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. In this article you’ll read more deep chemical peel and best chemical peel for sagging 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.
Which Is The Strongest Chemical Peel
Deep chemical peel is the strongest type of chemical peel. They penetrate the skin deeper than AHA peels or TCA peels to address more serious imperfections such as blotchiness, coarse wrinkles, and acne scars. Compared to light chemical peels and medium chemical peels, deep chemical peels have more dramatic results, and only a single treatment is required. However, deep (phenol) chemical peel recovery is lengthy and uncomfortable compared to milder chemical peels.
What is a deep chemical peel?
If you have deeper facial wrinkles, skin that’s damaged by the sun, scars, areas that appear blotchy or even pre-cancerous growths, deep facial chemical peels might be the right choice for you. Your provider will carefully determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
Your physician will use the strongest chemical called phenol to penetrate down to the lower dermal layer of your skin. For this type of peel, you may need a local anesthetic and a sedative to manage any discomfort.
A deep chemical peel usually involves some sort of pretreatment for up to eight weeks. This will prepare your skin for the peel and speed the healing process.
Pretreatment may include use of a retinoic acid cream or gel – a prescription medication that’s derived from vitamin A. This works to thin out the skin’s surface layer, allowing the chemical solution to penetrate more evenly and deeply.
Deep chemical peel procedure steps
- You will be given a sedative to relax along with a local anesthetic to numb your face.
- Phenol is brushed onto the area after an appropriate time interval.
- The chemical is neutralized with water.
- A thick coat of ointment is smoothed over your skin, to prevent dryness and pain. The ointment must stay in place. Sometimes your surgeon will cover your skin with strips of tape or medicated gauze rather than ointment.
Deep chemical peel risks
The chemical used in a deep chemical peel, phenol, can lighten the skin that’s treated. With this kind of peel, your new skin often loses its ability tan normally. It is critical that the treated area is protected from the sun.
Phenol (a deep peel agent) also can pose a special risk for people with heart disease. Be sure to tell your surgeon about any heart problems and include it in your medical history.
Deep chemical peel recovery
Patients typically can return to work and some of your normal activities two weeks after treatment.
Deep chemical facial peels will result in peeling, crusting, skin redness and discomfort for several days to weeks.
Your doctor will provide painkillers to keep you comfortable. Although the swelling is likely to disappear in about two weeks, your skin may remain red for up to three months.
One treatment with a deep chemical peel will produce long-lasting and dramatic results that can last up to 10 years.
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.
Are deep chemical peel safe?
Are chemical peels safe for sensitive skin?
Most people with sensitive skin can tolerate today’s milder peels. “In the past, there was just one very strong acid practitioners could use,” Sopher said. “But now, there are gentler acids that can be mixed together and tailored to a patient’s skin type.”
It’s best to get a chemical peel from an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or a licensed aesthetician working at a dermatology practice rather than finding the best deal on Groupon, Sopher added. The provider you choose should have the skills and knowledge to evaluate your skin and select a chemical mixture that’s both safe for your skin and best suited to the problem you want to treat.
Are chemical peels safe for dark skin?
Superficial to medium-depth peels are sometimes used successfully in people with dark skin to treat problems such as acne, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots). While peels can lighten dark spots, in some cases they can also cause them. That’s why it’s important to consult with a skin care provider who has significant experience treating skin of color before having a peel.
Deep peels are not recommended for people with darker skin. They can lead to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (areas of lighter skin).
How long after chemical peel do you see results?
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.
When you take care of your skin following your treatment, you can enjoy your chemical peel results for several months before it’s time to get another one.
Possible Complications
Some skin types are more likely to develop a temporary or permanent color change in the skin after a chemical peel. Taking birth control pills, subsequent pregnancy, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may make that more likely.
There is a low risk of scarring in certain areas of the face. Some people may be more likely to scar. If scarring does happen, it can usually be treated with good results.
Deep Chemical Peel
A deep chemical peel is an even more effective method of exfoliation. A dermatologist may suggest one if you have deep lines or scars, or if you have any precancerous growths. If you want the full effect, you won’t need to go through the procedure again.
Best Chemical Peel For Sagging Skin
Glycolic Chemical Peel
The glycolic peel is the most effective exfoliant because it penetrates the skin more deeply than any other type of peel. Because of its small molecular structure, glycolic acid is able to reach deeper into the skin. It also helps restore a youthful sheen to skin that’s seen better days. Dead skin cells can be easily shed with the help of glycolic acid. The end result is refined skin with minimized pores. Also known as flawless skin. The effects of glycolic peels on the skin vary with their concentration of glycolic acid.