Understanding Chemical Peels: What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment
Table of Contents
Chemical Peel: Concept and Definition
It is also known as derma peeling and chemexfoliation. It uses a chemical solution to improve your skin’s appearance. In this treatment, a solution of chemicals is applied to the skin. It causes injury or trauma to the layer of skin. The skin layers get peeled off finally. It results in revealing more youthful skin. The new skin is much smoother. It will have fewer wrinkles and finer lines. It has a brighter complexion. It also has more even colors.
Conditions for the Treatment of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are used for the treatment of certain conditions of your skin. It also helps to improve your skin appearance. It is done by enhancing its texture and tone.
Chemicals peels are mostly performed in any one of the following. It can also be performed in some. Or in all of them:
- Neck
- Face
- Hands
They can help to improve or reduce:
- Various kinds of acne.
- Fine lines around the mouth. And occurring under the eyes. It can also control wrinkles. The wrinkles might occur due to aging, sunlight, and other hereditary factors.
- Gentle markings.
- Actinic keratosis: scaly spots that are precancerous.
- Age spots, sunspots, freckles, liver spots, and uneven coloring of the skin.
- Melasma, dark patches occurring due to consumption of contraceptive pills or during pregnancy.
- Scaly patches, rough skin, or a dull complexion.
Determine the depth of your peel by consulting with an experienced and professional dermatologist. That too from a renowned skin and beauty clinic offering a reliable chemical peel treatment in Chennai.
After having consulted with her, your treatment might vary. It might depend on the condition of your skin. It can also depend on the objectives of the treatment.
Chemical peels do not respond to the following issues:
- Severe or more wrinkles.
- Deep scars.
- Deep facial lines.
- Sags.
- Bulges.
If you have any of the above issues, we also have many other treatments like pigmentation, Botox, and skin rejuvenation treatments.
A qualified and experienced dermatologist will help you determine the best treatment for your issue.
Whether Chemical Peel is Appropriate for Every Skin Type
Superficial peels can be used on all types of skin. You will have a higher risk of skin darkening. It will happen after the treatment. Only if your skin tone is darker. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. You can consult with our dermatologist if your skin tone is naturally darker.
Chemical peeling is not recommended if you have the following type of skin:
- If your scars have extra coloring,
- If you have a history of skin scarring, which is abnormal,
- You get out and are exposed to sunlight. This is during healing.
- If you have a sensitive skin condition. Especially due to any medications.
Why Should Chemical Peeling Treatment Be Done in a Clinic and Not at Home?
As already discussed in the previous section, chemical peeling is not for everyone. So, opting for this treatment can cause you harm in the following ways:
The concentration of acids in the treatment might not suit all types of skin. Using chemical peels at home can cause chemical burns. This is due to the higher acid concentration. These burns may lead to marks and hyperpigmentation. It will require extra treatment. So due to these various reasons, the chemical peel is not recommended to be performed at home. It is advisable to have a consultation with a doctor or dermatologist. You can also visit our clinic for further consultation.
Procedural Details about Chemical Peel
As already mentioned, it is best recommended that chemical peeling be performed in a reputable clinic only. So, we will also share how the procedure will take place.
Your skin will be cleaned thoroughly to remove excessive oil. Your eyes and hair are protected. A chemical solution is applied to your skin after that.
The chemical solution types that are used are:
- Trichloroacetic acid.
- Glycolic acid.
- Lactic acid.
- Salicylic acid.
- Phenol or carbolic acid.
The different types of chemicals can cause injuries. It can be controlled. Each penetrates through the different depths of the skin. Then peel it away to reveal a new skin layer.
Different results are provided by different solutions of the chemicals. The choice of chemical depends on your requirements. Work with our dermatologist to determine the depth of the peel.
Before you go for chemical peeling, here are some instructions to follow:
- Application of topical products like hydroquinone. It is as instructed before treatment and before skin preparation.
- Before each treatment, avoid the following for a couple of weeks: direct exposure to the sun and tanning.
- Before one to two weeks of treatment, do not use products that contain retinoids. Such as tretinoin. You cannot perform anything unless your dermatologist instructs you to do so.
