Chemical peeling is a popular procedure that often gets immediate results. Peels accelerate skin exfoliation resulting in renewed, healthier looking skin and a more uniform complexion. Chemical peels can lighten sun spots, diminish fine lines, and help smooth acne scars. Peels can also help improve melasma and hyperpigmentation. While the face is the most commonly treated area, chemical peels can also be applied to your neck, décolletage (chest) or hands.
The term “chemical peel” might sound a little scary if you’ve never had one. It helps to know that the acids in chemical peels are derived from a variety of natural sources such as milk, almonds, apples, citrus fruit and sugar cane. “No one should be afraid. Chemical peels are carefully selected, controlled, effective, and even relaxing! We thoroughly analyze each patient’s skin type and health history to determine which peel is best for you,” says Pariser Dermatology’s Master Aesthetician, Whitney Henry.
How Chemical Peels Work
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It is constantly shedding and entirely replaces itself about once per month, while your body makes new skin cells to replace the old ones. The acids contained in chemical peels speed up the shedding process while also removing skin imperfections.
Chemical Peel Strength Levels
We offer a variety of chemical peels. Some are considered “lunchtime” peels or light peels and some go a little deeper into the layers of the skin.
- A Light peel such as SkinMedica’s Illuminize Peel® is the gentlest SkinMedica® peel. It is appropriate for first-time chemical-peel patients, patients with mild skin imperfections or patients who are looking for brighter, more radiant skin with no downtime. With the Illuminize Peel® patients probably won’t see visible peeling due to the superficial nature of this peel.
- Medium chemical peels affect both the outer layer and upper middle layer of your skin. You are more likely to see more redness and flaking than light peels, but the results are more distinct. One of our most popular medium peels we offer is The Perfect Derma™ Peel. This type of peel can improve the clarity, texture and tone of your skin, reduce sun damage, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize the appearance of pores. Good for all skin types and ethnicities, the Perfect Derma™ Peel contains a combination of acids and requires a 45 minute appointment with one of our trained aestheticians. “I love The Perfect Derma™ Peel because most patients don’t experience the usual stinging and warm sensation. It is also the only peel we offer that is safe for application on the eyelids and under the eyes,” says Master Aesthetician, Victoria Roughton.
As with all cosmetic treatments, a thorough consultation with one of our aestheticians is advised in order to assess each unique patient. “Chemical peels are generally safe for most patients, but are not recommended for anyone who is currently pregnant or who has an active inflammatory rash at the treatment site,” says Whitney.
What to Expect
After a light chemical peel, you can immediately see a more radiant glow with little to no actual skin shedding. After receiving a medium level peel your skin normally begins peeling 3-5 days after your treatment. Expect the peeling to last for 3-7 days. Using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen is important to enhance the healing process and results. You can resume normal activity after the peel, however strenuous exercise and heavy sweating should be avoided for 2-3 days.
How Long Does it Last?
You will most likely see visible improvement after your first chemical peel. You’ll see the best results with multiple treatments over time. Repeat lighter peels once a month for 3-4 months or until you reach the desired result. Stronger peels need more time in between treatments. In order to determine the best method of treatment for your particular concern and your unique skin type, we recommend that you to book a cosmetic consultation with one of our aestheticians.
If you’d like to book a cosmetic consultation call us at 757-313-5813 or click here to request a cosmetic consultation.
