Are you interested in a chemical peel? If so, you’ve probably been wondering how long the results last, and if the procedure is worth the trouble.
Most patients require about 4 to 6 light peels, spaced 1 to 2 months apart, to achieve desired results. The time between the peels allows skin cells to renew and turn over, with each subsequent peel exfoliating cells and treating new cells just beneath the skin surface.
In blog post we’ll look at How long does chemical peel take to work and How long does chemical peel take
How Long Do Results Of Chemical Peel Last
1. Different Peels Have Different Results
How long does a chemical peel last? Frankly, the results of a chemical peel depend on the type of peel used for treatment. Many patients want to know how long they can enjoy results right from the start, so it’s important to understand that how long your results last rely entirely on the exact treatment you have.
Light Peels
Light peels are the most common type of cosmetic chemical peel treatment, but they also have the most variation in terms of results. A light peel generally lasts for about 1 to 2 months at a time when you first start using the treatment. Over time, the results of a light peel can last for about 6 months.
Medium Peels
Medium peels are the second most common type of peel as well as the second most intense peel. The results of a medium peel can last for 2 to 4 months at a time right from the start and can last 6 months or a little more after repeated treatments.
Deep Peels
Deep peels are a more rare peel that is typically used medically rather than cosmetically. The results of a deep peel can last decades at a time, and sometimes even a lifetime. The results of a deep peel are near-permanent because a deep peel is generally only used for serious health concerns.
2. Results Vary Peel To Peel
The results of a chemical peel also vary depending on the type of peel treatment. This is because each type of peel has a different level of intensity, or a different degree to how deeply it penetrates and treats the skin. To understand why the results vary peel to peel, you should also understand what each type of peel does to the skin.
Light Peels
Light peels are the most common type because they are the most generalized peel. Light peels don’t have a particular specialty. Instead, a light peel is helpful in addressing virtually all skin or appearance concerns. Light peels can be used more frequently than other types of peels, and they are also easier to recover from.
A light peel refers to the light intensity of the chemical being used for the peel. It is common to use AHA, lactic acid, or glycolic acid for a light chemical peel. As a lighter peel, these mild intensity chemicals penetrate only the first few layers of skin to exfoliate and treat any issues in the sub-dermal layers. Light peels are used to treat acne, reduce acne scarring, shrink enlarged pores, smooth skin tone and texture, correct sun damage, minimize fine lines, and much more.
Medium Peels
As the second most commonly used chemical peel, medium peels are also used to address multiple skin issues at one time. However, medium peels are also specialized in a way. It is common for medium peels to be used for anti-aging purposes, particularly to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. Medium peels can also be used to minimize the appearance of scars, including more severe acne scarring. Medium peels commonly use TCA or refined glycolic acids to exfoliate additional layers of skin and treat the sub-dermal layers.
Deep Peels
Deep peels are not used frequently. In fact, most physicians recommend only using deep peels once in a lifetime. This is because deep chemical peels use high intensity acid to address major health concerns. For example, deep chemical peels are used to removed melanoma cells from the skin and prevent the cancerous cells from returning. Deep peels are also sometimes used for a one-time removal of deep scars or wrinkles.
3. Light Chemical Peels Can Be Frequent
Light peels can and should be used frequently. At our clinic, we recommend patients using light peels have a cluster of several initial treatments to achieve ideal results and then graduate to less frequent additional treatments to maintain results. This is because the results of light peels build on each other over a period of time, gradually improving the appearance and quality of the skin.
Initial Treatments
Most patients require about 4 to 6 light peels, spaced 1 to 2 months apart, to achieve desired results. The time between the peels allows skin cells to renew and turn over, with each subsequent peel exfoliating cells and treating new cells just beneath the skin surface. The number of initial treatments you need will depend on your exact skin concerns.
Maintenance Treatments
After you have reached your desired results, you will need to maintain those results with regularly scheduled maintenance treatments. Most patients schedule these treatments every 6 months, although some patients prefer every 4 months if they have aging skin. We will help you determine the best frequency for your maintenance treatments.
Medium peels can also be used frequently to achieve and maintain results. As a general rule, medium peels will require only 2 to 3 initial treatments, spaced about 2 months apart, to achieve ideal results. Maintaining results of a medium peel can be done using a light peel or a medium peel once every 6 months.
4. Results Depend On Recovery
Regardless of the type of peel intensity of your treatment, the results of your peel will depend on your recovery. Specifically, your results will rely on how you take care of your skin during your recovery period. Although there is no downtime associated with a chemical peel and you are free to return to all normal daily activities, there are some things you should know about your recovery time.
Your Recovery
Your initial recovery will be about 3 to 7 days after your peel, which is when your skin is sensitive and the most vulnerable. To protect your skin, we advise patients to avoid direct sun exposure and to wear SPF 30 or greater. After 7 to 10 days, your new skin cells will have turned over, finished peeling, and will be less vulnerable to sunlight, pollution, or other exposure.
