Looking to get glowing, gorgeous skin or address a certain skincare need? A chemical peel might be exactly what you’re looking for.
While it may initially sound intimidating, in-office chemical peels are easy, effective, and can treat an array of skin issues.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that involve the application of a specially formulated, acidic solution to the skin. The solution causes exfoliation of the top layer(s) of skin and helps to promote skin cell turnover, which rejuvenates and refreshes skin.
Removing these top layers creates a mild stimulus of different parts of the skin: the crucial proteins collagen and elastin as well as keratinocyte cells, all of which help to give you that youthful glow.
Peels vary due to the strength of the solution and the length of time they remain on the skin. This dictates the depth of the peel, and the greater the depth, the greater skin improvement and degree of peeling you can expect.
Why Get A Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels can treat a number of different skin conditions or concerns, and in general, are a wonderful tool for achieving beautiful, radiant skin.
There are many effective peels ranging in strength from very superficial, mild peels to medium depth to deeper peels. Peels are most often used to “freshen” the skin, as an anti-aging treatment, or to improve acne and/or skin discoloration or texture.
Because of the various formulations, patients can select the pace and “peel tolerance” to meet their unique needs.
So what can chemical peels do for you? They can:
- Treat photoaging (skin aging induced by sun exposure)
- Help with hyperpigmentation/age spots
- Minimize acne/scars
- Reduce the appearance of melasma
- Diminish the appearance of lines/wrinkles
- Improve texture
- Provide a refresh for overall complexion
- Unclog pores and stimulate collagen production
Clarity offers a variety of chemical peels – for modest to moderate correction. There are several different types of peels, and their effectiveness, side effects, and amount of peeling depend on their ingredients, concentration, and, in some cases, the length of time that the peeling solution is left on the skin.
Clarity’s peel options include:
- Illuminize — Our gentlest peel, Illuminize is best for brightening the overall appearance of skin. You can expect minimal to no peeling.
- Vitalize — Our most popular peel, Vitalize works to smooth the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and rough patches. Most patients will benefit from a series of six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Within 48 hours you can expect mild to moderate peeling and flaking.
- Rejuvenize — This peel is most effective for skin issues including lines, wrinkles, and dark patches. It also aids in lightening the appearance of hormonally-induced pigment changes such as melasma, where brown patches appear on the skin. Moderate peeling can be expected after treatment, and you’ll need a series of peels to see the best results.
- DeepSea
- TCA — TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) peels come in a number of different strengths. They’re generally medium depth, medical-grade peels and are best for treating sun damage, fine lines, texture issues, and scarring. You can expect moderate to heavy peeling after treatment, depending on the strength used.
- RevePeel — This is an advanced medical-grade medium depth peel that treats moderate to severe photoaging, melasma, acne, and blemishes. A pre and post peel regimen is prescribed and included in order to yield the maximum effect. You can expect moderate to heavy peeling after treatment.
What to Expect AFTER a Chemical Peel
There’s no need to worry that you’ll look super scary or lobster-red after a peel. Instead, your skin will go through a number of changes and the amount of peeling will depend on the depth of the peel. You may have some downtime as you peel, but the end result is well worth the time investment!
You can expect:
- Light to moderate peeling (depending on the peel)
- Your skin will look red, which will subside
- Right after, your skin will look dewy with increasing dryness as it begins to shed
- Your skin can feel increasingly tight and shiny
- For deeper peels, a post-care (and potentially pre-care) regimen will be prescribed
When Can You Expect to See Results?
The majority of chemical peels will reveal beautiful, renewed skin after the shedding process is complete. Your skin will typically look lovely for the first day or two, prior to peeling. Then it can peel for up to 10 days depending on the type of peel. How much or how little you peel can vary by individual, as everyone’s skin is different.
But it’s important to note that most skincare goals require a series of peels to achieve the greatest benefit. This usually involves four to six peels at four to six-week intervals.
Are There Any Side Effects from a Chemical Peel?
There can be side effects with chemical peels, though they’re typically minimal. The biggest side effect is the peeling itself.
Your skin may be temporarily red and dry and more sensitive to sun exposure. A daily moisturizer with SPF is an absolute necessity. Depending on the depth of the peel, you may be told to avoid the sun for a period of time.
If you’re prone to cold sores, pretreatment with an antiviral agent is recommended
It’s also crucial that during peeling you should NEVER, EVER pick at your skin or try to speed up the process – this will expose new, baby skin before it’s ready and can do serious damage.
NOT READY FOR A PEEL?
READ MORE: HydraFacial™ – Why Everyone Needs This Treatment Now!
Find the Right Peel and Practitioner for You
While chemical peels are a deeply effective treatment for many skin issues, they should always be performed by a skilled medical aesthetics professional. Make sure whoever you see has extensive experience in this area.
But if you find the right person and pick the perfect peel, you can expect to enhance your skin and reveal a refreshed, renewed complexion.
If you are in the Connecticut area and interested in a chemical peel, schedule a consultation with the Clarity team.
Please note, results may vary. Your treatment options will be clearly reviewed with our medical professionals during your complimentary consultation.
