Renew and Refresh Your Skin with Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic treatment known for improving skin appearance through controlled exfoliation of the outer layers. As these layers shed, fresher, smoother, and more radiant skin is revealed. Chemical peels are commonly performed on the face, neck, and hands to restore a youthful, refreshed look.
3 – 21 days
Recovery time
4 weeks
duration between sessions
Benefits of Chemical Peels
Affordable
Compared to other cosmetic procedures, chemical peels are more affordable
Fast
Chemical peel treatments are preferred over other treatments when immediate results are needed.
Minimal downtime
Light chemical peels have very less downtime while medium and deep peels need 2 – 3 weeks of recovery time.
Types of peels
There are three types of Chemical Peels.
Superficial – these peels are the mildest. They only exfoliate the outermost layers of skin and since most skin concerns are rooted deeper than that, they usually require 3-6 sessions to achieve optimal results.
Medium – these peels are more concentrated acids which reach the middle layers of the skin. Often, 2-4 sessions are required spaced 6-8 weeks apart from optimal results.
Deep – these are the strongest peels which have a significant downtime and require only 1 session. They are often done for medical reasons, such as elimination of melanoma cells, instead of cosmetic ones.
Preparation
The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove oil and impurities. Depending on the depth of the peel, a topical anesthetic may be applied, especially for deep chemical peels, to improve comfort.
Light / Medium Peel
A chemical solution such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid is applied using a brush or cotton applicator.
In a light peel, the solution is applied and the skin may begin to whiten.
In a medium peel, the process is similar, with the addition of cool compresses to soothe the skin. A stinging sensation is common during this step.
Deep Peel
For deep chemical peels, IV fluids are administered and heart rate is closely monitored. The treated skin may turn white or grey. The solution is applied in stages with 15-minute intervals between applications to safely control exposure to the acid.
Which skin conditions can be effectively treated by chemical peels?
- Fine lines
- Some types of acne
- Freckles, sunspots and uneven skin tone
- Acne scars & enlarged pores
- Melasma
When will the results be visible?
Improvement in skin tone and texture is visible after the first session for light & medium peels. However, the extent of results depends on the skin’s condition and the indication being treated. Effects may take a few days to be completely visible. After you have achieved your desired results, you can opt for maintenance sessions every 6 months.
Aftercare instructions for chemical peels:
During the recovery period, use a gentle cleanser as the skin is already sensitive. Make sure to regularly moisturize and wear SPF.
What are the possible side effects of chemical peels?
Redness and scaling are common after the procedure. Medium and deep peels can also result in blisters. People with dark skin tones may suffer from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Scarring can occur but it is usually rare. Since a deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid, it may cause damage to the heart, kidney, or liver.