Chemical Peels are cosmetic procedures that use various chemical solutions to exfoliate or peel away the outer layer of the skin. They are commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, skin discoloration, dull complexion, age spots, and sun-damaged skin. While chemical peels are usually performed on the face, they can also be applied to the neck, chest, or hands. The depth of chemical peels can vary from superficial to medium to deep. Generally, deeper peels provide more significant and noticeable results but also require longer recovery times and more post-procedure care.

What are the types of chemical peels?

Superficial Peels

Superficial peels are the mildest form of chemical peels. These peels only penetrate the outermost layer of skin, making them ideal for addressing minor skin imperfections such as slight discoloration, uneven skin tones, rough texture and dryness. They generally require little to no downtime, making them a popular choice for those with busy lifestyles (1).

Medium Peels

Medium peels typically use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to reach the middle layers of skin, targeting more significant skin concerns like age spots, deeper wrinkles, and moderate discoloration. These peels offer more dramatic results than superficial peels but come with a longer recovery period. Patients may experience redness, swelling, and peeling for several days post-procedure (2).

Deep Peels

Deep peels employ strong acids like phenol to penetrate deep into the skin layers, effectively treating severe wrinkles, deep scars, and extensive sun damage. The results of a deep peel can be quite remarkable, often making the skin appear dramatically smoother and more youthful. However, the procedure is more intensive, often requiring a longer recovery time and careful post-treatment care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications (2).

What to Expect During and After a Chemical Peel

During the Procedure

A chemical peel usually starts with a thorough cleansing of the skin. The chosen chemical solution is then applied to the skin, where it remains for a specified duration, depending on the type and depth of the peel. You may experience a tingling or stinging sensation during the application, which is generally well-tolerated. You may also experience a sensation of your skin tightening or feeling slightly pulled.

After the Procedure

Post-peel care is crucial to achieving optimal results and minimizing potential side effects. Immediately after the procedure, your skin may be red and sensitive (2).

Light Chemical Peel:

Post-Treatment Reaction: Expect a sunburn-like reaction, with redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days.

• Skin Care: Apply lotion or cream as directed until your skin heals. Once healed, apply daily sunscreen.

• Makeup: You can wear makeup immediately after treatment or the next day.

• Additional Treatments: Peels can be repeated every two to five weeks until you achieve your desired results, typically requiring three to five sessions.

Medium Chemical Peel:

Post-Treatment Reaction: Expect redness, swelling, stinging, and flaking. Swelling may last or worsen for 48 hours. Blisters can develop, break open, and the skin will crust and peel off over seven to 14 days.

• Skin Care: Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor and apply ointment after each soak. Use lotion or cream daily. Avoid sunlight until your skin is completely healed.

• Medication: Take antiviral medication for 10 to 14 days.

• Makeup: You can wear makeup after five to seven days.

• Additional Treatments: Medium-depth peels may be repeated every six to 12 months if needed to maintain results.

Deep Chemical Peel:

Post-Treatment Reaction: The treated area will be bandaged and the bandages removed after a few days. Expect a healing time of 14 to 21 days (3).

• Skin Care: Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor and apply ointment after each soak. After 14 days, switch to a moisturizer as directed and avoid sun exposure.

• Medication: Take antiviral medication for 10 to 14 days.

• Makeup: Wait at least 14 days before using any makeup.

• Additional Treatments: Only one deep peel can be performed on your face.

It’s essential to follow your skincare provider's instructions, which may include:

• Avoiding direct sun exposure and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

• Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding harsh skincare products.

• Refraining from picking or peeling the skin, as this can lead to scarring or infection.

Recovery times vary depending on the depth of the peel. Superficial peels might require only a few days of recovery, while deeper peels can take several weeks.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?

Chemical peels are generally safe for most skin types, but it's important to have a consultation with a qualified skincare professional to determine the best type of peel for your skin concerns and goals. Those with certain skin conditions or sensitivities may need to take additional precautions or consider alternative treatments.

Conclusion

Chemical peels offer a versatile and effective solution for a variety of skin concerns, from minor imperfections to more significant signs of aging. By understanding the different types of peels and their respective benefits and recovery requirements, you can make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you. With proper care and guidance from a skincare professional, chemical peels can help you achieve a clearer, smoother, and more youthful complexion.

With proper care and guidance from a skincare professional at My Skin St Pete, chemical peels can help you achieve a clearer, smoother, and more youthful complexion.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither My Skin by Leah Michel, APRN, FNP-BC, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (727) 295-7223.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 13). Chemical peel. Mayo Clinic.

2. Gotter, A. (2023, April 25). What you should know about chemical peels. Healthline.

3. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Chemical peels. Cleveland Clinic.