Overview
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes trauma or injury to your skin’s layers. The skin layers eventually peel off revealing more youthful skin. The new skin is usually smoother with fewer lines and wrinkles, has a more even color and is brighter in complexion.
What conditions does a chemical peel treat?
Chemical peels are used to treat certain skin conditions or to improve your appearance by improving the tone and texture of your skin.
Chemical peels are most commonly performed on your face, neck or hands. They can help reduce or improve:
- Fine lines under your eyes or around your mouth and wrinkling caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors.
- Certain types of acne.
- Mild scarring.
- Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin coloring.
- Precancerous scaly spots called actinic keratosis.
- Rough skin, scaly patches, dull complexion.
- Dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills.
You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel. This joint decision can vary depending upon the condition of your skin and the objectives of treatment.
Sags, bulges, deep scars, deep facial lines and more severe wrinkles don’t respond well to chemical peels. If these are your concerns, other cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a face lift, brow lift, eye lift or soft tissue filler will be better options. A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the best treatment for your concerns.
Is a chemical peel good for all skin types?
Generally, superficial peels can be used on all skin types. However, if you have a darker skin tone, you have a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after treatment. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you may want to get the advice of your dermatologist about other less aggressive treatments to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peeling may also not be recommended if you:
- Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
- Have extra coloring in your scars.
- Have skin conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive.
- Can't stay out of the sun for the healing period.
Procedure Details
How are chemical peels performed?
A chemical peel can be performed in a doctor’s office or in a surgery center as an outpatient procedure. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils, while your eyes and hair are protected. A chemical solution is then applied to your skin. Chemical solutions typically used include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or carbolic acid (phenol). The different types of chemicals cause a controlled injury, each penetrating through to a different skin depth, then peeling away to reveal a new layer of skin.
The different chemical solutions provide different results. The choice of chemical depends on your goal. You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel.
- A light (“lunchtime”) chemical peel provides subtle improvement over time and is often done in a series. The outermost layer of skin is removed. This choice may be best if you have fine wrinkling, acne, uneven skin coloring or dry, rough sun-damaged skin to help promote a healthy glow. Recovery from this type of peel may be within hours to a few days but with little to no down time.
- A medium chemical peel gives your skin a smooth, fresh look. The outermost layer and the upper part of your middle skin layer are removed. This choice may be best if you have uneven or moderate skin discoloring, age spots, acne scarring or fine-to-moderate wrinkles. Recovery from this type of peel may take a week or more and require some down time.
- A deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic results. This chemical penetrates down to the lower middle layer of your skin. Recovery time is longer with a deep peel. This choice may be best if you have moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and/or precancerous growths called actinic keratosis. A deep chemical peel requires pretreatment for up to eight weeks. Your doctor will provide specific instructions. A deep chemical peel is a one-time only treatment if applied to your face and does have significant down time.
To prepare for your chemical peel, some general instructions include:
- Avoid tanning and direct sun exposure for two weeks before each treatment.
- Apply topical products (such as hydroquinone) as instructed before treatment to prepare your skin.
- Don’t use any products containing retinoids (such as tretinoin) one to two weeks before treatment, unless your physician tells you differently.
- If you have been prescribed oral antibiotics or an oral antiviral medicine, start taking it at least 24 hours before your chemical peel.
- Peel areas must be free of any open sores, lesions or skin infections.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions for your peel type and your unique skin condition.
Day of peel: Your skin will be thoroughly cleaned. If you are having a deep chemical peel, you will receive general anesthesia (you will be asleep).
The procedure: During a chemical peel, solution is applied to your skin. You may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation that will last a few minutes. This is followed by a stinging sensation. To relieve the sting, a cool compress may be applied your skin. The chemical is then washed off and/or neutralized.
Risks / Benefits
What are the possible complications of chemical peels?
In certain skin types, there’s a risk of a temporary or permanent change in the color of your skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy or a family history of brownish discoloration on your face may increase your risk of developing abnormal pigmentation.
There’s also a low risk of scarring in certain areas of your face and certain individuals may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.
If you’ve had a history of herpes outbreaks, there’s a small chance of reactivating the cold sore. Your dermatologist can prescribe medication to reduce the chance of a flare up. Follow the instructions of your doctor.
Before your chemical peel, be sure to tell your dermatologist if you have a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth created at the site of a skin injury), any unusual scarring tendencies, any X-rays of your face or history of cold sores.
