A skin peel is a procedure in which a chemical or natural solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back is smoother. With a light or medium peel, you may need to undergo the procedure more than once to get the desired results. Skin peels are used to treat wrinkles, discoloured skin and scars — usually on the face. They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures. And they can be done at different depths, from light to deep. Deeper peels offer more-dramatic results but also take longer to recover from.
After a skin peel of any depth, your skin will be red, tight, irritated or swollen. Follow your aestheticians’ directions for sun protection, cleansing, moisturizing and applying protective ointments to your skin. And avoid picking, rubbing or scratching your skin. It may take several weeks before your skin colour returns to normal, and you can see the full results of the peel.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Chemical peels can improve many skin issues. Let’s look at some of the most common ones that chemical peels may help treat.
ACNE
Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition. It’s often treated with topical products or oral medication, but chemical peels may also help.
The procedure can:
- Break Down Comedones (Plugged Hair Follicles)
- Decrease Oil Production
- kill bacteria
- Reduce Inflammation
- Increase Absorption Of Topical Treatments
- Light And Medium Chemical Peels Are Usually Used To Improve Acne.
ACNE SCARS
As acne heals, the skin creates new collagen fibres in an attempt to repair lesions that have been created by inflamed skin. The production of new collagen fibres can create hypertrophic scars, which are bumpy and raised, or atrophic scars, which create depressions in your skin.
A chemical peel can help by exfoliating the top skin layer, which removes excess collagen. Medium chemical peels are typically recommended for acne scars.
ROSACEA
Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and red bumps. If it also causes acne-like breakouts, it’s known as acne rosacea.
Sometimes, a chemical peel can help relieve these symptoms. It’s typically recommended for mild or moderate rosacea.
AGING SKIN
Chemical peels may reduce signs of aging, including:
- Wrinkles
- Fine Lines
- Age Spots
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Roughness
- Dryness
- Liver Spots
When skin grows back after a chemical peel, it triggers the production of collagen and elastin. This can help make your skin supple and strong, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
The new skin that grows back is also smoother, which helps decrease roughness and dryness.
Chemical peels aren’t recommended for removing deep wrinkles, however. It also won’t tighten sagging skin.
HYPERPIGMENTATION
In addition to acne scars and age spots, chemical peels can improve other forms of hyperpigmentation, such as:
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Melasma
- Freckles
- Surgical Scars
- Scars Due To Injury
- Discoloration Due To Sun Damage
- Dullness
If you have a dull complexion, you may benefit from chemical peels.
The treatment allows new skin to resurface, which may help your complexion look brighter and healthier.