- The peeling areas must be free from lesions, open sores, or skin infections.
Don’t worry! Our dermatologist will provide you with instructions. They are specifically for your type of peel. And, for the unique condition of your skin.
Your skin will be cleaned thoroughly.
A solution is applied to your skin during the chemical peeling procedure. You might feel a warm sensation. It will last for a few minutes. It will be followed by a stinging sensation. A cool compress might be applied to the skin. This is to get relief from the sting. The chemical is then neutralized or washed off.
Advantages of Chemical Peeling
- It helps stimulate the growth of healthy skin. It also helps in restoring new collagen. It results in a radiant complexion.
- It helps in the improvement of the color of the skin. It also improves the tone, clarity, and texture.
- It reduces discoloration caused by sun damage.
- It flattens away the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
- It removes pigmentation, age spots, sun damage, fine lines, and pimples.
Advantages of Chemical Peeling
- In a few types of skin, there might be a few temporary or permanent changes in your skin color. If you have a family history of brownish discoloration, Then, it might increase the risk. There is a risk of abnormal pigmentation. During pregnancy, consuming pills for birth control can also increase the chance of the development of these pigmentations.
- Some people might be more prone to being scared. Also, there is less risk of scarring. That too, in a few areas on your face. If scarring does not occur, it can be treated with good results.
- You might have less chance of reactivating the cold sore. It is only if you have a history of breakdown of herpes. Our dermatologist can prescribe medication. It is to reduce the chance of flaring up. You need to follow her instructions.
- Before you go for a chemical peel, make sure you tell your dermatologist if you have a history of keloids. It is the overgrowth of scar tissue. It occurs at the site of a skin injury. You can also mention to her if you have any unusual tendencies toward scarring. Or if you have a cold sores history or X-ray of your face.
Common Post-Treatment Care of Chemical Peels
Psot-treatment care is important to decrease the possible side effects. It is also important for optimizing the results. Hence, post-treatment care is crucial to combat these side effects and withhold the results.
Here are some common practices in post-treatment care that need to be followed:
- Moisturizing: Keeping your skin hydrated properly is important. It is for the prevention and healing of unrestrained dryness. And for flakiness during post-peel. You can use a non-comedogenic, gentle moisturizer. It is too soothing for your skin. And to maintain the barrier of moisture. You can look for products that have ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. It will help to retain and attract moisture.
- Avoiding harsh products: You can avoid using skincare products immediately after a chemical peel. These products can be erosive or harsh. It can be an exfoliant, scrub, or toner that is alcohol-based. These products can irritate the skin. It can also interfere with the healing process. You can choose cleansers that are non-irritating and gentle. You can consult with our dermatologist, who will recommend some skincare products.
- Appointments for Follow-up: As per your schedule, you also need to avoid skipping your appointments. These are your follow-up appointments with our dermatologist. It is crucial to monitor the progress of your skin. It is also to determine if there is a need for any additional treatments or to address any concerns. It can also adjust the regimen of your skincare.
Why should you Choose Sky Skin and Laser Clinic for Chemical Peel Treatment?
If you are looking forward to undergoing a chemical peel treatment in Chennai. Sky Skin and Laser Clinic is the right place for you. Before going forward with the treatment, we will sit and discuss your problems with you. If you are having any sort of medical issue where this treatment might hamper your health, we will come up with an alternative solution. You will receive full treatment and solutions as you receive from the clinic normally.
Conclusion
This article is hopefully helpful to you. It covered some details and aspects of the chemical peeling treatment for the face. And, for some of your body parts, we would recommend that, before opting for any treatment for any skin or dermal issue, you visit our skin and laser clinic. You can consult with our dermatologist, Dr. Chithra. She is an expert in clinical dermatology, laser hair procedures, wart and mole removal, anti-aging and skin rejuvenation, and many other treatments.
With over 12 years of expertise, Dr. Chithra, M.B.B.S., D.D.V.L., honed her dermatology skills at Madras Medical College, attending 100-200 patients daily. Her experience and expert skills in dermatology & cosmetology makes Sky Skin & Laser clinic Chennai as go-to place for comprehensive skin and hair care.
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