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Chemical Peels: Everything You Need To Know

Chemical peels are a form of cosmetic treatment applied to your neck, hands, and face. Their goal is improving the feel or appearance of your skin. During the peeling procedure, chemical solutions are applied to the region being treated. Resultantly, the skin exfoliates and starts peeling off. The skin underneath is always smoother, less wrinkled, and less damaged. If you are looking to have a chemical peel but are not sure, this article rounded up some of the crucial things you need to know about the procedure.

Why do People get Chemical Peels?

Different people opt for chemical peels for different reasons. Here are some common conditions that this procedure treats:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Sunburn
  • Melasma
  • Scars
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Uneven skin tone

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Types of Chemical Peels

Depending on your needs, there are three types of peels you could choose from:

  • Superficial Peels: They use mild acids such as alpha-hydroxyl for gentle exfoliation. The acids only penetrate the skin’s outermost layer.
  • Medium Peels: These peels use glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to penetrate the skin’s outer and middle layers. Because of this, they are more effective at eliminating damaged skin cells.
  • Deep Peels: These peels fully penetrate the skin’s middle layer to eliminate damaged skin cells. Trichloroacetic or phenol acids are often used in deep peels.

Cost of Chemical Peels

Because most insurance providers liken them to other cosmetic procedures, chemical peels are often not covered. You will, therefore, be required to pay for the whole procedure using your own money. However, some insurance providers may cover your first consultation.

When it comes to the procedure cost, it varies depending on various factors such as the peel type, location, and provider’s expertise. On average, deep peels are more costly compared to light peels.

Procedure for Chemical Peel

The procedure is usually performed in-office, and there are a few things you may be required to do before it begins. First, you have to tie your hair back. Also, your face has to be cleaned, and eye protection like gauze or goggles applied. Here is what to expect during the different types of peels:

  • Light Peels: During a light chemical peel, your doctor at Fairbanks Pharmacy and Med Spa applies a chemical solution such as salicylic acid to the region being treated. They may use a brush or cotton ball for this step. When this is done, expect the skin to start whitening and a stinging sensation. At the end of the procedure, your doctor will remove the chemical solution.
  • Medium Peel: A medium peel involves your doctor using a sponge or gauze to smear your face with the chemical solution. As mentioned earlier, medium peels in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, use trichloroacetic or glycolic acid. Your doctor will add a blue peel to the trichloroacetic acid, and your skin will start whitening. When this happens, a cold compress is applied to your skin and may leave you feeling some burning or stinging for a while.
  • Deep Peel: Because a deep peel is quite intense, you will need to be sedated during the procedure. The doctor at Fairbanks Med Spa starts by applying phenol to your skin, turning it gray or white. A deep peel is broken down into 15-minute sessions to limit your skin’s exposure to the phenol acid.

Preparing for a Chemical Peel

Before booking yourself in for peels in Rancho Santa Fe at a med spa near you, you need to consult a skincare specialist. They will help determine the treatment option that best suits you. a skincare specialist will also discuss in detail the available peels and ask if there is anything that could cause interference with the procedure. This is where you reveal information about any acne medication and your experience with scars.

Before undergoing a peeling procedure, avoid using retinol medication for at least 48 hours and ditch Accutane for at least half a year before the procedure.

You may also be asked to:

  • Take antiviral medications. This is recommended for people with a history of cold sores or fever blisters.
  • Use specific lotions to aid in treatment, such as lotions containing glycolic acid
  • Use retinoid cream to avoid skin darkening
  • Avoid bleaching your hair
  • Stop epilating or waxing
  • Stop using exfoliants and facials scrubs a week before the peel
  • Find someone that will drive you back home after the procedure.

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