We’ll do almost everything to reverse the effects of far too many days in the sun or get rid of the acne scars on our faces. Well, a chemical peel is a genuine deal that is worth the try to achieve that youthful glow you’ve wanted to achieve.
Usually, when you hear the words “chemical peel,” you don’t picture having your face cosmetically altered. Although chemical peels might be terrifying, they have a lot of positive effects on the health and appearance of the skin. One of the most excellent aspects of chemical peels is their adaptability.
An excellent chemical peel helps treat chronic skin issues, enhances skin tone and texture, and even has anti-aging properties. Chemical peels are a cost-efficient and successful cosmetic dermatological procedure. We are here to tell you what to anticipate following your first chemical peel!
What is a Chemical Peel?
If you are new to the word chemical peel, you might be unclear on what it means. Chemical peels are, in short, precisely what their name implies. They are chemical-based facial treatments that remove the top layers of skin to expose the healthy skin beneath. Standard chemical components include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and trichloroacetic acid.
Scars, discolored skin, and wrinkles are all often treated with chemical peels on the face. They can be carried out independently or with other cosmetic operations. They can also be carried out at various depths, ranging from light to profound. Deeper chemical peels produce more significant effects but require more time to heal.
Is There Anything I Should Do to Get Ready for My Chemical Peel?
There are various things to consider before undergoing a chemical peel treatment, just like with any other cosmetic operation. Especially for individuals that will do it the first time, we highly encourage you to consult with a practitioner first.
An experienced practitioner guarantees the information necessary to decide which chemical peel method is best for your skin. Since peels may have adverse consequences, including infection, scarring, and pigmentation problems, when done incorrectly, we advise you to let one of our medical experts do the treatment.
So what do you do before a chemical peel?
- The best peel to use depends on your skin type. It would be best to consider your age, skin tone, and overall skin condition.
- It is recommended you avoid direct sun exposure.
- Apply a moisturizer to the skin in the morning and evening to maintain moisture and keep the skin hydrated.
- Do not use some cosmetics, hair removal agents, face masks, and other treatments that could make chemical peels more likely to have side effects.
- Refrain from shaving, plucking, or waxing in the areas where the chemical peel will be applied.
How is a chemical peel applied?
Chemical peels are often performed at your dermatologist’s office without anesthetic or with a minimal local anesthetic. Mild sedatives may be prescribed on the day of the treatment for people getting deeper chemical peels.
The peel requires soaking the skin with a chemical solution and letting it rest. As the solution remains on the skin, you can experience some stinging or pain. The dermatologist may next administer a neutralizing agent to the treatment region, depending on the type of chemical peel applied.
Most of the time, the entire region is treated at once. However, deeper chemical peels can occasionally be applied in tiny segments, allowing the dermatologist to evaluate your reaction and modify therapy carefully.
10 Things to Expect After Your First Chemical Peel
Patients may have doubts before receiving a chemical peel because of some testimonials about persons who suffered negative responses. You may feel slight discomfort after getting a chemical peel when it’s done professionally by a professional. Here are ten things you should expect following your first chemical peel:
- The side effects are expected.
There is a general misunderstanding that chemical peels are extremely painful or have serious adverse effects. All skin treatments will have a distinct impact on each individual. Still, in general, side effects from chemical peels should be moderate, and recovery should be complete in two weeks.
Some side effects include:
- Redness and swelling
- Scarring
- Skin color may change
- Your skin will peel off.
True to its name, a chemical peel will peel your skin off! The skin will start to flake off after three to five days. It ought to resemble how your skin peels off after getting a sunburn. When washing your face, you should gently remove the flakes; however, you should avoid tugging or picking at the peeling skin because doing so can irritate the area and raise the possibility of infection.
- A follow-up appointment is necessary.
During the healing process, it’s critical to closely check your skin and immediately get in touch with your doctor about any infections or other issues. A patient follow-up appointment is vital following chemical peels because of the possibility of uncommon but significant potential health risks. Additionally, it allows the doctor to assess development and modify continuing therapy regimens.
- Avoid your cosmetics in the meantime.
You shouldn’t wear makeup for the first two weeks. Cosmetics can irritate the skin and delay healing due to chemicals and other ingredients.
- Change your skincare routine and stick to your dermatologist’s recommendations.
Chemical peels are quite successful in enhancing the appearance of skin because of the body’s natural healing mechanism, so it’s essential to give your skin time to recover after treatment. Your skincare routine after getting a chemical peel should be from your dermatologist’s recommendations: from the type of moisturizer to the kind of cleansing to be used.
- Sunscreen!
You shouldn’t use chemical sunscreens just after your chemical peel. Use a physical sunblock instead to prevent a reaction to the chemicals in some chemical sunscreens. After your chemical peel, using hats, scarves, or other protective covers may be advised to keep the treated area physically covered from the sun.
- Take a break from your workout.
Yes, even overexertion, like doing your regular workout session, should be avoided after a chemical peel. In most situations, you may resume your usual schedule after the first two weeks.
- Cold showers are necessary.
Keep your skin cool to prevent possible adverse effects, including redness, tingling, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It means you cannot take hot showers, and you should switch to cold showers in the meantime.
- Keep an eye on any possible breakout.
When patients learn that they can get breakouts following their chemical peel, it upsets them because many patients get chemical peels to help reduce the look of acne scars or treat the signs of adult acne. Pimples can, unfortunately, result from the procedure’s irritation and more significant quantities of dead skin. We understand how upsetting it might be, but following this first outbreak, the skin should clear up and appear better in only a few days.
- It takes time.
We know you’ve heard it, but patience is a virtue. A youthful look does not happen immediately. Accomplishing your goals needs patience and time. Your dedication to constant at-home care and time commitment will determine the outcome of your chemical peel treatment plan. Inquire about your results at your follow-up appointment, or call your dermatologist if you’re worried that a peel hasn’t produced the expected consequence.
Ready for a chemical peel?
In a chemical peel, the top layers of the skin are removed by applying a chemical solution to the skin. The skin that regenerates is softer. You might need a light or medium peel to obtain the desired results.
Lily Aesthetics is here to assist you when you’re ready to learn more about your chemical peel options. Please make an appointment with us and get your first chemical peel today!
