MDacne
Your Chemical Peel Questions, Answered by Our Dermatologist
Q: What is a chemical peel?
A: Chemical peels are skin treatments that improve texture and appearance by exfoliating damaged layers. There are three main types: superficial, medium, and deep. Popular options include glycolic acid peels (50-70%), Jessner's peels, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) medium peels (typically 35%).
Q: How is a chemical peel performed?
A: Superficial and medium peels are mildly painful but don’t require anesthesia. The procedure, performed in a dermatologist's office, takes about 30 minutes. It starts with thorough skin cleansing, followed by the application of a peeling solution. This causes a burning or itching sensation, lasting anywhere from minutes to hours, depending on the peel's intensity.
Q: When is the best time for a chemical peel?
A: Chemical peels are typically done in the fall or winter to avoid excessive sun exposure, which should be strictly limited during the healing process.
Q: How does a chemical peel affect the skin?
A: A chemical peel works by creating a controlled burn, similar to a sunburn but without the long-term risks of UV exposure. Depending on the peel's depth and type, it removes layers of the skin. Within 24 hours, new cells begin replacing damaged ones, forming a fresh epidermis. Two to three days post-treatment, fibroblasts in the dermis produce new collagen fibers, strengthening and rejuvenating the skin.
Q: How deep do different types of peels go?
- Superficial Peels: Target the epidermis, penetrating 0.3-0.5 millimeters.
- Medium Peels: Reach the mid-dermis, with a depth of 0.6-0.8 millimeters.
- Deep Peels: Remove both the epidermis and most of the dermis.
Q: What are the advantages of chemical peels?
A: Superficial and medium peels offer several benefits:
- No anesthesia required.
- Minimal risk of serious side effects, such as abnormal heart rate.
- Lower risk of scarring or pigmentation changes (nearly zero for superficial peels).
- Quick recovery, with skin appearing normal shortly after treatment.
Superficial peels are excellent for anyone over 30 to refresh and smoothen skin. They can also benefit young people by reducing acne and post-acne spots. Medium peels are ideal for treating wrinkles and sun-induced discoloration and can be repeated every few years for lasting improvements.
Q: What are the side effects of chemical peels?
A: After superficial peels, avoid sun exposure for at least a week. Makeup can be applied a few hours later, and normal activities can resume the next day. Medium peels using 35% TCA may cause more redness, peeling, and burning, with recovery taking about a week before resuming normal activities.
Chemical peels are a versatile option for skin rejuvenation, offering noticeable results with minimal downtime, especially for superficial and medium treatments. Always consult a dermatologist to choose the best peel for your skin type and concerns!
To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.
