Cosmetologist cleaning face of a woman in a beauty salon

Chemical Peels Do they work?

All of us desire to have absolutely flawless and glowing skin. Although, with hectic lifestyles, sun exposure, and skin issues like acne and pigmentation, we often feel to have lost the charm of our face and body. The good news is that, with proper skin care and simple procedures like chemical peeling, concerns of tanning, pigmentation, age spots, and sun spots can be worked upon. The procedure of chemical peeling works also on fine lines, and is therefore rewarding for its anti-aging outcomes, as well.

A chemical peel is a technique that improves the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, or hands. It mostly treats facial skin and enhances the body and scarring. It uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers. The new skin is usually smoother and has fewer wrinkles than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

What is chemical peeling?
Chemical peels are advanced medications formulated in different concentrations and combinations, so as to bring about the best-desired outcome and to suit an individual’s skin type and indication. The formulations, when applied on an area of the body (face commonly) remove the rough upper layer of skin and stimulate rejuvenation of new skin cells. Pigment particles are taken off, collagen is restored, and acne glands are worked upon.
The result: tighter, smoother skin that is relatively free of lines and blemishes and acne. The result of the peel depends on many factors, like, which particular peel is used on a skin type and skin color, and the purpose of doing the peel. Therefore, it is of utmost important that the procedure is done only after the recommendation and under the guidance of a qualified dermatologist.

What does chemical peel treat?
Chemical peels are generally carried out on the face, neck, and hands, and are effective in treating the following:
• Wrinkles and fine lines from around the mouth and the eyes
• Softening the deeper fine lines
• Rectifying damages done to the tone and texture of the skin
• Diminishing the signs of aging
• Harmed skin cells
• Age spots
• Treating the damage caused due to exposure to the harmful rays of the sun
• Dark patches, freckles, etc., caused due to pregnancy
• Scaling down different types of acne

The treatment is either done on its own, or in conjunction with other skin treatments, to treat a range of skin issues.

Types of peels:
There are three basic types of peels:
• Superficial peels are the mildest type, and can be used for all skin types. For example, glycolic acid.
• Medium peels can penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels and mainly done for deep scars and pigmentation. For example, trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
• Mixed peel, they are more popular these days. They are combination of various chemicals and therapeutic agents, such as mandelic acid, kojic acid, lactic acid, and pyruvic acid, and mainly used for rejuvenation of skin.

What results are expected?
Skin clarity is visible from the very first session, though proper therapeutic response takes two-three sessions. The procedure is repeated every two-three weeks. Every time, the peels can be switched or done sequentially depending on individual skin needs. Effects can be maintained after a stipulated amount of sessions as decided by the dermatologist. In good scenarios, not only does a particular concern like pigmentation improve, but also, the overall health of the skin is improved.

This provides you a rejuvenated, brighter, and revived skin that is free of dead skin cells, evenly textured tone, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating collagen production, the procedure helps your skin become smooth and soft, hydrated and nourished, plump and youthful, along with being clear of pigmentation and effects of sun damage, and also clean of breakouts caused by acne.

How is a peel done?
Right before the peel, the skin is cleaned. The chemical (usually a liquid or paste) is then applied to the skin with a small brush, gauze, or cotton-tip applicator and left for few minutes (depending on the condition and type of peel used). Water or alcohol may be used to neutralize it, and then it is wiped off. You may feel a little burning during the treatment, and mild redness may be there just after the procedure. Dead skin may peel for next two to three days so that new fresh skin can replace. You don’t have to worry about any of these temporary symptoms; just take proper care of your skin.

Side effects
The side effects of a chemical peel can be mild. However, some people develop lasting adverse effects, such as:
• redness that lasts for months
• temporary dark patches of skin
• permanently lightened patches of skin
• scarring

The best way to avoid these is to visit an experienced dermatologist and follow their aftercare instructions carefully.

What precautions to be opted for after chemical peeling?
• Use of sunscreen in addition to other physical modes of sun protection like covering the skin during the day helps a great deal.
• Using bland moisturizers and color-free, fragrance-free face washes are recommended.
• Avoid vigorous pricking, self-peeling, scrubbing, or using exfoliating agents (e.g. retinoid) one week before and after the peeling.
• Avoiding parlor activities for a week before and after a session helps avoid any unwanted side effects.
• Also swimming, sauna, and hot bath should be deferred before and after the procedure.

Summary
• Chemical peels can reduce skin damage, giving the skin a more youthful or unblemished appearance.
• A dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate chemical peel depending on a person’s concerns and skin type.
• Superficial peels are the safest for all skin types. However, any kind of chemical peel requires some downtime for recovery and may cause side effects, such as redness, skin peeling, and sensitivity to sunlight.
• Use of sunscreen in addition to sun protection like covering the skin during the day should be considered as precaution.

 

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