A chemical facial peel, or chemexfoliation, is less invasive than many other skin enhancement procedures and uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of the skin by removing the damaged outer layers. Essentially, a chemical peel causes a burn to outer layers of skin, which are replaced with new, healthier and tighter skin.
When is a chemical peel beneficial?
Chemical peels can be used to touch up uneven skin pigmentation, control acne, remove rough or scaly skin, reduce visibility of scars or age spots, erase deeper wrinkles, and treat sun-damaged skin. Chemical peels are typically performed for cosmetic reasons; however, they may also be used in order to remove pre-cancerous skin growths.
How is a chemical peel performed?
When you arrive for your procedure, your face will be cleaned and, depending on the chemical peel chosen for your skin type, a numbing cream may be applied. A chemical solution is then applied to the face and is left on for several minutes. During this time, you may feel a burning or tingling sensation.
A chemical peel treatment plan can range in intensity from light, medium, or deep. A light chemical peel focuses on the surface of the skin and may need to be repeated after several weeks. In contrast, a deep chemical peel reaches deep into the layers of the skin and results will last longer.
What results can I expect?
Depending on your treatment plan, you may have red or brown skin after the chemical peel. This is temporary and will peel off within two weeks to reveal a newer and fresher layer of skin. The skin tightening effects generally lasts a year or more, and with continued sun protection, far longer.
© 2018 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.