How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
Oct 07, 2020
/assets/production/practices/f1d630c12a198a6905d32a34b0e50356ee894f1e/images/2590093.jpg)
Adrienne Stewart MD
Adrienne Stewart MD
/assets/images/provider/photos/2590996.jpg)
Sun exposure, aging, and stress can leave you with a rough and dull-looking complexion. Are you wondering if it’s possible to “peel off” these unwanted flaws? A chemical peel works to break down the topmost layer of your skin to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. At Aesthetic Surgery and Dermatology of Cherry Creek in Denver, CO we offer this amazing skincare treatment that shows long-lasting and promising results.
On average, a chemical peel can take between 30 to 90 minutes and is performed on the facial area. You can expect little to no downtime for light peels, while medium and deep peels may require a few weeks to recover. The following skin issues are often treated using facial peels:
Mild acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acid, are commonly used on shallow or light peels. This type or depth of peel lightly exfoliates and penetrates only the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. To treat both the outermost and middle layers of your skin, medium peels use slightly stronger acids, including glycolic or trichloroacetic acids. Deep peels reach the inner layer of your skin, with the use of stronger acid ingredients.
You can choose a chemical peel based on the skin problems you would like to address. There are three depths or levels of facial peels you can choose from. We may also assess your skin condition and recommend the best treatment suitable for your concerns.
The outermost layer of your skin is broken down during a light peel. It’s an ideal option for the treatment of fine lines, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and skin dryness. Every two to five weeks, you may have a light peel to sustain your results or get even better-looking skin.
Skin cells are “peeled off” or removed from both the uppermost and inner layers of the skin. A medium peel treats both the epidermis and dermis. This treatment is ideal for minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, acne marks, and irregular skin tones. To see the best results or sustain your desired effects, you would need to get medium peels at proper intervals.
A deep peel can remove skin cells from the innermost or deepest layers of your skin. For the treatment of deeper wrinkles, scars, or precancerous growths, your doctor might prescribe this treatment. You won’t need follow-up treatments to get the full benefits of a deep peel.
A chemical peel is a type of skincare treatment where the top layers of the skin are stripped with the use of a chemical solution. The skin that re-grows after the treatment should be thicker and healthier-looking. For a light or medium peel, to get the desired effects, you may need to undergo multiple treatments.
Chemical peels are typically done on the facial areas to diminish the appearance of damaged and aged skin. They can be performed on their own or in combination with other cosmetic treatments. You may have peels of varying levels, but we recommend deeper peels for more significant results.
The most common benefits you can expect from a facial peel are:
To fulfill your personal needs, chemical peels can be tailored and customized. There are many peel types and depths you may choose from, depending on your skin tone and personal preferences. Each type of peel provides specific advantages, so it’s important to choose the one that will best respond to your needs.
A Beta Hydroxy Peel is a simple, superficial, no-downtime skincare treatment. It restores your youthful, healthy-looking appearance by eliminating dead skin cells off the surface of your skin. This peel stimulates cell repair and growth so that tighter, smoother skin can grow. It promises dramatic improvements in your skin, such as minimized fine lines and a more even skin tone.
By undergoing multiple Beta Hydroxy Peels, you can make your skin look and feel softer, smoother, and more radiant. After a few treatments, acne scars and large pores may become less visible. You may also notice a reduction in acne breakouts.
What Can You Expect After the Treatment?
After a mild beta hydroxy peel, you may notice a little tightness and smoothness in your skin, which are completely normal. It may also look and feel noticeably cleaner and tighter. You may use makeup immediately after your session. Hours later, you might notice slight redness or dryness, accompanied by a mild peeling, which typically occurs within three to seven days.
You may need to repeat the treatment for a total of six peels, every one week to four weeks. By the end of the series of peels, you will notice the most dramatic results. In between treatments, you will see gradual improvements in the overall appearance of your skin. By using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser or other mild products for several days, you can take care of your skin after each treatment.
Glycolic peels are popular skincare treatments that are here to stay. They have been time-tested and proven to show some of the best skincare results. Glycolic acid peel, also known as fruit peel, is one of the most prevalent alpha-hydroxy acid peels. It is easy, affordable, and has little to no downtime.
