How Chemical Peels Work
Chemical peels are essentially a deep exfoliation treatment performed in a professional, medical-grade environment. An esthetician controls the amount of damage done to the skin to prevent lasting skin damage and promote the desired results. Skin peels may use a variety of acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, among others. The strongest peels use phenol and require sedation, but these are rarely performed.
In general, chemical peels fall into one of three categories:
Light/Superficial
This type of peel is the gentlest chemical peel and may not result in noticeable peeling, and if it does, patients usually only experience mild peeling. Light chemical peels are a great introduction to chemical peels and are best for people with darker skin tones who may want to try out a professional skin peel. The majority of chemical peels performed in the United States fall into this category.
Medium
Medium strength chemical peels contain stronger concentrations of acidic ingredients to result in more peeling. Patients of all skin tones can undergo a medium skin peel. However, some patients may require a patch test before proceeding with treatment. These peels are often recommended to patients seeing more advanced signs of aging or certain skin conditions.
Deep
As previously mentioned, deep chemical peels—usually containing phenol—are not performed often, but are more akin to a surgical procedure than traditional chemical peels. This type of chemical peel usually addresses advanced aging or sun damage. Deep chemical peels also tend to require a recovery period.
Skin Conditions & Indications
Chemical peels are not only used for anti-aging or skin beautification. Estheticians can treat certain skin conditions or concerns with chemical peels. A few examples include:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
- Melasma
- Actinic keratosis
- Acne scars/general scarring
Benefits
Chemical peels offer patients many possible benefits. They are especially popular because of their non-surgical and minimally invasive nature. Some of the benefits may include:
- Smoother looking and feeling skin
- More even skin tone
- Reduce acne scars and other general scars
- Address signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles
- Treat sun damage and age spots
- Reduce pigmentation issues
- Helps brighten skin
- Treat enlarged pores
- Improve skin texture
- Aid in acne management
- Takes under an hour
- Can treat all skin tones
- Non-invasive
- Little to no downtime
- Few side effects (which can vary based on strength of the peel)
- Painless
- No anesthetics are needed (for peels performed at The Cosmetic Surgery Center)
- Performed by an experienced esthetician
Chemical Peel Aftercare
Caring for the skin after a peel is important to see a good result. However, the exact aftercare instructions will vary based on the specific skin peel a patient underwent. Overall, peels require little extensive aftercare, but a patient may still need to make slight modifications to their routine. Some common chemical peel aftercare instructions include:
- Do not exercise or get the skin hot in any way for a few days (this includes, saunas, hot tubs, etc.)
- Keep the skin moisturized (some peels may come with a recommended product or your esthetician will provide a recommendation)
- Apply SPF
- Do not pull off the peeling skin
- Skip at-home exfoliating for around a week
- Avoid applying makeup until the skin is done peeling
- Gently cleanse
- Do not wax or pluck your eyebrows
- Schedule a skin peel so that no other facial procedures are performed within a few weeks before and after
Based on the patient’s specific treatment and skin, their esthetician will provide personalized aftercare instructions. Some peels may require leaving on the face for a few hours and washing off at home. Others will simply absorb into the skin. The esthetician will provide all of the necessary information. Additionally, there is no reason to take time off work unless the job is particularly strenuous. Even then, patients can schedule their appointments near weekends and time off which accommodates the healing process without taking time off work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Surgery
How Long Do Chemical Peels Last?
The results of a peel tend to last a few months. Patients can undergo light peels every four to six weeks. Many medium peels follow roughly this same timeline. Deep peels—if a patient undergoes one—would not repeat the treatment for a few years. Though, many see lasting results from phenol peels.
Regular chemical peel treatment will help make long lasting and often permanent improvements to the skin. Patients will work with their esthetician to determine the frequency and strength of the treatment.
When Is The Best Time To Get A Chemical Peel?
Skin peels make the skin more sun sensitive. Therefore, it is best to undergo these treatments in the winter months when there is less sun. This does not mean a patient should not apply SPF. Regardless of the time of year, patients need to wear SPF whenever their skin may be exposed to the sun.
Do You Always Peel After A Skin Peel?
Not necessarily. While most people will experience some amount of skin peeling, it is not guaranteed or always needed for a good result. If a patient has never had a chemical peel before, they are more likely to experience peeling. If they continue to have peels of a similar strength, they may peel less over time.
How Many Layers Of Skin Does A Chemical Peel Remove?
The standard Cleveland chemical peel tends to remove around one to two layers of skin. Not all peels are the same and it may not fully remove each layer. Deep chemical peels will penetrate much deeper into the skin and reach other structures such as the nerves. This is why it requires a much more involved and longer recovery.
What Is The Cost Of A Chemical Peel In Cleveland, OH?
Chemical peels vary widely in cost based on the type of peel, the number purchased, and several other factors. Following a consultation with an esthetician, they will create a personalized plan to help each patient reach their skin goals.
The Best Chemical Peels In Cleveland At The Cosmetic Surgery Center
The Cosmetic Surgery Center is a premier plastic surgery practice and medical spa serving the Cleveland, Ohio area. Located in Independence, Ohio, Dr. Goldschmidt and his team provide compassionate and comprehensive care to every patient. Whether a patient wants to address acne or extra skin on their stomach, the team at The Cosmetic Surgery Center will work with them to help them achieve their goals. The Cosmetic Surgery Center offers the best chemical peels Cleveland provides.
For more information about Chemical Peels in Cleveland or to schedule your Chemical Peels in Cleveland consultation with Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, please call (216) 264-8100.