Everybody sheds dead skin cells, but as people get older, the dead skin cells don’t always slough off the way they should. Instead, they accumulate and make the skin look dull and discolored. Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments used to exfoliate the skin. By removing the top few layers, the peel reveals the healthy, new skin underneath.
What Does a Chemical Peel Involve?
Chemical peels are outpatient procedures performed in our office. The provider will apply an acidic solution to either the whole face or just parts of it. They will leave the solution on the client’s face for a given amount of time. In some cases, the provider will apply another solution to neutralize the chemical peel; in other cases, they will simply wash it off.
Depending on the type of solution used, the patient will feel a tingling or burning sensation. The recovery time also varies on the type of peel administered. Chemical peels can take thirty minutes to two hours.
Types of Chemical Peels
Light, superficial or “lunchtime” peels are the mildest type, and they are used to smooth the skin and treat mild discoloration. The medical professional uses a mild acid to exfoliate just the top layer of the epidermis. The client can resume their usual activities immediately afterwards, and there is no recovery time.
A medium peel is used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration and blemishes. It can also make the skin smoother and remove precancerous growths. Most acids used in these types of peels penetrate both the epidermis and the upper layers of the dermis.
A deep peel is used to treat severe wrinkles and deep creases. Deep peels penetrate deeply into the dermis and thus remove many layers of skin. The recovery period may last weeks.
Who is a Good Candidate for Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels work best for people in good overall health. People with infections, wounds, sunburns or sores on the treatment site need to wait for the condition to clear up before getting a chemical peel. Good candidates also have realistic expectations regarding treatment. They understand that a chemical peel can enhance their appearance, but it won’t make them a different person.
The best way to determine if a chemical peel can benefit you is to visit Rao Dermatology, with offices in Manhattan, Atlantic Highlands, Hanford and Fresno. We offer a variety of chemical peels that can be used on the face as well as on the back, chest, arms and legs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more.
