All you need to know about Chemical Peels


As-Salam-O-Alykum...Glam'Yees...
Today I m posting about Chemical peels.What is it actually, what are the benefits,and if you actually need it.
Here's some more info on chemical peels. This is just from my personal experience and my own research. Always consult a dermatologist before carrying out a peeling process.

What is a Chemical Peel aka Skin Peeling?

A chemical peel is a chemical solution which is applied to your skin to remove damaged outer layers or peel away superficial layers of skin or the uppermost epidermis.(top layer of skin)

Chemical peel treatments have remained a favorite because they can resurface and refresh the skin by diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
Today, chemical peels are used for various skin concerns across all ages, and are often coupled with other skin-enhancing treatments for maximum benefits.The process of a chemical peel is relatively simple. “Most acid peels work by disrupting the bonds between dead skin cells. The speed and depth of exfoliation is determined by the specific acid used, its acidity (or pH), the concentration of the solution, and the amount of time it’s left on the skin,”

What are Chemical peels effective for?

-anti aging purposes like getting rid of wrinkles or fine lines
-sun damage
-improving the appearance of stretch marks
-fade dark spots and age spots
-improving the texture and tone of your skin
-razor bumps
-enlarged pores
And scarring from acne.

How to get it done?

You can get a peel done professionally by a dermatologist or esthetician or at home with a home kit. Doing it at home is really convenient at cost effective but I still recommend speaking with a dermatologist before you try an at home peel. You don't know how your skin will react to the chemical.

Chemical peel agents include:

  • Glycolic Acid Peels (one of many alphahydroxy acids) – a light peel that provides subtle results in the treatment of faint hyperpigmentation, acne and wrinkles.
  • Lactic acid 
  • Salicylic Acid Peels (an ingredient also found in a Jessner's Peel) – a light to medium peel.
  • Mandelic Acid 
  • Enzyme peels 
  • TCA-based Peels (Obagi Blue Peel) – a medium peel. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels treat pronounced blemishes, lines and pigmentation, yielding softer, refined complexions, but these come with a recovery period that ranges from seven to 10 days or more.
  • Phenols (croton oil-based) – a deep peel.At home peels can come in a variety of agents such as:

Types of Chemical Skin Peels

Chemical skin peels can range from superficial (often called micro-resurfacing) to medium or deep. 
Superficial Peel
This peels is designed to help smoothen coarse, dry skin, improve the texture of sun-damaged skin and even out skin tone. The recovery is generally rapid and usually involves some minor flaking. A series of treatments us ordinarily recommended to obtain the desired result over a period of time and with appropriate sun protection you can resume regular activities immediately.

Medium Peel
Medium peels contain a stronger potency of acids. Medium peels target the epidermis and upper dermis and cause the skin to slough within 5 to 7 days. Immediately after treatment the skin has a red appearance and is occasionally accompanied by swelling. Within a day the skin turns brown in color and after 3 or 4 days the skin initiates the peeling process.

Deep Peels
Deep peels produce the most dramatic results. This peel is recommended for treating wrinkles, scars, blemishes and, in some cases, precancerous skin lesions. A deep peel targets the dermis. In some cases, anesthesia is required during the procedure to reduce the ware to hot stinging sensation. After a deep peel, the skin is red and can result in some swelling and blistering. A crust may form and the skin will turn brown just prior to peeling. Many layers of the skin will peel over a period of one to two weeks. An ointment may be given to keep the area moist. Temporarily, the new skin will have the color and sensation of significant sunburn, which will gradually fade to your normal skin color.

Dermatologists Advice Post Peeling

Use the moisturizer as directed to keep your skin moist and supple. If your skin dries and cracks, it can scar.
If your skin burns, itches, or swells, contact your dermatologist.Rubbing or scratching skin treated with a chemical peel can cause an infection.
Do not use a tanning bed or other type of indoor tanning. Your skin will not heal properly.
After your skin heals, apply sunscreen every day. This will help you maintain results.

FAQ'S

Is there downtime?
After a medium or deep peel, you will have downtime. A deep chemical peel requires recuperation at home for 2 to 3 weeks.

When will I see the results?
Once your skin heals, you will see the results. Healing time ranges from 1 day for a refreshing or lunchtime peel to 14 days or longer for a deep peel. To get the results you seek from a refreshing peel or lunchtime peel, you may need to have 3 to 5 peels. 

How long will the results last?
Most results are not permanent because our skin continues to age. If you have lots of sun-damaged skin or precancerous skin growths called AKs, you will likely continue to see new spots and growths on your skin.
 
What are the possible side effects?
Although chemical peels have been effectively and safely used for more than 50 years, there are possible side effects. Do a patch test beforehand to see how your skin will react. Redness is common, and can last from several days to several months on sensitive skin types. Flaking is another common side effect, and should dissipate within a month after you use the peel. If you have dark skin, you may notice temporary darkening after the peel. When peels are used properly, there is little risk of permanent scarring.

If serious side effects occur, it is often because the patient did not follow the dermatologist’s instructions. Your risk for developing an infection or scarring increase dramatically if you:
  • Fail to protect your skin from the sun. 
  • Fail to care for your wound as instructed.
  • Scratch the treated skin or pick off a scab.
  • Apply makeup before your skin heals.
  • Don’t heed your dermatologist’s advice and use a tanning bed or other type of indoor tanning.
When is it safe to have another chemical peel?
To maintain results, you can repeat mild and medium chemical peels. Your dermatologist can tell you how often you can have a repeat treatment. A person can have only one deep peel. 

Use Caution
Follow the instructions when doing an at-home chemical peel. Skipping steps or leaving a peel on for longer than instructed can damage your skin. Be diligent about follow-up care to help your skin heal properly. Do not scratch the treated area, and to prevent infection, avoid wearing makeup until your skin is healed. The chemical will make you more sensitive to sunlight, so wear a broad spectrum sunblock or sunscreen daily.

Hope this was helpful
Until next time
Stay Gorgeous
Ma'as Salama