What to Expect from a Chemical Peel
You look in the mirror and you see wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, and more, and you ask yourself, “How do I get rid of all of this?” So you grab your phone and Google “treatments to get rid of wrinkles and dark spots”. Odds are you came across chemical peels. Chemical peels have been one of the most effective ways to get rid of dark spots, wrinkles, and acne scars. But what exactly are they and what do they do? Not to worry! We’ll tell you all you need to know about chemical peels and what to expect from this treatment.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a dermatology treatment that uses the reaction of a chemical solution to improve the overall appearance of facial skin. This solution is made up of a type of acid that causes controlled injury when applied to the skin. The severity of the injury depends on the type of acid used which ranges from light, medium, and deep. It is this injury that promotes the production of new, smoother, healthy-looking skin.
What to Expect From a Chemical Peel
Let’s break down this treatment step by step to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Before
Before treatment begins, your esthetician will thoroughly clean your face so that it is completely free of dirt and debris. Depending on the severity of the chemical peel, your dermatologist may need to numb the treatment area. Once you’re fully numb, the treatment will begin.
During
The esthetician will begin to evenly apply the chemical solution. You should be asked to rate your level of tingling sensation on a scale of 1 to 10. This lets them know whether or not the solution is too strong for you. Be sure to be as accurate as possible, as you do not want to risk having the solution burn your face.
Once the solution is applied, it will begin to turn white, signaling that the treatment has taken effect. Once it has, a neutralizing solution will be applied to the treated area. This solution is usually a corrective serum accompanied with a moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen to hydrate and replenish your skin. Once this is applied, you are free to go.
After
Once you leave the office, you will notice that your skin instantly looks smoother and has a beautiful glow. Over the next few days, your skin will begin to peel. Depending on the severity of the solution and the number of layers that were applied, you could experience minor flaking, minor peeling, or major skin peeling. You may also have slight redness, irritation, crusting, and dryness. If any of your symptoms become unbearable or you experience oozing or bleeding, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.
Results
If you follow your doctor’s advice for keeping your skin clean and moisturized, you’ll begin to see results right away and will become more noticeable over time. You may notice fewer wrinkles, smoother skin, and less discoloration. However, to get the most of your treatment and maximize your results, you’ll need to be treated regularly.
If you’re in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, that shouldn’t be a problem because our experts at The Dermatology Group are here to offer you advice, resources, and treatment. Give us a call today!