5. Your Results Might Not Include Peeling
Surely every chemical peel will include peeling skin, right? It’s right there in the name! But the truth is that, under certain circumstances, the results of your chemical peel might not include peeling skin. Here are a few reasons why:
Regular Treatments
Regular peels, particularly during your initial cluster of treatments, may mean you won’t have to deal with peeling skin. Why? It’s a simple matter of your surface skin having an appropriate balance of dead skin cells, meaning that the peel doesn’t have much to exfoliate or peel away. But just because you’re not peeling doesn’t mean that the treatment isn’t working. In fact, we consider it an encouraging sign when your skin no longer peels after treatment, as it means that the chemical is compatible with your skin and your needs.
Regular Exfoliation
Patients who exfoliate regularly between peel treatments, either at home or with other cosmetic treatments, may also avoid skin peeling after treatment. This is because, once again, there are fewer dead skin cells that are removed during the peel treatment.
Regular Skin Cells
Patients who don’t experience peeling during their treatment may also simply be blessed with having regular skin cell turn over. While patients with chronically dry or rough skin have an obvious issue shedding dead skin cells, other patients may be able to naturally turn over skin cells without additional help, and that means less peeling after a chemical peel.
6. Good Results Come With Good Skin Care
Good results after a chemical peel also rely on good skincare. As a point of fact, proper skincare habits lead to better skin overall. This is particularly true when you are taking care of the new skin that is revealed by a chemical peel. Here are some tips on how to use good skincare to get good results:
Cleansing
The best cleanser after a chemical peel is one that is gentle, made for sensitive skin, and does not have any harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. This means staying away from cleansers designed for acne-prone skin and opting for oil-based and non-comedogenic products.
Moisturizing
Regular moisturizing is also key to helping your new skin acclimate to the surface. Both day and night moisturizers are recommended to maintain the moisture balance of recovering skin.
Serums
You can also use facial serums to treat new skin, such as serums made with enriched vitamins or hyaluronic acids.
SPF
Wearing daily SPF with a strength of at least 30 or greater is also key to helping new skin recover. This is especially true for patients who are using peels to correct sun damage. Protecting your skin from the sun with SPF is also a way to protect the results of your peel.
Other Home Products
Some patients use other home products, such as sheet masks, to soothe recovering skin. Patients also commonly use Vaseline to protect the skin, particularly from wind and cold weather.
7. You Can Prep Your Skin For Better Results
Some patients find that the best results come from preparing the skin for treatment. There are several ways patients can help make sure they are prepping their skin for the best possible results, including:
Month Before Peel
About a month before your peel it is a good idea to begin a new regular skincare routine. Ideally, you want to select cleansers, moisturizers, and serums that have active ingredients that will complement the acid of your peel. We will work with you to help you find the skincare products that best match the needs of your skin.
Weeks Before Peel
About a week before your peel, we recommend you postpone any cosmetic treatments using lasers or wax. You can schedule treatments such as dermaplaning about 1 to 2 weeks before your treatment. We also encourage you to limit your sun exposure at this time.
Days Before Peel
About 2 to 3 days before your peel, we advise stopping the use of certain skincare products containing active ingredients such as Retinol, AHA, or BHA. We also encourage patients to drink plenty of water to help skin maintain its moisture balance after the peel.
8. Other Treatments Can Enhance Chemical Peel Results
There are other treatments you can use to help enhance the results of your peel as well as your overall appearance goals. We will work with you to help you find any additional cosmetic treatments that will help you achieve your ideal appearance. Some of these treatments may include:
Injectables
Injectable treatments include dermal fillers to restore facial volume and tighten skin as well as neurotoxins such as Botox to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and work best about 4 weeks before treatment.
Skin Tightening
Skin tightening treatments include laser treatments and microneedling, although these treatments should be scheduled at least 3 weeks before your chemical peel.
Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning about 2 weeks before treatment to remove peach fuzz and exfoliate the surface layer of skin can help the chemical peel work better.
9. There Are Countless Beneficial Results
A chemical peel is used to correct any number of skin concerns. Because this treatment is so versatile and customizable, it can:
- Smooth skin tone and texture
- Reduce fine lines
- Correct skin damage
- Eliminate dark spots
- Prevent breakouts
- Boost collagen production
- Diminish acne scars and enlarged pores
- Improve rosacea
How Long Does Chemical Peel Take To Work
The First Day
For the first 24 hours or so after your chemical peel, you will notice that your skin may appear red. This is typical; however, moisturizer can be liberally applied in order to help soothe your skin. Usually, if you have had a medium peel, the shedding begins after those first 24 hours.
