Chemical Peels

Your skin is naturally designed to regenerate itself about every 30 days. Regeneration involves cellular turnover. The old, dull and dead skin cells should slough off as healthy new cells rise to the surface. The problem with this process is that it doesn’t often occur as efficiently as it should. Most people are covered in a blanket of nonvital skin cells. This can block the effects of even the best skincare products. It can dull your complexion and cause you to develop rough patches. We say, out with the old and in with the new! Here at Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute, we are happy to perform med spa treatments like chemical peels to revive your appearance!

What Are the Benefits of a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are extremely popular for several reasons. One of the primary benefits is that your trained provider can customize your peel based on the findings of your consultation and thorough skin evaluation. Your peel can be stronger to achieve more significant results more quickly or it can be lighter, achieving subtler results but requiring little downtime if any. Through one or more non-invasive peel treatments, you can achieve a number of different benefits, including:

  • More radiant, even skin tone
  • Softer, more consistent skin texture
  • Smaller pore size
  • Reduction in fine lines
  • Correction of sun damage and dark spots
  • Reduction in acne scarring

Who is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

Generally, it is said that people with relatively fair skin are the best candidates for a chemical peel treatment. This may depend, though, on the depth of peel that is selected. The concern with medium to dark skin tones is that a chemical peel may activate certain cells that are involved in the skin’s pigmentation, resulting in either hyperpigmentation or hyperpigmentation. When chemical peel treatment is approached with the utmost care and performed by a highly trained clinician, the risk of unwanted pigment changes goes down. Talking to your provider about your goals and your concerns about the potential side effects of a chemical peel will help you discover the ideal treatment to bring out the best in your skin.

Some of the conditions for which a chemical peel may be suitable include fine lines, enlarged pores, sun damage such as dark spots, actinic or seborrheic keratoses, flesh-colored or yellowish bumps on the skin, warts, and acne scars.

How Should I Prepare for a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel works through a gentle chemical reaction with your skin. To reduce the chances of exaggerated reactions, it is best to avoid any substances or activities that could increase your skin’s sensitivity before having this treatment done. For example, you should stop exfoliating your skin at home starting one week prior to your chemical peel.  This includes using products like vitamin C or retinol that could accelerate cellular turnover. You should not schedule a chemical peel within a week or two of having laser or light treatment on the area of focus. Also, avoid excessive sun exposure. When you go outdoors, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. If you can, refrain from wearing makeup for a day or two before your peel. Do not pluck, wax, or shave the area that will receive the chemical peel. Finally, drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin! Staying well-hydrated helps your cellular turnover occur more efficiently.

How Long Does a Chemical Peel Take?

Chemical peel treatments are performed in our office without any need for topical numbing cream. Your treatment will begin shortly after you arrive for your appointment. Depending on the type of peel you have, your treatment may last from 30 minutes to an hour. After your consultation, your provider will discuss what you can expect and how much time you should allow for your visit.

What Can I Expect After My Chemical Peel?

What happens after your chemical peel will largely depend on the strength of your treatment. Mild chemical peels may cause minor redness that is barely noticeable. Stronger peels will cause more noticeable effects like flaking, peeling, and temporary skin discoloration. After your peel, you should follow your aftercare instructions carefully to help manage your side effects and accelerate your healing process. Once the intended cellular turnover is complete, you can expect to enjoy a more radiant, smooth, vibrant, and youthful appearance.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Your chemical peel may cause side effects. Fortunately, the side effects associated with most chemical peels are mild and short-lived. As your skin regeneration progresses, you may notice a shift in the side effects you see. Initially, your skin may look red, like you’ve been in the sun. You may also develop slight swelling that looks like general puffiness. As old cells become dislodged and prepare to fall away, your skin may look dry and flaky. Your aftercare instructions will discuss how to manage this. If you’ve had a deeper peel, your skin may actually flake and peel for a few days. You mustn’t help this process along by pulling or picking! Stick to your aftercare instructions in regards to washing and moisturizing your skin. Around five to seven days after a stronger peel, side effects should begin to resolve nicely, revealing your healthy new skin.

To learn more about the benefits of chemical peel treatment, contact Dr. Leedy’s office today. Call or go online to schedule your visit with us!