The chemical peel is a widely used, non-invasive treatment that can rejuvenate and restore your skin. This treatment has the power to reverse visible signs of aging, sun damage, and other cosmetic developments that can diminish your natural glow.
Today, there are numerous treatment options on the market for addressing skin damage and early signs of aging, as well as acne, discoloration, scarring, and wrinkles. Many patients see visible results after a single peel.
Chemical peels are designed to deliver long-lasting effects while minimizing side effects. Learning about the various peels available to you and what they treat will help you have a productive discussion with your provider and make the best choice for your aesthetic goals.
What Are Chemical Peels and How Do They Work?
A chemical peel is a brief outpatient treatment that involves applying a thin layer of a chemical solution containing a safe acid to the face. The peel resurfaces the outer skin by removing the top layer of cells and allowing new skin to emerge and take its place. The treatments can address wrinkles, discoloration, and unwanted other skin changes.
These peels are classified as light, medium, or deep based on the skin level they reach. Light peels are the most gentle and remove only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Medium peels go further and remove the epidermis and the upper portion of the dermis. A deep peel is the most penetrative, targeting both the epidermis and dermis.
Types of Chemical Peels
Professional chemical peels transcend the topical products available over the counter or online because they are far more powerful and contain prescription-strength concentrations of peeling agents. These peels are developed through extensive research and development and designed to help you achieve your skincare goals.
SkinMedica Illuminize
The SkinMedica Illuminize is a superficial peel used for mild skin imperfections. It creates a more uniform complexion by exfoliating and renewing your skin. It’s popular amongst first-time peelers since patients experience minimal visual peeling during their recovery.
Depending on your skin, you can undergo an Illuminize peel as often as every four weeks until you attain your optimal results.
SkinMedica Vitalize
Providers generally recommend the SkinMedica Vitalize peel for mild to moderate skin imperfections, including altered tone resulting from pigmentary changes or acne scars. Additionally, Vitalize peels diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
You can safely receive this peel every four to six weeks. Most people see their best results after three to six peels.
SkinMedica Rejuvenize
The SkinMedica Rejuvenize peel smoothes fine lines and wrinkles and is used for moderate to severe skin issues. Results are usually noticeable after a single application.
The speedy recovery process associated with this peel allows for the rapid emergence of rejuvenated skin. You can repeat this peel every four to six weeks, and three to six treatments are usually sufficient.
VI Peel Advanced
The VI Peel Advanced effectively treats visible signs of aging, particularly for those over 40, by reaching deeper than most traditional chemical peels. This treatment triggers your natural repair process and eliminates deep wrinkles by stimulating an inflammatory response.
The VI Advanced is also highly effective at smoothing fine lines and wrinkles in delicate areas. Finally, the peel enhances your natural collagen production to increase skin elasticity.
VI Peel Purify
VI Peel Purify is doctor-formulated for persistent acne. This treatment delivers the same exfoliating effects as other chemical peels while targeting the root causes of acne breakouts.
Cleansing pores, reducing oil buildup, and removing dead skin cells that trap contaminants enables VI Peel Purify to treat active acne. The peel also targets bacteria to prevent future breakouts and other skin blemishes.
Lastly, the peel addresses skin discoloration, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation too.
VI Peel Precision Plus
The VI Peel Precision Plus is a stronger formulation than its companion VI Peels. The application includes restorative hydroquinone and kojic acid that fuel cell repair and recovery and minimize post-peel discoloration.
VI Precision Plus is well-suited for those with hyperpigmentation or dark spots caused by sun exposure. Providers often recommend it for those with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus
VI Peel Purify with Precision Plus addresses acne, associated scarring, and altered pigmentation. This dual-action treatment combines two effective treatments that promote new skin cell growth and cleanse pores by removing dead skin cells and getting rid of oil.
This peel also inhibits the production of melanin, the compound responsible for altered pigmentation. This action prevents the development and diminishes the appearance of scars and skin discoloration caused by persistent acne.
