What Is A Chemical Peel?

Are you wondering what a chemical peel is? Do you want to know how it could benefit your skin? The term chemical peel may seem scary, but this article will help you understand how this is a safe medical procedure that can give you smoother, softer skin with less fine lines and wrinkles.

How Does A Chemical Peel Work?

The outer portion of our skin or epidermis is composed of multiple layers of epidermal cells. These cells act as a barrier against the environment. They protect deeper, more sensitive layers of skin. Microscopic fibers called tonofilaments run between individual cells, helping anchor them together. An extracellular layer surrounds each cell, acting as a sort of “glue” to further keep cells together. Over time, these cells are invisibly shed through the body’s natural means of exfoliation. Speeding up this process can instantly restore a more youthful glow to the skin and address other subtle signs of the aging process.

A chemical peel works by breaking down these layers of glue between the cells. Essentially, it breaks them down resulting in an exfoliation process to occur.

What Is In A Chemical Peel?

There are three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium, and deep peels. A superficial peel uses a mild acid to penetrate your top layer of skin. This is often used to treat slight discoloration and rough skin. In a medium peel the layers of the skin are exfoliated using acids to treat wrinkles, age spots, and discoloration.

In a deep peel, acids are used to deeply penetrate not only the outer layers but also the middle layers of the skin. They can have a great impact on the skin, and can often treat scars, age spots, and freckles. When done by a trusted professional these treatments are very safe but before and after instructions must be followed for the best results.

Difference Between Chemical Peels And Microdermabrasion

Now that we know a little bit more about a chemical peel you might be wondering what the difference between a chemical peel and a microdermabrasion is. While both are good at exfoliating the skin, they go about it in different ways. A microdermabrasion breaks the tonofilaments in your skin by using physical exfoliation. It occurs by running a diamond tip device or some other device across the surface of your skin. As we have previously discussed,

 a chemical peel exfoliates the skin through the chemical breakdown of the tonofilaments in the skin. You may be wondering what procedure is better. The answer is it depends on the patient. Depending upon the type of peel you can potentially penetrate to deeper layers of the skin. Also, it is possible to have a treatment plan that incorporates both chemical peels and microdermabrasion sessions to get the maximum benefit from both types of exfoliations.

Day Of Your Peel What To Expect

Your chemical peel is going to start off with a thorough face cleansing. After the cleaning of your skin your provider will begin to apply the chemical peel. This is done with a small cotton applicator that he or she will use to make a series of precise passes over your face. Generally, there will be multiple passes made of each area of your face. It is possible for you to feel a slight tingling sensation during this process. It is also possible for your skin to look slightly white or grayish during this process. That is often referred to as frosting. Don’t worry if this occurs as this is a completely normal reaction from the peel. When the peel is done you will be given an aftercare packet with instructions on the next steps after your peel. Each packet can be slightly different depending on the type of peel you received.

Following Your Peel

Immediately following your peel, you can expect your face to be slightly red and even a little tender. This is completely normal. Each peel comes with specific aftercare instructions that will tell you when to clean your face, when to apply lotion, sunscreen, and other products. It is extremely important for you to remember not to scratch, itch, or pick at your skin.

Now, it is called a chemical peel for a reason. After a few days your skin will peel. This is 100% normal and a part of the process. In general, you should be prepared for some dryness and flaking. Since peeling is the desired outcome, you want this process to occur so that you can slough off wrinkles, age spots, and sun damage.

Peeling will typically start between days 3 and 4 after your treatment. Most patients will see the peeling be done or nearly completely done by day 7 after treatment. It is best to allow the peeling to occur naturally as opposed to trying to remove the flaking skin.

How Will Your Skin Look After A Chemical Peel?

While the results can vary for each patient, generally, most patients will experience several different results including: exfoliation, smoother skin, tighter skin, brighter skin, less pigmentation, improved tone, and improved texture. It is important to note that several factors can make results vary. It is possible for factors such as age, the condition of your skin, the severity of blemishes or discoloration, and the solution used to cause differing results.

How Many Treatments

Like any skin resurfacing technique, chemical peels require more than one treatment to experience the best results. Typically, a patient will need to do at least three peels to experience the type of results they are looking to achieve. These peels would be spaced out about a month or so between each treatment. While there will be an effect after each treatment you will not receive the maximum benefit from simply one peel.

Final Thoughts On Chemical Peels

If you are looking for fresher, smoother, and brighter skin, a chemical peel may be a great solution for you. This is a safe, quick, and cost-effective skin treatment that can improve the appearance of the skin in many ways.

Now that you know the answer to what a chemical peel is, you can make an appointment with a trusted chemical peel specialist to safely improve the appearance of your skin. Are you looking for a chemical peel specialist in Baltimore? If so, contact Green Relief Health today.

Green Relief Health offers what is considered by many to be the best chemical peel, the Vi Peel. It is a quick and easy treatment option with little to no downtime that works great for many skin types. To learn more about chemical peels call us at 410-368-0420 or request a consultation using our handy online scheduling tool.