One proven way to reveal younger skin is by chemical peel treatments. Chemical peels may sound pretty scary, but they don’t have to be! Peels come in many types and intensity levels. The variety available makes it possible for many different skin types to benefit from peel treatments. Learn more about the types of chemical peels available how each can improve your skin dramatically.
Why Get a Chemical Peel Treatment
If you are looking for ways to improve your skin dramatically, then a chemical peel may be for you! Peels improve the appearance of skin quickly by removing old, damaged skin. This restorative procedure is a great way to reveal healthy skin that is noticeably more youthful.
The treatment causes old skin to exfoliate or peel off. The newly regenerated skin underneath is generally smoother with fewer wrinkles and other damage.
Skin issues improved with a chemical peel:
- Scars and acne scars
- Age spots and sun damage spots
- Aging, dull skin
- Crow’s feet
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Sagging skin
- Wrinkles
Types of Chemical Peels:
Not all chemical peels are the same. They range from over-the-counter DIY solutions to professional treatments that require downtime for healing. The type of peel you need depends on your skin type, the state of the skin, and the desired results.
At-Home Chemical Peel
There are many products on the market that help deeply exfoliate the skin without seeing a professional. While these are the least strong type of peel, they still safely provide skin benefits. An at-home peel won’t require downtime and shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
Look for products that contain one or more of these ingredients that help dissolve old dead skin:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids – Also called AHA, this ingredient causes the skin to shed and exfoliate on its own. There are different types of AHA and different concentrations available. Typical alpha hydroxy acids used in products are glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, hydroxycaprylic acid, and hydroxycapric acid.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids – Known as BHA, this ingredient also causes exfoliation with better removal of fine lines. This ingredient is less irritating than AHA. Typical beta hydroxy acids are salicylic acid, salicylate, sodium salicylate, willow extract, beta hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid, and trethocanic acid.
- Fruit Enzymes – If you are looking to go the natural route, fruit enzymes can have exfoliating properties. These contain proteolytic enzymes that break down skin proteins and remove the dull outer layers of dead skin. Fruit enzymes typically used in exfoliants are bromelain, papain, and pumpkin enzyme.
Light Chemical Peel
This peel type uses some of the same ingredients as an at-home peel but in stronger concentrations. AHA and BHA are still primary ingredients but the chemical solution mix, strength, and application time are custom based on the patient’s skin needs.
Light peels will not have as drastic results as a deep peel will have with one treatment. With multiple light peel treatments, around 8, a patient can achieve results closer to a single deep peel. A light peel is quick and should have little to no side effects.
It is often called a “lunchtime peel” and can give you smoother skin and a glow without downtime.
Medium Chemical Peel
The products used in a medium peel begin to get stronger and will require professional application. A medium peel will lessen acne scars, deeper wrinkles, and uneven skin noticeably. This peel affects the outer layer of skin as well as the middle layer.
A physician will apply a chemical such as trichloroacetic acid or a stronger glycolic acid formula. There is downtime with this type of peel, unlike an at-home or light peel. After treatment, the skin may be red or brown right after, much like a sunburn. As the name suggests, after 48 hours, the treated skin will start to peel off. Peeling can last a week, and skin should be protected from the sun and kept well moisturized.
The infamous Obagi Blue Peel has a new version called the Controlled Depth Blue Peel from ZO Skin Health & our patients are loving it! Not only is it known for skin resurfacing, but also for its maximum skin tightening.
Deep Chemical Peel
A deep chemical peel is the most potent peel available and will provide dramatic results. Deep peels are performed by physicians only, and patients can only receive this treatment once. A deep peel will remove and improve the skin down to the middle layer.
Patients with age spots, moderate lines and wrinkles, scars, and freckles will see a dramatic improvement in their skin. The most common deep peel ingredient is phenol, and the chemical concentration is custom for each patient. Tricholoracetic acid in higher concentrations is another ingredient mixed with deep peels.
A deep peel will often require anesthesia and an in-patient stay. This treatment requires the most downtime and aftercare. It can take around two weeks for new skin to develop and several more for white spots and cysts to disappear. The skin may remain red for months afterward.
How long does a chemical peel last?
The benefits of chemical peels will last varying amounts of time based on the patient’s skin type, their skincare routine, and the type of peel they received. The lightest peels are applied every two weeks to maintain youthful skin. The benefits of a medium peel can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months. Better looking skin from a deep peel can last for years.
Is a Peel Safe?
Peels are generally a safe procedure when applied by a qualified plastic surgeon. The stronger the peel, the higher the chances for adverse effects. Your doctor will recommend the type of peel that is safe to use based on your skin type.
Some risks from chemical peel treatments are:
- Scarring
- Infection
- Temporary or permanent skin discoloration
- Reactivation of cold sores
For these reasons, it is vital to receive treatment only from qualified and proven plastic surgeons. The surgeons and staff at Garza Plastic Surgery have the experience to prove exceptional results safely.
Get a Peel in Nashville, Tennessee
If you are looking to receive a chemical peel, schedule an appointment in Nashville, Tennessee, today. And, if you have any more questions about our aesthetic peel services, give us a call. Our expert staff is ready and willing to answer any of your questions. We look forward to seeing you and helping you achieve your aesthetic goals!
