Frequently Asked Questions about Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a great way to rejuvenate your skin and give it that fresh look you want. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about what a chemical peel can and cannot do. Here, we hope to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about chemical peels and help you decide that a chemical peel is right for you.
What are Chemical Peels?
One of the most common questions is what exactly is a chemical peel. Well, they are exactly what they sound like! Chemical peels are treatments that improve the skin by peeling away its top layers. Peels promote the growth of new skin, collagen and elastin. Chemical peels are only superficial fixes, which means you will have to have repeated peels. No peel – no matter how strong it is – can be a permanent fix to your skin woes.
What are Chemical Peels Used for?
The most common uses for chemical peels are treatments to superficial skin problems. This can include anything from sun damage and scars to wrinkles, fine lines and lesions. Most chemical peels will also even out pigmentation problems.
Are All Chemical Peels the Same?
There are three different kinds of chemical peels – light, medium and deep – each of these peels offers different benefits and has different characteristics. Light peels improve rough, dry skin and uneven pigmentation. They can also reduce the appearance of sunspots and control acne. Light chemical peels are the mildest form of peel and penetrate only the low levels of the skin. Medium peels will smooth fine lines and wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes and even out pigmentation problems. Medium peels can be used on any part of the body.
Deep chemical peels remove major blotchiness, age spots, sun damage and spots caused by birth control pills. These peels are only used on the face and are not right for everyone. Clients should consult a doctor before having a deep chemical peel, and should only have these peels performed by a professional.
How May Peels will I Need?
The number of peels a client chooses to have depends on his or her individual goals. The bigger your skin goals, the more chemical peels you will likely need. Often, clients need several chemical peels performed over the course of a few months to realize their final goals. Lighter peels will need to be performed more often and deeper peels have longer lasting results. Remember, deeper peels may last longer, but they will also have a longer recovery time.
How are Chemical Peels Performed?
Most chemical peels are administered the same way. The skin is cleansed and exfoliated directly before the peel is applied. Usually, the chemical peel is applied with a cotton ball or cotton swab, and then it is allowed to remain on the skin for the appropriate amount of time. The chemical peel can be neutralized quickly with a water solution and the skin is moisturized with Vaseline or ointment.
Now that you understand the basics of a chemical peel, it should be easier to decide which kind of peel is best for your skin type and unique skin problems. Finding the right chemical peel for you should not be difficult; after your research is complete the correct peel should be easy to spot.