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.
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 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.
Pre And Post Care For Chemical Peel
Pre- Chemical Peel Instructions
- Avoid using any alpha hydroxy acid products (such as glycol or lactic acid) or salicylic acid products for 72 hours before your peel
- If you use Accutane, discontinue for a year prior to the chemical peel
- Avoid retinol, tretinoin cream (Retin-A), waxing, electrolysis, masks, scrubs or exfoliants, tweezing, injections, microdermabrasion, the use of loofah or any products that may be drying or irritating
- Do not shave face the day of the peel
- If you have open lesions, active cold sores, facial dermatitis or facial irruption you are not a good candidate for the peel till after it has completely healed
Post- Chemical Peel Instructions
- Avoid any aerobic exercise or vigorous physical activity for the first 48 hours
- Use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater at all times for at least a week after your peel. It is recommended that you continue to use these products to help protect your skin and maintain the benefits of the peel even after your initial week
- Avoid direct sun exposure. Too much sun exposure may cause improper healing and in some cases may reverse the benefits of the peel.
- Treat the skin gently- DO NOT Exfoliate- thought you may experience mildy red, dry, or flaking skin for several days or more after your peel.
- Do not pick or pull at peeling skin. The dead will naturally slough off.
- Avoid alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids products, retinoids, retinols and facial products containing fragrance for a few days after.
- Consult with your Esthetician on when it is safe to go back to your normal home care regimen
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.
How To Reduce Redness After Chemical Peel
After a medium chemical peel, treated skin will be red and swollen. You’ll feel stinging. Your doctor might apply a protective ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to soothe the area and prevent dryness. After five to seven days, you can use cosmetics to cover any redness.