A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure to remove various issues on the skin, such as sun damage, active acne, wrinkles, fine lines, liver spots, freckles, scaly patches, mild scarring, actinic keratosis, dull complexion, and age spots. It can also be used for removing tan and stretch marks.
lso called dermapeeling or chemexfoliation, a chemical solution is applied on the skin to peel off its outer layers to reveal the new and healthier skin from within. The outer layer will gradually peel off, revealing the better looking inside layer of the skin.
The chemical solution used can contain a variety of acids like trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. The specific acid used for the peel will depend on your skin problem, how long you have had this issue, and also the depth of the problem. A dermatologist will first look at your skin, analyze the problems you are facing, and then decide on the chemicals to be used.
The peel could be very light that will affect only your skin’s surface or it can go deeper. Light peels are usually applied for improving uneven skin tones and to remove mild symptoms.
A chemical peel will not improve your overall health or the health of your skin. However, it will make you look fresher and healthier, which is why it has become a very popular skin care treatment in recent times. It will remove the dull, tired-looking skin and make you look better. This is a safe treatment for everyone.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Chemical Peel
All chemical peels for body by BYou Laser Clinic can easily be done at the office or clinic of your dermatologist. No anesthesia will be required. A mild local numbing agent will be applied. If your treatment is going to be deeper, then a mild sedative medicine can also be used.
However, before that, your skin is going to be cleaned thoroughly – this is usually the first procedure on the peel day. You will be told to lie face up on a smooth surface so that the chemical can be applied easily. Gauze, thick emollients, and other methods will be used for protecting your nose, hair, mouth, and eyes.
The professional will then use a cotton applicator or brush for applying the chemical solution on your skin. Your skin will begin to look grayish or whitish as it is applied.
There can be some burning or stinging sensation when the peel starts to dry because the chemical composition is acidic in nature. This will usually mild and is worth it because remember, your wrinkles will go away and your skin will become youthful-looking.
The entire procedure can be over in about an hour, 90 minutes maximum. How long it will take will depend on the solution, your skin, and goals. The professional is going to stay in the room throughout. After this, the chemical solution will be removed carefully.
What to Expect From a Chemical Peel After a Couple Weeks
Just after the session, your face is likely to look tender, red, and a little bit swollen. Make sure to avoid any rubbing, scratching, or picking. Also, don’t pull your skin.
Remember, it may get worse immediately after the chemical peel treatment. In the first few days, you may see flakiness, skin dryness, breakouts, and discoloration. This is absolutely normal. As the skin starts peeling off, it will take away those wrinkles, sun damage, and age spots. This typically starts happening anytime between 3 and 4 days.
If you had a light peel, then within 7 days, your skin is likely to heal completely. For a medium peel, it may take around two weeks. The side effects will start to go down between five and seven days. You will see the formation of new and healthy skin between seven and fourteen days. However, there can still be some redness. This will go away by the end of the month.
Drink plenty of water. Don’t wash your face for 24 hours after the treatment and avoid applying a skin cleansing agent or makeup.
Will My Skin Look Dramatically Different?
The result of the chemical peel treatment can vary for everyone. It depends on many factors, such as your age, skin condition, the solution, and how severe your skin issue was. However, most patients have had wonderful results of the chemical peel treatment. Your skin will look healthier. The process will remove almost all skin-related issues on the surface. You may even be able to reverse the signs of aging.
This type of cosmetic treatment is completely safe. There are very few side effects, and those too, are extremely mild. This is a convenient way to turn back the clock.
