What Are Chemical Peels? How Do You Use Them?

What are chemical / skin peels?

Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin, which promote growth of new skin and improved appearance. A variety of chemicals can be used as peeling agents and include glycolic, trichloroacetic (TCA), salicylic and resorcinol. The different chemical solutions produce different degrees of injury to the skin.

What are chemical peels used for?

Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photo-aging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions, and discoloration (including melasma, freckles, and age spots).

How are chemical peels performed?

There are numerous chemical peels and each one is performed differently. In general, chemical peels usually begin with vigorous cleansing of the skin, followed by application of the appropriate peel.

What is the most popular peel solution?

Glycolic Acid - probably due to the fact that all skin types benefit from Glycolic Acid - is the most commonly recognized chemical peel solution. Salicylic Acid is also very common for use in acne treatments.

How long do chemical peels take?

Most peels can be performed within a few minutes, depending on size of the area being treated.

What will my skin feel like after a chemical peel?

The state of your skin after a peel depends on the type of chemical used and your skin type. Superficial peels have limited effects. Medium peels may cause some redness and the deeper peels may require 10-14 days to recover.

How many peels will I need?

Generally chemical peels are done once every 2-3 weeks, until the desired results are achieved. Maintenance peels can then be performed once a month.

How long do the results last?

With good sun protection, results can last months, even years. This is dependent upon the depth of the peel. The deeper peels generally provide a long-lasting effect.

What are the risks of chemical peels?

Superficial peels are quite safe, although minor irritation of the skin can occur. The risk of deep peels can include infection, scarring, redness, and discoloration. During a very deep peel (administered under the care of a physician only), anesthesia should be used and vital signs monitored.

How long after a chemical peel before I can return to normal activities?

  A. Light Peels- The light peel takes approximately three to five days to complete the shedding process. No downtime required. 

  B. Medium Peels- Medium peels usually persist for five to seven days. The skin may or may not flake and fall away. AHAs can produce some redness with little or no flaking, depending on the individual.

  C. Deep Peels- May take several weeks to fully recover. This type of peel is usually effective in treating hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles.

What should I use at home to maintain the condition of my skin after a chemical peel?

You can use a mild cleanser (Green Tea Cleanser) and always include either Hyaluronic Replenishing Serum / Green Tea Anti-Oxidant Serum as often as needed. You may resume regular skincare 3-5 days after a peel or once redness or peeling is no longer apparent. Sun protection is a must!

If you are interested in learning more about chemical peels visit www.naturalskinshop.com or contact one of our helpful skin experts on Facebook (Kim or Kristen) or call toll free 888.514.5126 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm  EST.