The Days After
Your skin will soon begin to appear dry and flaky, but it is best to let this procedure occur naturally and not pick or peel the skin before it is ready to be shed. Peeling skin before it is ready to come off can be counter-productive. After three to four days, most of the peeling should be complete, but it may take anywhere from five to seven days before your fresh, new skin has developed.
Within seven to fourteen days, your skin should be completely healed. If you work in an office or indoor setting, you should require no time off from work after your peel. If you are pleased with the results of your peel, you may even be able to reschedule another one in three to nine months, depending on your skincare condition and goals for your skin.
Peel Aftercare
Moisturize
In order to promote better healing and improve your comfort following a chemical peel, there are several steps that you can take. Immediately after your peel, you may find that ice packs or cool air provide you with a cooler, more comfortable feeling. It is, however, important that you not allow your skin to dry out.
To that end, frequent use of a moisturizer is imperative, and you may find yourself moisturizing ten to twenty times per day. This will allow your skin to continue to peel but will reduce the more obvious flaking that occurs. A moisturizing cleanser may also be recommended by your specialist as well. As previously mentioned, you should also restrict yourself from picking, pulling, or peeling your shedding skin.
Avoid Sun and Heat
Of course, avoiding sun exposure is critical. You should completely avoid the damaging effects of the sun until your skin is entirely healed, and even once it has healed, you should wear a sunscreen at all times in order to protect the new layer of skin.
Extremely hot showers or excessive sweating may also rush the peeling process along too quickly and should be avoided. Since your new skin will be fresh and new, it is important to baby it, especially in the early going.
How Long Does Chemical Peel Take
In general, you can complete a chemical peel treatment in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of peel you are using. While the peel portion of your treatment may only take a few minutes to complete, your treatment may also involve cleansing the skin and treating the skin with a soothing, hydrating serum or applying sun protection afterward.
What Should You Do Before Treatment?
Before a peel treatment, you may need to make minor adjustments and your everyday skincare so you can achieve the best results possible. For example, about one week before your treatment, you need to avoid any exfoliating products on your skin, such as salicylic acid, retinol, and vitamin C. Avoiding these exfoliants will prevent skin sensitivity and hyperpigmentation.
Before your appointment, you should also avoid laser treatments and wax treatments for at least one to two weeks. It’s also ideal if you reschedule your appointment if you’re having psoriasis or eczema flare-up.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
After your appointment, you must take good care of your skin so your results can develop as desired. For example, for the first 24 hours, you should avoid makeup, irritating skin care products, hot water, steam, and excessive sweating. During the first week, you may also need to continue avoiding chemical exfoliants until your skin is less sensitive.
For the first one to two weeks after your treatment, you should wear SPF 30 or greater when you’re outside. This means wearing sunscreen even when it’s cloudy to prevent UV damage on newly exposed skin cells. Gentle moisturizers and aloe vera may be ideal soothing products you can use on your skin.
How Quickly Will You See Results?
Usually, you will be able to see early results from your treatment within about one week of your appointment. Results will be visible as dead skin cells shed from the surface of your skin. Your results will continue to improve new skin cell turnover as you have subsequent treatments.
Because the results of this treatment are gradual, most people will need a few consecutive treatments to achieve their desired results. For pigmentation concerns, two to four consecutive treatments may reduce sun damage, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. For scarring and fine lines, you will notice the best results after three to five consecutive treatments.
Can You Enhance Your Results?
Enhancing your results is all about taking good care of your skin after your treatment. For the most part, this means selecting skincare products that are compatible with your skin type and skin concern. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, then using skincare products that can kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation on the skin surface are ideal options.
You can also enhance your results by adopting healthier lifestyle practices. Your skin will thrive when you lead a healthy lifestyle. This means drinking enough water to maintain the moisture in your skin, eating whole fruits and vegetables to provide your skin with nutrients, and reducing alcohol and tobacco intake. Regular exercise can also help cleanse the toxins from your skin.
How Frequently Should You Have Treatments?
The frequency of your treatments will be determined by the type of peel treatment you are using. Light peels can be scheduled every four to six weeks for most people, while medium peels can be scheduled every six to 12 weeks. For deep peels, you may only need to have the treatment once a year or once every few months, depending on your specific skin concerns.
What Type of Peel Should You Use?
Chemical peels San Antonio are designed with all types of acids and strengths to meet the precise needs of your skin. For example, TCA peels, lactic acid peels, glycolic acid peels, and salicylic acid peels are all common treatment options to improve the tone in texture of your skin. Ultimately, selecting the correct peel for you will depend on your skin concerns.
Light peels can usually address superficial concerns such as oily skin, rough skin, dry skin, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin. For concerns such as fine lines, scarring, sun damage, acne scars, and melasma, medium peels are usually the best option.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Because chemical peel treatments are so customizable, the vast majority of people are good candidates for these treatments. However, you may not be an ideal candidate if you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have used oral medications for acne such as Accutane in the last six months, or if you are currently experiencing skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.