Is a Chemical Peel for You?

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Chemical peels can vastly improve your skin’s appearance. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it “blister” and eventually peel off, revealing smoother and less wrinkled skin underneath. Greenville Dermatology offers peels using alpha-hydroxy glycolic acid, beta-hydroxy salicylic acid, and TCA (trichloroaecetic acid). So how do you know if a chemical peel is for you?

 

Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?

The most common candidate for a chemical peel is a person with sun-damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, actinic keratosis or acne scarring. Generally, fair-skinned patients are better candidates for chemical peels. People with darker skin can still achieve good results but are more likely to have an uneven skin tone after the procedure. Ask your dermatologist if your skin is right for a chemical peel.

 

What happens during a chemical peel?

On the day of your peel, your skin will first be prepped for treatment with a thorough cleansing. Next, your dermatologist will apply the chemical solution to your face quickly and evenly. Your dermatologist will watch your skin’s reaction carefully in order to remove the peel at the right time. After the peel is removed, your dermatologist will treat your skin as needed. Patients who get a medium peel may need cool compresses followed by a lotion or cream to soothe the skin. A deep peel will require surgical dressing.

 

Is there downtime?

Recovery time after a chemical peel depends on what kind of peel is done and how deep it is. After a medium or deep peel, you will have downtime. A deep chemical peel requires recuperating at home for two to three weeks.

 

When will I see results?

You will see results once your skin heals, depending on the strength of the peel. A light peel can heal in one day, whereas a deep peel can take 14 days or longer to heal. 

 

How long will the results last?

Most results are not permanent because our skin continues to age. If you have sun-damaged skin or precancerous skin growths called AKs, you will likely continue to see new spots and growths on your skin. 

 

The results you see after getting a chemical peel depend largely on the skill of the person performing the peel. To protect your health and achieve the best results, a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon should perform the procedure.

 

Ask your dermatologist the following questions before getting a chemical peel:

• What will I need to do before and after the peel to get the best results?
• Do I have a higher risk for any complications?
• Will I have downtime?
• May I see before-and-after photos or speak with patients you treated with a chemical peel?

Dr. Miller is a board-certified dermatologist who performs safe and effective chemical peels on individuals of all ages. For a consultation, please call Greenville Dermatology today at (864)242-5872.