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Chemical Peel: Reduce Skin Blemishes using Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels

Considering a chemical peel? Chemical peels can make a dramatic, visible change to your skin. Chemical peeling is a simple, safe and cost-effective office procedure. A chemical peel is a procedure that damages the skin in a controlled manner. The right chemical peel depends on what your goals are for your skin.
A chemical peel is done to help in the reduction of scars, wrinkles, and other blemishes. Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are the best candidates for a chemical peel. A chemical peel basically removes layers of the skin, and allows a new, fresh layer to grow in, with the new layer generally being more even-toned and smooth. They usually work well for those with fair skin, although a superficial or a medium-depth peel may work on someone with a darker skin tone. A deep peel is usually not recommended for a darker-skinned patient because the procedure can actually bleach the skin permanently.

What Types of Chemical Peel Are There? 

Skin peels are categorized according to the depth they reach. There are superficial, medium and deep peels, and we’ll learn a little more about them here.

Superficial Chemical Peel

Superficial peels are usually a liquid or paste that’s applied using a brush or some other kind of applicator. The solution is removed after a few minutes, with either water or alcohol. These peels may not require downtime, and aren't usually painful. The skin may turn pink for a day or two after the superficial chemical peel treatment, and the skin will peel at least once before it looks normal.

Medium Depth Chemical Peel

Medium depth peels are similar to superficial ones, but the chemicals are left on the skin a little longer. There may be stinging or pain during the procedure, so some patients may get pain medicine. Most who get this done take a day or two to recover, and can be done every 6-8 months. Medium depth chemical peel can result in blistering, and the skin will probably peel at least twice.

Deep Chemical Peel

Deep peels are much more involved, and there are more risks. They require general anesthesia, and pain relief. This type of peel is very intensive, and it’s common for those who have had one done to take some time off work to recover. Recovery can take months to be complete, and deep chemical peel can only be done on the face.

If you are interested in getting a chemical peel, talk to your doctor, who’ll discuss the options and help you figure out which type of peel is right for you. Adjust your skin care routine before, during and after your chemical peel. Before getting a chemical peel, you can ask about cost information on chemical peels, and before and after chemical peel photos.

See before and after pictures of various chemical peels and decide which one is right for you. When you’re preparing for a peel, you might be a little nervous if you don’t know what to expect. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about what will happen before and during the procedure, and tell you what to do afterward to minimize discomfort. Even with all their risks, chemical peels are an effective way to get or retain more youthful looking skin.

The skin that grows back after a chemical peel is smoother and younger. The skin needs to be cared for properly before, during and after the procedure. Patients are urged not to smoke for a few weeks before and after a chemical peel.

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