A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure in which a solution is applied to the client’s skin. The solution causes the outer layers of old, damaged skin to peel off, revealing new skin underneath. Chemical peels work by removing skin that has been damaged by the sun and other environmental factors. They can, therefore, eliminate or reduce problems like discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles and some scars. Chemical peels are usually applied to the face to improve the facial skin’s overall look and health.
What Happens During a Chemical Peel?
This treatment is an outpatient procedure that can be done right here in our office. Our specialist will thoroughly clean the treatment area and then apply an acidic solution to it. The effects and recovery time depend on the strength of the solution used. Chemical peels can be mild, medium or deep. The type of skin issue you are experiencing will determine which type of peel will work best for you.
Types of Chemical Peels
Superficial peels are the mildest type and are the chemical peels provided by day spas. They exfoliate the epidermis, which is the topmost layer of the skin. This type of peel may utilize any of several mild acids like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or maleic acid. The solution will be left on the treatment site for a few minutes before it is washed off.
Medical spas can offer medium peels that penetrate the dermis. Trichloracetic acid (TCA) is most commonly used for medium peels. Peels of this strength are often used to remove the epidermis and the upper part of the dermis to treat problems like discoloration, deeper wrinkles and acne scars.
Deep peels often consist of ingredients like phenol. Clients who want to remove major problems like deep wrinkles or large scars may benefit from this treatment.
What is the Recovery Like?
Regardless of the type of chemical peel that the client underwent, they will have to avoid sunlight for a set amount of time. They should stay inside while their skin heals. If they go outside, they should wear sunscreen to protect their skin. During your consultation, we will give you all the information you need about how you can enhance and speed up the recovery process.
A client who has undergone a light chemical peel can usually resume their normal activities soon after their treatment is finished, so long as they stay out of the sun. Recovery for medium or deep chemical peels may differ, so our specialist will let you know what to expect and what steps you can take to care for your skin after your peel during your consultation with us.
At Lux: A Medical Spa, we are pleased to serve Bluffton and surrounding areas with effective, personalized cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out how you can benefit from this treatment.
