If you have acne, rough patches on your skin, areas of pigmentation or wrinkles, you may be wondering if a chemical peel is the right solution for you. For some people, this is the ideal answer — while for others it may not be the best match for their skin type. Let’s consider some of the details of this practice — including what chemical peels are, what the different types of chemical peels are and who the best and worst candidates are when it comes to this popular skin treatment.
What is a Chemical Peel?
The purpose of a chemical peel is to get rid of the outer layers of your skin, remove any existing damage and regenerate cells. It involves spreading a chemical solution across your face, neck, hands or chest.
The product can get rid of scars, wrinkles, sun-damaged skin and discolouration, uncovering healthier cells under these outer layers in the process. The new skin cells that grow to replace the outer layer should be smoother and younger-looking.
Following the application, you may feel a tingling sensation for a short period of time. The practitioner will wash off the solution and you can go home immediately. This is an outpatient treatment which is done in a medical spa or dermatologist’s office.
Types of Chemical Peels There are 3 different types of chemical peels, which can lead to different types of skin reactions. Our peels are rich in peptides and other organic ingredients, which refresh and regenerate the skin. Discuss your needs with a practitioner to decide which one is right for you.
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Light – The purpose of this peel is to remove only the outermost layers of the skin. It involves the use of a mild acid which exfoliates and freshens. It can eliminate wrinkles and fine lines as well as areas of discoloration.
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Medium – This type of peel uses trichloroacetic or glycolic acid to reach the middle layers of skin. You should consider this type of peel if you have deeper wrinkles, scars, and other signs of aging. It removes more dead skin cells than the light treatment.
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Deep – The purpose of this treatment is to deeply penetrate the middle skin layers using phenol or trichloroacetic acid. This is effective for removing deep wrinkles, scars, or discoloration.
The Recovery
There is a slight recovery period from the peel, the extent of which depends on the type of procedure.
A light peel usually takes 4-7 days for your skin to get back to normal. Recovery from a medium peel is about the same amount of time, though you may have redness that continues for some weeks.
A deep peel will cause swelling and redness as your skin heals and new layers develop. The redness may continue for a few weeks. During this time, it’s crucial that you stay out of the sun and avoid using makeup. Your skincare specialist will instruct you on to how to best take care of your skin.
What a Chemical Peel Will and Won’t Do
A chemical peel will do wonders for your skin and help give it a special glow — however, it won’t act as a complete restoration process for severe skin conditions or imperfections.
For example, you have deep scars or wrinkles, they won’t be completely removed with the use of a chemical peel. Peels also can’t change the size of your pores or get rid of loose or sagging skin, either.
With that being said, there’s no doubt that a peel can completely transform your skin in many other ways. It may get rid of lighter wrinkles, lines, or scars, as well as leave your skin fresh and renewed. Peels are also great at giving aging skin a more youthful appearance.
The Worst Candidates for a Chemical Peel
There are some conditions which preclude having a chemical peel. These are:
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A history of cold sores
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Taking acne medication in the last 6 months
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Abnormal skin pigmentation
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A history of developing scar tissue
The Best Candidates for a Chemical Peel
For those who are interested in lessening wrinkles or scars, refreshing and renewing their skin or getting rid of areas of pigmentation, a chemical peel may be a great treatment for you. If this sounds like you and you don’t meet any of the conditions for avoidance of the procedure, you’re likely the perfect candidate for getting a chemical peel.
To make an appointment with our skincare specialists at Renew + Refresh, you can book online from our website. You can also email us or give us a call at 403-981-7600. You’re already on your way to achieving youthful, more renewed skin!