Before each peel, your dermatologist may perform the following:
Your choice of peel type or depth will help you feel more comfortable while achieving the most ideal outcomes. The depth of your glycolic acid peel depth will depend on the concentration of the acid we use. The number of applications made during the treatment affects the final result as well. Glycolic peels can also be used as a very shallow peel or even a medium-deep peel. It is safe and compatible with most skin types.
A Jessner peel is a medium-depth facial peel that works to exfoliate the epidermis. The goal is to give you smoother skin with a glowing appearance. You’ll also notice improvements in skin tone. It is ideal for the treatment of acne, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as fading dark spots due to hyperpigmentation. This chemical peel option can also minimize the appearance of acne scars. The intensity of your Jessner peel can be customized, based on your comfort level or specific concerns.
What’s in a Jessner Peel?
Salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol, and occasionally trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are some of the active ingredients in a Jessner peel. To exfoliate or peel off aged, dead skin cells and expose newer, fresher skin, these exfoliating acids break the bonds between your skin cells. Most Jessner peel solutions have equal parts beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), alpha hydroxy acid (lactic acid), and resorcinol.
Alpha hydroxy acid treats the skin surface, treating skin problems related to pigmentation. On the other hand, beta hydroxy acid penetrates the pores to reduce the oil and sebum that lead to acne breakouts. Compared to other types of facial peels, a Jessner peel goes deeper into the skin than a superficial peel.
A Melanage peel is most widely used to treat stubborn pigmentation, or the ‘mask of pregnancy,’ which is also known as melasma. It’s also effective in enhancing the color and texture of the skin, as well as minimizing the appearance of fine lines. This treatment will leave you with skin that is smoother, more radiant, and healthy-looking.
Two compounds, retinoid and arbutin, are used in the Melanage Peel to penetrate the skin and treat skin discoloration. These compounds also help speed up the regeneration of skin cells. After your treatment, you may need to use a medicated mask and follow a specific treatment regimen.
What Results Can You Expect After the Treatment?
After the treatment, you will notice the visible peeling of your skin. The process usually begins in the first few days after your appointment, and will significantly improve in the next few days. Your skin might feel dry and tight, but you should not experience intolerable pain.
We will advise you to avoid direct sun exposure following your treatment. It is important to use sunblock even after you have recovered, and re-apply it every two hours whenever you are outdoors. In no time, you’ll notice that your dark spots have lightened. The texture and color of your skin will also improve so you can be more confident about your outer appearance.
One of the most popular treatments in Brazil, the tretinoin peel, also known as retinoic acid peel, is a type of light or superficial peeling. We highly recommend this treatment option to address skin problems such as melasma or uneven skin tone. The active ingredient in this treatment is also beneficial in treating other skin problems such as:
TCA, also known as trichloracetic acid, is a non-toxic chemical that has been used for more than two decades when it comes to facial peel treatments. The active ingredient causes the topmost layers of skin cells to dry up and peel off over several days. The result is a fresh layer of undamaged skin where the old skin has been stripped off. You might also notice that newer skin cells have a smoother texture and improved tone.
TCA peels are excellent for the treatment of sun damage or melasma. In the hands of an experienced dermatologist, these peels are minimally invasive and completely safe. This treatment is also an excellent choice for you if you are hesitant about undergoing laser therapy.
How Are TCA Peels Performed?
TCA peels may be performed in varying depths or levels. Deep treatments are comparable to laser treatments in terms of skincare benefits, so you may choose this option if you are hesitant or not qualified for laser type treatments. Light to medium-deep TCA peels is still commonly used today.
For the best results, you may have lighter peels in a sequence of two or three treatments. The effects you will enjoy are similar to other light peels, such as glycolic, salicylic, or a combination of other hydroxy acid peels. You may have medium-depth TCA peels once or twice a year.
Beautiful, healthy-looking skin is a prized possession that boosts your self-esteem. Are you ready to see a better version of yourself? Trust only professionally trained doctors for your skincare. Contact Aesthetic Surgery and Dermatology of Cherry Creek in Denver, CO today and schedule your appointment! You will receive the most advanced, professional, and personalized service possible to get closer to your beauty goals. We look forward to meeting you!