VI Peel Body
The VI Peel Body is a revolutionary peel for non-facial areas of the body. It works by stimulating collagen production to increase cell turnover. The formulation is safe for all skin tones and can deliver stunning results after a single treatment.
This peel addresses altered pigmentation, fine lines, body acne, stretch marks, and sagging skin, as well as surgical, acne, and injury scars.
What Are the Benefits of Chemical Peels?
Peels are quick and non-invasive treatments that can smooth wrinkles, diminish the appearance of scars, and correct skin discoloration. They are outpatient treatments you can easily squeeze into your schedule.
While your skin may be sensitive after undergoing a peel, as with a sunburn, you can immediately resume your day after the treatment. Many people undergo peels during their lunch breaks and then return to work.
Peels leverage your body’s natural healing response by inducing collagen and elastin production. These compounds, whose levels naturally decrease with age, fortify and smooth the skin, giving it a radiant glow.
You can also optimize your results by undergoing multiple peels spaced far apart enough for your skin to recover. As long as you prevent subsequent skin damage and continue receiving your peels on schedule, your results can last indefinitely.
How Long Does it Take to See Results from a Chemical Peel?
The timeline of the emergence of your results will depend on the depth of your peel and the nature of your skin issues. The body usually heals from light peels within 5 to 10 days, while it can take up to two weeks to heal from a deep peel.
Once the initial redness and flakiness from the treatment subside, your new layer of skin will emerge.
How Long Do Chemical Peel Results Last?
The longevity of your results will depend on the type of peel you receive and your skincare routine.
Deep peels will have longer-lasting results than light peels, often lasting for years or even decades. Superficial peels, on the other hand, offer results that typically last for one to six months, which is why many patients opt to receive this treatment on a semi-regular basis.
Keep in mind that peels correct skin damage but do not protect against new damage or prevent progressive signs of aging.
How Should You Prepare for Your Chemical Peel Treatment?
Your provider will give you specific instructions about preparing for your peel. It’s essential to follow them to optimize your results and minimize potential side effects.
Generally, avoiding sun exposure for two weeks before the peel by using an SPF 50 or higher sunblock is advisable. Your provider may also direct you to use hydroquinone or another topical application to prime your skin for the treatment.
The night before the peel, washing your face with a quality non-residue soap and skipping moisturization and makeup are essential.
What Should You Expect at Your Chemical Peel Treatment Session?
A trained esthetician will administer your peel in a comfortable office setting.
First, they will cleanse your face. Then they will apply the peel. Depending on the peel being applied, the provider will use gauze, a cotton swab, a brush, a wooden applicator, or a plastic applicator. They’ll apply the chemicals to the treatment areas with thick skin, like the forehead and chin, before moving to thinner and more sensitive areas, such as the mouth and eyes.
You may experience mild discomfort due to the acids in the chemicals. After the treatment is applied, the esthetician will administer a neutralizing agent or cool compress to soothe the skin.
What Should You Do After Your Chemical Peel?
Your provider will give you aftercare instructions specific to the peel you receive. In most cases, your skin will be red, sensitive to light, and tender in the days following the peel.
This redness and sensitivity will persist for up to two weeks after the procedure as you shed the damaged skin and new cells take its place. Properly moisturizing and using sunblock will be critical, as well as following your provider’s instructions.
What Makes a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Good candidates for chemical peels are in good overall health with mild scarring, superficial wrinkles, and lighter complexions.
Peels are inappropriate for deep wrinkles and loose or sagging skin. In addition, if you use certain acne medications, your skin may be too sensitive for peels.
Disclosing your medical history will enable your provider to rule out possible contraindications.
Why Choose Bella Medspa?
Bella Medspa is committed to helping patients rejuvenate their skin and eliminate visible signs of aging. Our experienced staff understands the chemical peel process inside and out and boasts the experience necessary to effectively administer the treatment.
We offer convenient appointment times at our six locations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania so you can book one around your busy schedule. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn whether a chemical peel is right for you.