Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a popular form of skin rejuvenation that can improve texture, reduce pigmentation irregularities, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, treat sun damage, dullness, and blemishes, and give your skin a more even tone overall.
Chemical peels involve applying an acid solution to the skin which causes it to peel away, revealing newer and healthier skin underneath. Chemical peels are a safe and effective way to achieve smoother, healthier looking skin with minimal downtime. Different chemical solutions can be used for different levels of exfoliation, depending on the desired outcome. Superficial peels may provide effective results with minimal downtime while deeper treatments will produce more dramatic results but may require more recovery time.
Types of chemical peels
- Medium chemical peels use slightly stronger acids such as glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to penetrate a little deeper into the middle layers of the skin. This type of peel helps to improve age spots, sun damage, and mild acne scarring. The skin will be red and swollen for the first 2 days and crusting and peeling over the next week or two as dead skin cells peel off. Healing takes 7-14 days. At home care includes lotion or cream to protect skin plus avoiding sun until the skin heals. After the first five days, camouflage makeup can be used. A follow up visit is required.
- Deep peels are the most intense of all chemical peel treatments and can be used to treat severely sun damaged skin, deep wrinkles, and acne scarring. TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is typically used for these types of peels as it penetrates into the deepest layers of skin to stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone. Healing takes up to three weeks. The treated areas will be bandaged. No make up for 2 weeks.
Possible side effects
- persistent redness from medium and deep peels that can last for a month
- temporary darkening of the skin
- lighter skin color after medium and deep peels
Overall, chemical peels are a safe and effective treatment for improving the appearance of your skin. However, it’s important to consult with your dermatologist at Coastal and Eye Institute in San Diego, so they can properly assess your skin type and develop the best course of action. In addition, it’s important to follow the post-care instructions recommended by your doctor to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
Contact Coastal and Eye Institute in San Diego to schedule a consultation to learn more about the many benefits of chemical peels for skin renewal and rejuvenation. With offices in Carmel Valley, Encinitas, and La Mesa, we provide expert dermatology care near you.