Infections are rare but still a risk.
Recovery and Outlook
What should I expect after the chemical peel?
What to expect varies depending on the depth of your chemical peel.
If you’ve had a light chemical peel:
- Expect a sunburn-like reaction to occur after your peel, meaning you’ll see redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days.
- Apply lotion or cream as directed until your skin heals. After your skin heals, apply daily sunscreen.
- You can wear makeup immediately after treatment or the next day.
- Additional peels may be repeated every two to five weeks until you achieve your desired results. Typically three to five peels are needed to achieve your goal.
If you’ve had a medium chemical peel:
- Expect some redness, swelling, stinging and flaking of your skin. Swelling may last and/or worsen for 48 hours. Blisters can develop and will break open. Skin will crust and peel off over seven to 14 days.
- Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. Apply lotion or cream daily. Don’t expose your skin to sunlight until completely healed.
- Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
- You can wear makeup after five to seven days.
- Additional medium-depth peels may be repeated at six to 12 months intervals, if needed, to maintain results.
If you’ve had a deep chemical peel:
- The treatment area will be bandaged. Your bandages will be removed in a few days. Expect a healing time of 14 to 21 days.
- Perform daily soaks as directed by your doctor. Apply ointment after each soak. After 14 days, apply moisturizer as directed. Don’t expose your skin to sun for three to six months.
- Antiviral medication will need to be taken for 10 to 14 days.
- Wait at least 14 days before using any makeup.
- You can only have one deep peel performed on your face.
To get the best results, regardless of the depth of your peel, follow these tips:
- Don’t use a tanning bed or other type of indoor or even outdoor tanning while your skin is healing.
- After your skin heals, always apply a daily sunscreen.
- Apply a daily moisturizer, as directed, to keep your skin moist to prevent scarring.
Your new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications. Your doctor will provide you with post-treatment instructions to reduce the chance of developing abnormal skin color after your peel and other complications.
If your skin itches, swells or burns, call your doctor. Scratching your skin could lead to an infection.
Additional Details
Is a chemical peel covered under insurance?
No, usually not. Chemical peels are considered a cosmetic treatment and therefore not covered by insurance.
FAQs
What conditions does a chemical peel treat? ›
Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored 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 chemical peels offer more-dramatic results but also take longer to recover from.
What can a client expect to feel during a chemical peel treatment? ›You may experience stinging or burning for 15-20 minutes. For some clients, a numbing cream can be applied at the office or prior to getting the peel. The skincare specialist may apply cool compresses and give a hand-held fan to soothe and cool your skin.
What are the three types of chemical peels? ›The three major classifications of chemical peel are a light or superficial peel, a medium depth peel, and a deep chemical peel. Within those three major classifications are four common types of peels: Alpha Hydroxy acid peels, Beta Hydroxy acid peels, Trichloroacetic Acid Peels (TCA), and Phenol peels.
What skin condition would most benefit from a chemical exfoliation? ›Age spots, freckles, and melasma
Slight discolorations in your skin are perfect targets for chemical peels. Whether you've begun to notice age spots cropping up here and there, or you feel like your freckles were cute as kid but not anymore, chemical peels can help them fade away.
A chemical peel is a treatment that peels the top layer of skin to promote new skin growth and improve the appearance of melasma, sun-damage, acne scars, wrinkles, and lighten dark spots.
How long does it take for skin to look better after chemical peel? ›After three to four days, most of the peeling should be complete, but it may take anywhere from five to seven days before your fresh, new skin has developed. Within seven to fourteen days, your skin should be completely healed.
How soon can I wash my face after a chemical peel? ›Avoid washing your face for at least 24 hours following your peel. Over the next few days, your skin will begin to peel. The most intense peeling will occur during the middle days of your recovery. You may also experience some irritation, crusting, or skin redness.
What does your face look like 2 days after a chemical peel? ›First few days – you may notice some dryness, irritation, and mild swelling. Two to Three days – your skin may look flaky or peel, and discolorations or imperfections may temporarily be more noticeable. Three to four days – you may breakout or notice skin looks tan or slightly darker than usual.
How many chemical peels are best for results? ›Most patients require about 4 to 6 light peels, spaced 1 to 2 months apart, to achieve desired results. The time between the peels allows skin cells to renew and turn over, with each subsequent peel exfoliating cells and treating new cells just beneath the skin surface.
