling to happen on its own. Premature peeling of the skin can result in dryness and cracks in the new skin, which may develop into hyperpigmentation.
Why no peeling after chemical peel
If your skin is not peeling after a chemical peel, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. It is important to remember that while you might not see any peeling with the naked eye, it does not mean that the treatment is not working.
You will still get the results you are hoping for, and you are fortunate enough that you are not visibly peeling! The peeling process will still work, even if you’re not actively peeling. It’s counter-intuitive, but your skin won’t always peel after a chemical peel!
During this process, the acidic solution is penetrating the skin and dead cells are exfoliated. The particles are so small (we can have thousand of cells shedding at the same time even right now) that they are practically invisible to our eyes.
In older-style peels, there was always visible peeling to complete the process. But that’s no longer the case with modern chemical peels.
Newer versions are more fine-tuned so that we can attain the same results without the cosmetic side effects. After all, undergoing treatment for cosmetic reasons and going through a whole host of aesthetically displeasing side effects was quite counter-intuitive for most people!
Even though you can have reasons to question the therapy since you are witnessing no effects taking place, the consequence of administering acids to the skin is a scientifically-established process.
Stay the course.
Sit tight and wait as your new skin is coming up to the surface.
In addition to the exfoliating effects, new techniques have the added benefit of creating new collagen and hyaluronic acid, which increase the overall health of your skin. The old ”no pain no gain” motto certainly does not apply here, since there are many gains with no pain, thanks to modern science.
Look for signs of tightness, itchiness, or dryness
As the chemicals make their way through your skin, it is natural for your skin to start to dry up. You might feel itchy, and the skin will possibly feel and look quite dry and tight.
That is a good sign.
Even if you are witness no visual peeling, you can tell the treatment is working and progress is being made.
If the dryness and itchiness are bothering you, try to regularly control the situation by applying moisturizer and waiting. Something simple like Cetaphil Face Moisturizer should suffice.
That said, it’s is important not to over hydrate. The whole point of a chemical peel is to let the damaged skin flake and peel away.
To get the full benefits of the process, you need to let it happen in its own time. Instead of over-hydrating, continue to moisturize as normal.
Avoid Touching Your Skin Excessively
No matter what, do not pick, pull or scratch your skin. Not even to test if you are peeling or to clean any loose skin.
You have to resist since anything you do will interrupt your skin’s natural healing cycle. You will most likely interfere with the process, spoil the results, and may even encourage hyperpigmentation.
When do you see results from a chemical peel?
Many clients are pleased when they see chemical peel results in only a few days. This is entirely possible and is actually common with a chemical peel. The process of applying the acid chemical solution takes up to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area affected. Then the peeling process begins after a few days and can take up to a couple of weeks to complete. One of the main reasons why clients are pleased with chemical peels is because the results are quick and there is very little discomfort throughout the entire process.
HOW MANY CHEMICAL PEELS ARE NEEDED TO SEE RESULTS?
Many clients see chemical peels before and after photos and want to get theirs done right away. However, depending on your skin type and other factors, some clients have to get multiple treatments for best results. Many medical professionals recommend getting up to three treatments per year to maintain their results.