The beauty world caters a lot of its products for people trying to combat serious skin issues. But a lot of these products don’t actually work and contain harmful ingredients! Luckily, other routes can be more effective. For example, chemical peels are the best treatment for combating age spots, sun spots, discoloration, and wrinkles! If you’re thinking about getting this treatment done, keep reading to learn about the benefits of a chemical peel.
What Are Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel is a formula used to remove the top layer of the skin, which is where most of the damage remains. The skin will then heal and regrow a new layer. This new layer of skin will have less discoloration, spots, and wrinkles!
Depending on your skin, a chemical peel is customized to fit your specific needs. For example, some peels are very gentle and work to give a subtle glow, while some are very strong and help with deep scarring.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
So what do chemical peels do? Well, there are a lot of benefits ranging from cosmetic benefits to cancer-saving treatments! Keep reading to learn more.
1. Clearing Acne
A chemical peel can clear acne because of its ability to unclog pores and sanitize the troubled areas. Many people who have tried acne medication like Accutane and birth control turn to this method. And the downtime is nothing compared to other methods.
2. Acne Scar Removal
Even if you’ve cleared your acne with other methods, scarring can still be present. Fortunately, a chemical peel can clean the area and significantly remove the scarring. However, if you have deep scars or discoloration, you’ll have to get more treatments to get the best results.
3. Cancer Cell Removal
People with actinic keratosis are more vulnerable to developing skin cancer. Luckily a chemical peel can help strip away those cancer-causing cells. However, it’s not recommended that patients with irregular scarring or moles get chemical peels, which could worsen the area.
4. Anti-Aging Benefits
Mandelic acid is a chemical that can be found in some chemical peels. This acid targets fine lines and wrinkles specifically. After one peel, most clients can see significant changes in their appearance. Overall, a chemical peel can leave you looking more plump and youthful!
5. Better Absorption Rate for Skin Products
After a chemical peel, the skin becomes resurfaced. Because of this, there are no dead skin cells which makes it easier for skin products to absorb the skin. Therefore, your products will work faster and more effectively!
How to Prepare for Chemical Peels
There are many precautions you should be taking before your chemical peel. These precautions can help avoid further damage and also enhance the results.
For starters, it’s recommended that you use heavy layers of sunscreen before your chemical procedure or try to avoid the sun altogether. This will ensure your skin is in a healthy state before undergoing a chemical treatment.
Secondly, you should avoid tanning, as this could leave your skin more vulnerable to infections and burns after your procedure. Lastly, having any open sores or lesions during a chemical peel could cause further scarring.
Therefore, you should also avoid waxing or shaving your skin as this could cause tears. Overall, make sure you’re properly moisturizing your skin, drinking lots of water, and avoiding harsh chemicals. This will prepare your skin for the chemicals and will allow for a better recovery.
What to Expect the Day of Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment, you should arrive with no makeup and just a moisturizer and sunscreen. Your doctor will gently cleanse your skin and remove any extra oil.
Afterward, a protective layer of petroleum cream will be placed around your eyelids and mouth. Once your skin is ready, the chemical solution will be put on your face for about 10 to 20 minutes.
This may not seem like a lot of time, but because of the potency of the solution, not much time is needed for a reaction. In fact, leaving a chemical peel for too long could cause further skin damages.
Depending on the kind of treatment level and chemical peel, your skin might start to frost. This term refers to a white cast that appears on the skin, which is completely normal.
Some patients do report feeling some minor burning or itching during the treatment. However, this is a normal response to the chemical peel.
Chemical Peel Recovery and Aftercare
During the recovery process, you will be told to stay away from the sun, wear sunscreen, and stay away from makeup and other harsh irritates. It’s also important that you don’t peel the skin off and just let it fall off on its own.
Your doctor will give you recommendations of safe products to use when healing. For example, gentle face washes, moisturizers, and sunscreen!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Chemical Peels?
Many people can benefit from a chemical peel even if they have sensitive skin. However, certain factors should be assessed before getting a chemical peel.
For example, have you used oral acne medication in the past 8 to 12 months? If so, you may not be the best candidate for chemical peels, as these medications could increase the chances of scarring.
However, if you’ve never used acne medication or haven’t used it within the past year, then a chemical peel could be your answer!
Another factor to consider is how much time you spend in the sun. For example, if you work outside or you’re an active person, a chemical peel could cause severe damage to your skin if exposed to sun rays.
Therefore, if you plan on being in the sun for an extended amount of time after your procedure, consider another treatment or a temporary change to your lifestyle.
If you are currently going through chemotherapy or radiation, a chemical peel is not recommended. Radiation and chemotherapy increase your chances of scarring permanently after the treatment!
If you have any open wounds or sores, a chemical peel should not be performed on you. However, your skin can have acne but before your treatment, try not to cause any further inflammation or bleeding by touching or popping your pimples.
Lastly, if you are pregnant, it’s best to avoid a chemical peel.
Get the Best Skin of Your Life
Overall, chemical peels can help treat acne scars, wrinkles, and fine lines faster than other products. If you have been struggling with your skin for some time now, a chemical peel can help provide almost instant results!
If you’re ready to get the best skin of your life, contact us today and schedule a visit!
