Is smooth, clear, flawless and even-toned skin your dream? Chemical peeling is a solution to look for. It’s a non-surgical, cosmetic treatment that uses a combination of safe and commonly found acids that are applied on the face. Being a medical and scientific process, chemical peeling ensures a youthful and spot-free skin with visible and long-lasting results.
Like any other medical procedure, chemical peels, too, need prior preparation, a proper understanding, and certain precautions.
Here are 5 facts about chemical peels you should know:
Chemical peels treat multiple skin problems
Chemical peeling is a one-stop solution for all skin related issues. It works best to resolve the damages caused to the skin by sun exposure. Chemicals peels are meant for those skin problems that are present on the surface of the skin and require minimum penetration. The main principle behind chemical peels is that the acid peels off or destroys the upper layers of the skin. The procedure also destroys blemishes, dark spots, lines, etc.. As the old skin sheds, the body treats this peeling as a wound and produces collagen (a protein that produces new cells) to form your new, rejuvenated skin. For best results, you will have to repeat the procedure 2-3 times with a gap of at least 6 months between each session.
Types of chemical peels
Depending on your skin type and intensity of your skin problem, your cosmetologist will choose the acids. Apart from the types of acids, your doctor will also determine the concentration of the chemicals to be used. There are 3 types of chemical peels:
- Superficial: This is the mildest form of chemical peeling. The acid concentration is only 30%. It does not penetrate into the skin beyond the epidermis. That is why it’s ideal for minor skin pigmentation issues and light wrinkles.
- Moderate: The intensity of this chemical peel solution is medium. The concentration of acid ranges from 35% to 50%. In this, the skin is peeled off till the upper layers of the dermis.
- Deep: With the concentration of acid up to 80%, deep chemical peels are the strong ones. They peel the skin off as deep as the dermis. That is why deep peels often require local anesthesia and sedation. They are helpful in repairing acne scars and deep wrinkles.
3. Does it suit your skin type?
Everybody has a unique skin type depending on their body’s constitution. That is why it’s very necessary to get a skin analysis test and to take advice from your cosmetologist to know whether chemical peeling will go well with your skin or not. Most of the time chemical peels are recommended for people with a fair complexion and light hair. Chemical peels often don’t work on dark skin tones because of post-treatment mix colouration issue- the new skin doesn’t match the skin tone of the parts of the body that wasn’t chemically peeled. If your dark spots are due to hormonal changes then they are likely to reappear despite the treatment. Patients who have had a history of herpes may develop it again after the treatment but it can be taken care of with additional medication.
Precautions you need to take before and after chemical peeling
A week prior to the day, as per your doctor’s suggestions, you will also have to use high SPF sunscreens so that sun damage doesn’t make your skin extra sensitive to the chemicals. During the procedure, you will experience tingling, slight burning and tightening sensation for a short while. After the procedure, you may have to wash and soak your face frequently for a few days with a prescribed special solution. Apart from anti-viral and medical creams to ward off scabs and scars, the use of high SPF sunscreen is a must. Avoid makeup and sun exposure as far as possible throughout the recovery stage. Your skin will be very sensitive, raw and wounded during the recovery period that is why it will need special care to avoid infections, skin darkening, and damage.
The recovery period
Chemical peeling is a procedure that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. You will be discharged the same day of the procedure itself but your skin will take time to heal. If you opt for a superficial peel, then you may experience redness, scaling and swelling for 3 to 7 days and your skin will take at least 14 days in all to get back to normal. If you opt for a moderate or deep peel, then your face will have to be in bandages for a few days. You might also experience slight bleeding. Your new beautiful skin will be ready to show off only after few weeks of the procedure.
The word ‘chemical’ may sound scary and harmful, but you are in safe hands if you choose a right cosmetic clinic and doctor. For a safe experience and guaranteed results avoid using over-the-counter or do-it-yourself chemical peel kits available in the market. Always opt for professional help. To consult the best cosmetic doctors in the Chennai, book an appointment at Apollo Cosmetic Clinics and meet the experts. Our world-class procedural suites and personalized patient care will make you feel at home. Our top surgeons of India, are experts in treating the rarest of dermatology/cosmetic problem.
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