Is Chemical Peel Post Care Worth It
A chemical peel is a skin treatment that can reduce the appearance of acne, scarring, wrinkles, and sun damage.
There are different types of chemical peel, and this article explores the types and how they work. It also looks into over-the-counter products that contain similar ingredients and may also be effective.
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that involve using acids to exfoliate the skin.
The acid removes a uniform amount of damaged skin cells across the treatment area. When done appropriately, this allows the skin to heal, with minimalTrusted Source scarring or color changes.
Chemical peels can affect two layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the visible outer layer, and the dermis sits just beneath. This deeper layer contains nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
All chemical peels remove a controlled amount of skin cells from the epidermis. A stronger peel may also remove a small part of the dermis.
Dermatologists may use chemical peels to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or to address:
- acne
- enlarged pores
- scarring
- redness
- rosacea
- hyperpigmentation
During a chemical peel, a dermatologist applies an exfoliant acid — first to the thicker areas of skin, such as the chin, nose, and cheeks, and then to the thinner areas around the eyes and mouth.
After the chemical peel, the dermatologist may use cool saline compresses to remove any remaining exfoliant.
They may recommend various ways to help the skin heal, such as applying a weak vinegar solution or unscented emollient to the face for a few days after the treatment.
The process can cause swelling and peeling, which may take 1–2 weeksTrusted Source to go away, depending on the depth and intensity of the peel. It is important to keep the face dry and not shower or use face wash for the first 24 hours. Also, do not use makeup until the skin has healed.
Types of chemical peel
| Type of Peel | Description | Healing Time | Recommended For | Side Effects | Skin Type Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superficial Peels |
| 1–7 days |
|
| Safe for skin types 1, 2, 3 |
| Medium-Depth Peels |
| 7–14 days |
|
| Higher risk for skin types 4, 5, 6 |
| Deep Peels |
| 14–21 days |
|
| Not recommended for skin types 4, 5, 6 |
| Type of Acid | Examples/Uses |
|---|---|
| Alpha-hydroxy acids | Glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid; often in at-home treatments |
| Beta-hydroxy acids | Salicylic acid; beneficial for acne-prone skin |
| Trichloroacetic acid | Used in medium or deep chemical peels |
| Phenol | Powerful agent used in deep peels |
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Patches of white coating over red skin |
| 2 | General white coating with redness underneath |
| 3 | Complete coverage of white coating with almost no redness |
| Skin Type | Description | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | White skin that always burns and never tans | Lower risk |
| Type 2 | White skin that usually burns and does not tan easily | Lower risk |
| Type 3 | Darker white skin that may burn slightly and tans | Lower risk |
| Type 4 | Moderate brown skin that rarely burns and tans easily | Higher risk |
| Type 5 | Darker brown skin that very rarely burns and tans very easily | Higher risk |
| Type 6 | Black skin that does not burn and tans very easily | Higher risk |
| Aspect | Professional Treatments | At-Home Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Average $644; not covered by insurance | Cheaper, but weaker solutions |
| Effectiveness | Higher concentrations of acid; better for severe conditions | Gradual exfoliation; milder results |
| Downtime | Requires healing time | No downtime, but still avoid sun exposure |
Is Chemical Peel Post Care Worth It
Chemical peels are often deemed a good alternative to surgery when it comes to anti-ageing procedures, but as with any kind of facial treatment there are always risks. Here we explore the pros and cons of chemical peels to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Chemical peels tend to slightly tighten up the skin in order minimise wrinkles. They’re a brilliant way to reduce fine lines around the mouth and crows feet near the eyes, without resorting to botox.
Deep set wrinkles, such as significant lines on the forehead, are unlikely to be affected by a chemical peel since it is only designed to remove the top layer of skin and only has very minor skin firming effects. If you’re expecting to look 10 years younger after a chemical peel, we’ll have to be honest with you; you won’t. Be realistic and don’t waste money on a procedure that won’t work for you.
By removing only the top layers of skin, a chemical peel can reduce the appearance of age spots, freckles and dark patches and reveal the brighter skin underneath.
A chemical peel does exactly what it says on the tin; some pretty aggressive chemicals are used and sometimes they can do more damage to your skin than expected. They can temporarily or sometimes permanently remove skin pigmentation to leave lighter patches behind. People with lighter skin may not notice these effects as much as those with a darker skin tone, and some may not have any problems at all, but it is a common risk nevertheless.
By removing dead skin cells, a chemical peel can reveal new fresh skin that is smoother and softer than before. Skin can appear brighter and more youthful as a result, which is why chemical peels are so popular.
Whilst the chemical peel is doing its thing, it’s normal for skin to be dry and scaley as the top layer of skin peels away. This should only last three to seven days for a mild peel, but for people with sensitive skin it can last longer and even result in blisters, crusts and scarring that could be permanent. Not only will this look unsightly but it can make skin feel tight and sore; a far cry from the bright, youthful visage your were looking for.
Chemical peels can be great… but only if they’re right for your skin. The best thing you can do is talk to a doctor or a cosmetologist who specialises in the procedure, allow them to assess your skin and have them tell you if you’re a suitable candidate. Weigh up the risks before you go ahead, and remember that it may not result in the quick fix you were hoping for.
How To Treat Breakouts After Chemical Peel
Whether you’re using an at-home peel or getting a professional peel, you can minimize your skin’s downtime afterward by practicing these expert tips:
Wash your face with cool water. Warm or hot water might not feel as good as cool or cold water, which can help soothe post-peel sensations.
Moisturize and hydrate. Since peels can temporarily compromise your skin’s protective barrier, it’s important to reinforce that barrier with a medium-to-thick moisturizer. Also, drink more water to help avoid dehydration, which could make your skin feel tight.
Apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Your skin is more delicate after a peel, so avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of skin aging. If you must be exposed, use a Broad Spectrum physical sunscreen.
Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam rooms. Increased blood circulation to the face can intensify warming, tingling, itching, redness or other uncomfortable side effects on freshly peeled skin. Skip such activities on the day you use a peel.
Don’t over-exfoliate. Peels are maximum-strength exfoliants, so you don’t need to use a separate exfoliant (like a scrub, brush or exfoliating cleanser) within 3-4 days of your peel. Over-exfoliating can lead to more redness or sensitivity, so wait until your skin feels up to it.
Once your skin feels “back to normal” after a peel, it’s generally considered OK to resume your normal skin care regimen. For more personalized advice, ask your professional skin therapist how to incorporate peels into your lifestyle.
Liquid Peelfoliant is a professional-grade at-home peel that helps unclog pores to help reveal brighter, healthier skin.
