What is Chemical peel?

Chemical peels are specialized skin-treatment procedures focused on removing acne, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing skin tone. The process involves applying the appropriate chemical solution to the upper surface layers of the skin. The objective is to treat scars, reduce wrinkles, and manage discoloration issues.

Chemical peel is often combined with other cosmetic procedures to create improved results. The process ranges from milder to deeper levels of depth. Depending on the nature and intensity of the problem, the skin layers are subjected to varying dosages and depths of chemicals.

What are the types of chemical peel?

According to the depths, a chemical peel procedure is classified into:

 

Light chemical peel: This treatment removes only the outer layer of your skin, addressing issues such as uneven skin tone, acne, or wrinkles. It is usually done every 2-5 weeks.

 

Medium chemical peel: This level of treatment involves removing the skin cells from the top and upper sections of the central layer of your skin. While the medium chemical peel addresses issues similar to the light chemical peel, it produces finer results if repeated.

 

Deep chemical peel: This is a more specialized level of skincare treatment wherein the skin cells at much deeper levels are removed. Dermatologists recommend this procedure for treating precancerous growths and deeper scars or wrinkles.

 

What happens in a chemical peel procedure?

The chemical peel procedure varies depending on the chemical’s depth and level of application. Typically, in a light chemical peel, your skin specialist will apply a solution containing salicylic acid with a gaze or brush. This will make the treated skin turn whitish, making you feel a stinging sensation. Finally, the doctor will use a neutralizing solution to wash your treated skin area.

 

Your skin care expert applies a trichloroacetic acid solution in a medium chemical peel using a cotton-tipped apparatus. You will feel the stinging sensation for about 20-25 minutes, and your doctor will apply cool compresses to comfort the treated skin area.

 

In a deep chemical peel, your doctor will apply phenol or carbolic acid-containing solution through a cotton-tipped applicator. You will also be kept on intravenous (IV) fluids while your vital parameters are closely monitored. This technique usually takes 80-90 minutes for a complete facial procedure.

What should you check with your doctor before a chemical peel?

Consult doctors or dermatologists with expertise in the skin care procedure. Before you get started, your doctor may:

• Check and review your medical history
• Perform a physical examination to ascertain your skin tone or dryness level
• Recommend an antiviral solution pre or post-procedure
• Advise you to avoid too much exposure to sun
• Suggest stopping certain other types of cosmetic or hair-treatment procedures.

At Cascade Aesthetics, our experts study your skin textures and recommend the perfect combination of chemical peels and other cosmetic treatments. Our focused efforts ensure that you enjoy remarkable results coupled with a hassle-free experience.