Which chemical peel is best for aging? ›Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) exfoliates the skin at a dermal level. It is available in a range of strengths, to treat different skin conditions and concerns. It's effectively used to minimise the signs of ageing on skin, and to stimulate collagen production.
Which peel is best for hyperpigmentation? ›
Glycolic acid peels are considered a safe and effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging. Medium-strength peels are done by board-certified dermatologists or by licensed cosmetologists or aestheticians.
Do dermatologists recommend peels? ›Dermatologists recommend superficial peels if skin issues only affect the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. Because superficial peels do not penetrate the deeper layers, they carry a lower risk of side effects and the skin tends to recover more quickly. Superficial peels take 1–7 days to heal.
Are chemical peels good for older skin? ›Chemical peels improve the appearance of aging skin by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less wrinkled in appearance.
What peel do dermatologists use? ›Glycolic acid peels are the most common alpha-hydroxy acid peels used by dermatologists.
What not to do after chemical peel? ›- Picking at the skin. ...
- Skipping sunscreen. ...
- Letting the skin dry out. ...
- Not applying moisturizer. ...
- Applying too much moisturizer. ...
- Being afraid of cold compresses. ...
- Exfoliating. ...
- Expecting immediate results.
A chemical peel can visibly improve your skin by improving skin texture, tone and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. However, it also presents side-effects that you should be wary of. This can include redness, scarring, and possibly infection.
How often should I moisturize after a chemical peel? ›Gently apply a thin layer of moisturizer all over the skin multiple times throughout the day, as needed. You'll be able to go back to your regular skincare routine once the peeling process is complete and skin no longer feels sensitive – generally within a week of receiving your chemical peel.
How many chemical peels does it take to get rid of dark spots? ›Sessions are conducted 2-3 weeks apart for a total series of 4-6 treatments. Lactic acid (LA), which is derived from milk, works by decreasing skin cell cohesion. This type of peel is beneficial for lightening dark spots when used at 92% strength with double coats that are applied for 10 minutes every 3 weeks.
Do chemical peels pull out blackheads? ›Chemical peels unclog your pores and remove blackheads from the surface of your skin. At the same time, they're also able to deposit ingredients into the skin that help your post-pimple marks fade away. The best chemical peel for acne will contact salicylic and lactic acid.
Is it worth getting chemical peels? ›Chemical peels are absolutely worth it! Chemical peels are one of the most effective non-invasive cosmetic facial treatments and a great way to achieve brighter, smoother skin. This non-invasive treatment removes the outer layer of skin to reveal the healthy, beautiful skin underneath.
What not to do before a chemical peel? ›
- Don't exfoliate. Since a chemical peel is an in-depth exfoliation, it's important that you don't exfoliate for at least 1 week before your appointment. ...
- Refrain from using make-up. ...
- Avoid the sun. ...
- Stay hydrated.
When you start to peel, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer such as AveenoⓇ, VanicreamⓇ, CetaphilⓇ, or CeraVeⓇ, until the skin feels back to normal. This will promote the healing process by locking in moisture and reducing the chance of a bacterial infection, redness, and irritation.
Can chemical peels scar your face? ›All peels can cause activation of herpes viral infection, whereas medium and deep peels can cause scarring. Deep peels are no longer popular in Indian skin. They can cause milia, secondary infection, and scarring.
How do you sleep after a chemical peel? ›It is important you try to sleep on your back so as to not rub your peeling against the pillow. This could create an area of prematurely peeled skin. After the peel, sunscreen must be used to protect your skin from the rays of the sun. Keeping sun off the face is very important and important for proper healing.
Can you see results after one chemical peel? ›Yes! Many people can see a significant improvement in the appearance of their skin tone and texture in as little as one peel treatment. This is because a peel functions as an exfoliant, which can drastically improve the superficial quality of your skin.
How can I speed up my peeling after a chemical peel? ›Answer: Recovery after a chemical peel
Unfortunately, there is no magic wand that will speed up the healing and peeling process after a chemical peel. I recommend you follow the instructions you received on gently cleansing your skin and keeping it hydrated as it recovers from the treatment.
Answer: Chemical peels don't cause wrinkles.
