Chemical peels are a go-to procedure for achieving smoother, more radiant facial looks because of their minimal invasiveness and short recovery periods. The procedure is administered by a professional dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon in an outpatient facility. Chemical peels are ideal for minimizing facial wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and dryness. For facial peels, chemical peels & facials, click here. Below is a breakdown of some dermatologically recommended actions you must take during the procedure. Chemical peels, facial peels & facials – Stillwater “Integrative Medical.
Types Of Chemical Peels
You can get diverse chemical peels, all of which have different results.
- A light chemical peel removes the skin’s outer layer, known as the epidermis. You can get the procedure more frequently, and the healing r[orcess is the fastest.
- A medium chemical peel is slightly deeper into the middle layer of the skin, the dermis. It is ideal for solving tougher skin problems like uneven skin tone, acne scars and wrinkles.
- A deep chemical peel goes deeper into the skin to tackle stubborn issues like deeper wrinkles, scars or precancerous growths. You may not need repeat appointments to enjoy maximum benefits.
Precautions Before Chemical Peels (Pre-Chemical Peel)
- Avoid direct skin contact with the sun. Use sunscreen products with a minimum of SPF30 at least a week before the procedure to prevent sun damage.
- If you use Retinol products, stop their use at least seven days before the procedure. Check your skin products for ingredients like alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA). if present, stop their use at least five days before your chemical peel.
- Avoid tanning beds before and after the chemical peel, and if possible, for your lifetime. Tanning beds accelerate the signs of aging, making them counterproductive to the purpose of your procedure. They also contribute to skin cancer because of prolonged exposure to UV light.
- Avoid the gym and other heightened physical activities like hikes, runs, jogging, and more at least 24 hours before your procedure.
- During the day of the appointment, do not apply makeup; your skin needs to be in its natural state.
- Stop taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications at least seven days before the chemical peel.
- Before your procedure, your skin care professional will analyze your medical history to determine your eligibility for the procedure, examine the areas they will treat, and discuss your expectations to match you to the most useful type of chemical peel.
Precautions For After The Chemical Peel (Post-Chemical Peel)
- Any signs of flaking, whiteness, peeling, and dryness are normal and will wear off in the first several days. Do not pick at your face, scratch or scrub; allow the skin to peel off naturally.
- Depending on the type of chemical peel, you should fully recover at least two weeks after the procedure. Before then, you may not see the full effect of the procedure.
- Use ice packs for a soothing effect if you feel sore
- For the first two days, avoid activities that increase sweating, like exercising, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, hair dryers, or internal heating in your house, as these may cause hyperpigmentation.
- Continue the application of your sunscreen, avoiding any unprotected sun exposure at all costs.
- Moisturize your skin at least twice daily and avoid artificial exfoliants like scrubs, loofahs, and exfoliating sponges
- If acne-prone, delay using your acne products for at least five days. During that time, avoid electrolysis, facial waxing, and depilatories.
- Your physician will likely explain your skincare routine and prescribe the products to deal with flakiness. If not, apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated at all times.
- Note that the first few days are the most sensitive, and your skin needs extra care, avoid tanning beds for the first two weeks post-procedure.
- However, some side effects cause alarm and may require you to contact your skincare professionals. They include increased redness, increased hyperpigmentation or crusting of the skin.
- When your face is fully healed, and you need a more dramatic change, consult your skincare professional before scheduling another chemical peel or any other procedure.
Unfortunately, some groups of people cannot undergo a chemical, including pregnant mothers, persons with severe, frequent outbreaks of cold sores, persons who have taken medication like isotretinoin in the past six months, and more. The results of the chemical peels vary with the type and intensity. Chemical peels cannot fully eliminate deep scars and deeply developed wrinkles or tighten saggy facial skin. Following your dermatologically prescribed skincare routine is critical in the healing process.