Chemical peels are a powerful treatment for a variety of skin problems. Here at Lieveboll Aesthetics we love them and have sung their praises in our 10 years of working in the medical skincare world. However, we also know everyone is not a candidate for certain types of peels, and for that reason we take a “low and slow” approach for all clients looking to receive chemical resurfacing.
We know it can be disappointing to hear that you can’t jump right in to chemical resurfacing in our office. In this post, we will go over how chemical peels work and why, if we are not careful, a chemical peel could actually exacerbate the very skin problem you are trying to resolve.
How do chemical peels work?
We offer two levels of chemical peels to our clients. The first type of peel we administer is light and removes the outer layer of the skin called the epidermis. This peel will show an improvement in fine lines, dull skin, acne, and uneven skin tone. This peel can be done every two to four weeks, dependent on the condition of your skin.
The second type of peel we offer is medium-depth. This type of peel is strong enough to remove the epidermis, along with the cells from the dermis, or middle layer. This stronger peel can help with hyperpigmentation, skin sagging, acne scarring, and deeper wrinkles. Based on the condition of your skin, this peel can often be performed every three to nine months.
What could possibly go wrong?
Although chemical peels offer stunning results, if not administered properly, they can cause the following issues:
- Temporary or permanent change in color of the skin
- Skin damage
- Burns
- Blisters and infections
If you are a person of color, it is imperative that you seek out the services of an esthetician trained and certified in treating multicultural skin tones. Not every chemical peel is suitable for darker skin tones and irreversible damage such as worsening hyperpigmentation can occur if the incorrect chemical peel is administered.
A well-trained esthetician will also make sure that your skin is properly prepared to receive chemical peels. This preparation can take several office visits, as it is important that the skin barrier be supported fully, to be able to withstand the chemical peel application.
Think of your outer layer of skin as shingles on a roof, protecting the layers of the skin below (the house). While you can have a decorator come in and make sure the interior is as beautiful as can be, if the shingles on the roof are damaged, they will allow outside elements to seep in and ruin that beautiful interior.
We will make sure your skin barrier is not compromised before moving into chemical peels. We may recommend a home regimen to help build your skin barrier for optimal chemical peel results.
When will I see results?
Chemical peels, no matter the strength, will give you an immediate glow and brightening of your complexion. Within a few weeks, collagen has regenerated in the deeper layers of the skin. This will add strength to the skin and you can expect to notice the following:
- Improvement in hyperpigmentation
- Improvement of acne and acne scarring
- Lightening of spots and sun damage
- Tightening of minor skin sagging
- Brighter complexion and improvement of uneven skin tone
For better results, a series of chemical peels (and often microdermabrasion) will be recommended. Outcomes are based on each client’s skin health, age, type of peel, and level of at-home commitment.
Dramatic peeling would seem to be the norm after receiving a chemical peel, if you look online. However, peeling is actually a side effect of the chemical peel, not the goal. The goal is renewed, refreshed skin. Minimal or no peeling does not mean the treatment didn’t do its job.
A NO today can be a YES at the right time
A consultation with us, via a Customized Facial will give us an opportunity to asses your skin and learn about imperfections you would like to address. We can let you know at that time, if a chemical peel can be offered in the near future. If we notice that your skin is compromised, we will work on a regimen with you to help you repair your skin barrier and improve its health.
To learn more about chemical peels and other non-invasive cosmetic treatments that will leave you looking and feeling like the best version of yourself, we invite you to schedule a Customized Facial at the link below.