Chemical Peels
  • This information was developed by GMR Web Team.
  • This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice.
  • It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Chemical Peels 

Having a young, radiant, and spotless skin is every woman's desire. The secret to beautiful skin is a healthy skincare regime. Over the past decades, many cosmetic treatments have evolved that have proven effective in revealing a radiant and spotless complexion. This article will highlight a revolutionary aesthetic procedure- "Chemical peels." If you are struggling with skin imperfections like hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or uneven skin tone, chemical peels are your ultimate solution. A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove your skin's top (superficial) layers, revealing clearer, youthful skin underneath. It is generally performed by a certified, well-trained dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) in a clinical setup.

 Keep scrolling to learn more about this excellent procedure and its mechanism.

What Are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels, also known as "chemexfoliation" or "derma peeling," is a non-surgical, minimally invasive (does not require any injections or cuts) cosmetic procedure. The treatment involves using specially formulated, medically concentrated chemical solutions to remove the damaged, superficial (top) layer of your skin. This superficial layer eventually peels off, revealing a fresher, healthier, glowing skin with reduced wrinkles, pigmentation, and age spots. A chemical peel is one of the most cost-effective procedures to improve the appearance of your skin. The potential result of the chemical peel depends on the type of chemical solution, the type of skin imperfection to correct, the technique used, and the number of sessions.

When Are Chemical Peels Recommended?

Dermatologists often recommend chemical peels to fight signs of aging and discoloration of the skin. Chemical peels are most commonly performed on your face, neck, and hands. 

It can help reduce or improve:

  • Fine lines 
  • Wrinkles 
  • Mild acne scars
  • Sunspots
  • Skin discoloration.
  • Dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills

Are Chemical Peels Effective?

Your skin is the largest organ in your body that helps protect and shield it from dust, allergens, and harmful sun rays. As you age, your skin cells eventually lose collagen (a protein produced by your body, which plays an essential role in the structure and function of the skin, cartilage, bone, and connective tissue) and its protective barrier, resulting in damage and signs of aging. Chemical peels are one of the most effective, non-invasive cosmetic facial treatments. They give you flawless, brighter, youthful, spotless skin. Normally, our skin has a pH (Potential of Hydrogen, which measures how acidic or basic a substance or solution is) of around 5.5. The acids used during the chemical peels increase the skin's acidity to a 3.8 pH level. 

The change in the pH level chemically loosens the cells that form the "glue" between the dead skin and healthy skin. This exfoliates the targeted layer of the skin due to the removal of the dead skin and reveals the underlying healthy skin. This stimulates new epidermal growth and collagen production with more evenly distributed melanin (a substance in your body that is responsible for hair, eye, and skin pigmentation) for the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Chemical peels are worth a try to rejuvenate and revitalize your dull, pigmented skin!!!

What Are the Types of Chemical Peels Used?

Choosing chemical peels depends on your skin type, complexion, and the issue being addressed. There are three types of chemical peels based on how deeply they exfoliate:

Superficial Peels

  • This is recommended when the skin issue affects only the top layer of the skin (epidermis).
  • Skin tends to recover quickly.
  • Have fewer side effects.
  • It generally takes 1 to 7 days to heal.

Medium-depth Peels

  • This peel is used for minor acne scars, pigmentation, and damaged skin.
  • It takes 7 to 14 days to heal.
  • Possible side effects- swelling and blisters.
  • You may be prescribed antiviral medication.

Deep Peels

  • Healing takes 14 to 21 days.
  • Generally, this type is not recommended.
  • Recovery time is more.

How Do You Prepare Before a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are safe and non-invasive, painless skin rejuvenation treatments. Yet, you may need to prepare yourself before the procedure for maximum comfort and optimal results. 

Your dermatologist will:

  • Review your medical history, past medical conditions, or any medications you're taking.
  • Examine your skin and the area to be treated to determine the type of peel to use.
  • Prescribe antiviral drugs before and after the procedure (optional and only if needed)
  • Advise you to use a retinoid cream a few weeks before treatment to help in healing
  • Recommend avoiding excess sun exposure
  • Advise not to shave the area to be treated 24 hours before the treatment

How is a Chemical Peel Procedure Performed? 

Chemical peels are usually a safe, painless, and an outpatient (does not require hospitalization) procedure performed by a dermatologist.

Pre-procedure 

  • Your dermatologist will first clean the face, protect your hair, and cover your eyes with gauze, tape, or eyeglasses.
  • Your doctor may administer a sedative and a painkiller for a medium peel.
  • For a deep peel, your doctor would topically apply a sedative with a numbing agent on the areas to be treated.

Procedure 

  • Your dermatologist will use a brush, cotton ball, or a sponge to apply the chemical solution.
  • You will likely feel a mild tingling or a burning sensation after applying the solution.
  • The solution is allowed to work for a recommended time and then removed from your skin with a neutralizing wash.
  • In the case of deep peels, the solution will be administered through intravenous (IV) fluids.

Post-procedure

For optimal results and minimum post-procedure complications, your dermatologist will instruct you to follow specific guidelines. These include:

  • Using a sun protection cream.
  • Following the proper cleansing and moisturizing regime
  • Avoid picking, rubbing, or scratching your skin.
  • Use ice packs for comfort and pain-relieving medications in case of medium peels
  • Using surgical dressing and pain medications in case of deep peels.

Bottom Line 

Chemical peels are an effective, painless, and non-invasive means of reversing sun damage and the signs of aging. They treat acne scars and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Although it is possible to perform a chemical peel at home, this carries a greater risk of damaging your skin. Consult your dermatologist if you are concerned about aging skin for a revitalized look to boost your confidence.