The more you peel your skin, the better it looks but sometimes the swelling from a peel can distort the creases or skin for the 1st 3-4 months so be patient. The end results from peels are usually seen 3-4 months later as it tightens skin and builds collagen up with time.
Is there downtime? After a medium or deep peel, you will have downtime. A deep chemical peel requires recuperation at home for 2 to 3 weeks.
How many times a day should you wash your face after a chemical peel? ›1) Leave the peel on for 4-6 hours, then gently wash it off with warm water ONLY. 2) For the first 2 days, wash your face/body with warm water only, TWICE a day. Then apply moisturizer with sunscreen to face/body (AT LEAST SPF 44), as many times a day as needed.
How do you get the best results from a peel? ›- Combine your peel with dermaplaning. ...
- Prep your skin to accept the peel with a retinol regimen. ...
- Protect your skin before treatment. ...
- Protect your skin after treatment. ...
- Schedule a series of treatments.
How often can you do a chemical peel on your face? ›
The frequency of chemical peels depends entirely on what kind of chemical peel you are having done. For superficial, or surface layer, peels, you can repeat your treatment up to once a month. By contrast, deep peels require additional healing time for your skin and should only be done once every two to three years.
What is the best chemical peel for black skin? ›Superficial peels are the best options for dark skin. Your doctor may first try low levels of glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Studies show glycolic acid and salicylic acid are safe and effective. These, along with retinol and Jessner peels, have the lowest skin complications with the best results.
Can peeling reduce wrinkles? ›A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove layers of skin, revealing the more youthful skin underneath. Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines and wrinkles, acne, scars, uneven skin coloring and other skin imperfections.
What is the best facial treatment for older skin? ›Facials: Currently, two of the best facials for anti-aging are platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy and microneedling. In a microneedling facial, tiny needles penetrate the skin to boost collagen production. The process can be paired with PRP therapy using your own blood — hence its nickname, the “vampire facial.”
What is the most aggressive chemical peel? ›A Phenol chemical peel is the most aggressive type of skin peels. A phenol peel is an effective remedy for severely sun damaged skin, deep coarse wrinkles, scars, and even pre-cancerous growths. Because a phenol peel uses carbolic acid to treat the skin, the procedure is not suitable for treating selected areas.
What completely clears hyperpigmentation? ›Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.
What type of hyperpigmentation is hardest to treat? ›Melasma treatment
Whereas some types of hyperpigmentation can be treated with topical creams, melasma is not treated so easily due to the hormones that contribute to its cause in the first place.
TCA Peels. TCA peels use a non-toxic chemical (trichloracetic acid) to remove the damaged, outer layers of your skin and reveal a brighter, smoother, more evenly toned and younger-looking complexion. TCA Peels are applied in light-to medium- strength concentrations, depending on your skin's needs.
Who is not a candidate for chemical peels? ›You may not be a good candidate for chemical peeling if you have: A history of abnormal skin scarring. A naturally dark complexion or skin tone. A tendency to have extra pigmentation of your scars.
Who should not get a chemical peel? ›Who should avoid getting a chemical peel? Peels are not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or nursing, has inflamed acne or a sunburn or is taking Accutane. People who use retinoids can get a chemical peel but must stop using the product three to four days before treatment.
What is the main purpose of a chemical peel? ›
A chemical peel is solution applied to the face to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new cells. The aim is to improve the appearance of the skin – for example, by reducing age spots and evening out skin tone. There are 3 types of peels, called superficial, medium and deep.
Can you see results after 1 peel? ›Yes! Many people can see a significant improvement in the appearance of their skin tone and texture in as little as one peel treatment. This is because a peel functions as an exfoliant, which can drastically improve the superficial quality of your skin.
What not to do after a chemical peel? ›- Picking at the skin. ...
- Skipping sunscreen. ...
- Letting the skin dry out. ...
- Not applying moisturizer. ...
- Applying too much moisturizer. ...
- Being afraid of cold compresses. ...
- Exfoliating. ...
- Expecting immediate results.
Yes, you can wear makeup after a chemical peel. In fact, many women choose to wear makeup immediately after their peel because they don't want to wait until their skin heals completely. However, we recommend that you wait at least 48 to 72 hours after your peel to apply makeup.
Are dermatologist peels worth it? ›Good for you! Not only are they important in maintaining the health of your skin, but they are also one of the most effective facial treatments there is. Chemical peels can be used to correct issues such as uneven tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and even acne.