You may have read about the many benefits of chemical peels, including for anti-aging. While at-home solutions are available, in-office procedures are often more effective but require a longer recovery.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel involves applying an exfoliating solution to the skin, which removes the deeper layers and causes new, smoother skin to grow back. This process gets rid of older skin cells on the surface to improve cellular turnover and encourage collagen production.
Growing in popularity over the past decade, chemical peels help smooth out skin texture from acne, fine lines, wrinkles and scarring. They can also help lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and dryness.
Chemical peels are not a one-and-done solution. Based on intensity, depth and desired results, you may be encouraged to undergo multiple peels, spaced weeks or months apart. Peels use one of three depths:
- Light peels target the epidermis, or outermost layers of skin. These are done more frequently to achieve meaningful results.
- Medium peels penetrate the epidermis and dermis, the next layer below. These need to be done regularly to continue delivering results.
- Deep peels generally involve targeting deeper wrinkles, scarring and more severe hyperpigmentation.
Chemical Peels at the Vein Centers of CT
We offer three types of professional chemical peels from SkinMedica®:
- Illuminize Peel®: Enhances skin glow while improving clarity, color and texture with very minimal downtime or discomfort.
- Vitalize Peel®: This chemical peel addresses the effects of aging, sun damage and environmental factors. Suitable for all skin tones, Vitalize Peel® decreases fine lines and wrinkles, tightens pores and smooths complexions.
- Rejuvenize Peel®: The most exfoliation is produced to address moderate to severe skin imperfections, including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, pigment changes and acne scarring.
Recovering from a Chemical Peel
Following any chemical peel, expect your skin to appear slightly red and feel tight. For recovery, you’re recommended to take a gentle yet hydrating approach with cleansing and moisturizing. Also use sun protection and avoid picking, despite any visible skin peeling.
Results are not immediate and may take months to fully emerge. As you recover:
- Expect your skin to shed for up to 10 days, based on the depth of the peel. You may also see some crusting.
- Avoid washing your face for 24 hours, as this can dry out your skin. Instead, drink more water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid picking or rubbing, as this can contribute to scarring. Pat skin dry after washing your face.
- Moisturize your skin with a solution containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
- While the skin’s barrier is more vulnerable, avoid using any exfoliating products.
- Limit sun exposure during recovery. Wear a high, broad-spectrum SPF sunblock and put on a hat before going outdoors.
- Keep your skin cool. Avoid hot water in the shower and when washing your face for at least a week.
Results of a Chemical Peel
Based on depth, the results of your chemical peel may vary. Improvements with a light peel are usually subtle, while patients who have undergone a medium peel may see smoother skin after one procedure. In all cases, you may see more fine lines or hyperpigmentation emerge over time. To anticipate this, ensure you stay adequately protected from the sun and expect to undergo multiple peels.
Are you considering a chemical peel? To explore options at the Vein Centers of Connecticut, book a consultation today.