Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Chemical Peels 101

Chemical skin peels can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They work by removing the outermost layers of the skin damaged by sun exposure, age, and skin conditions to allow smooth, healthy new skin underneath to grow. Skin peels may be superficial (mild), medium or deep.

The ideal candidate for chemical peels is someone who:

  • Is in good physical health
  • Is psychologically stable
  • Understands the procedure
  • Does not smoke
  • Wants to look younger and more refreshed
  • Is unhappy with the appearance of wrinkles or brown spots, especially around the mouth or eyes
  • Is free of active skin infections, including most kinds of acne
  • Is informed about the appropriate skin tone for the type of peel used
  • Is not taking Accutane or has not taken it for the previous 18 months.
  • Is free from large or unusual scar formations, such as keloids
  • Is realistic in his/her expectations
  • Is willing to accept the limitations involved in the healing process

Peel Side Effects and Risks

Significant complications with chemical peels are infrequent, but potential complications include:

  • Scarring
  • Infection
  • Temporary or permanent changes in skin tone or uneven tone
  • Hyperpigmentation (a darkening of the skin, treatable in most cases with current bleaching techniques)
  • Hypopigmentation (a lightening of the skin, more difficult to treat)
  • Cold sore breakouts in patients who have a history of recurring blisters and cold sores, like herpes and shingles (an anti-viral medication before the procedure can help prevent this)
  • Risks for patients with a family history of heart disease

A chemical peel (except for a superficial peel) may not be done if a patient has:

  • Recently used isotretinoin (a drug used to treat acne)
  • Had recent facial surgery or facial radiation therapy. This can make regrowth of the skin more difficult
  • An active herpes infection affecting the area to be treated
  • An impaired immune system. This can delay healing and increase the risk of infection and skin color changes after the peel
  • Known allergies to certain medicines


Patients can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of their doctor, both before and after the chemical peel. Pre-existing conditions may also put a patient at risk. Patients who have a history of heart disease or herpes, have a tendency to form large or unusual scars or have undergone considerable amounts of radiation or facial x-rays should consult their doctor before having a chemical peel.

Managing Expectations

Some types of skin problems respond better to chemical peeling than others. People with lighter skin who limit their sun exposure after the procedure tend to have better results than those with darker skin and those who continue to spend lots of time in the sun. Changes in the color and texture of the skin caused by aging and sun exposure may continue to develop after a chemical peel. Chemical peels are not a permanent solution for these problems.

Chemical peels are designed to wound and remove the upper layers of the skin. Patients will need to prepare themselves for how their skin will look immediately after the peel and throughout the healing process. Patients will also need to be prepared to use cosmetics to blend skin tones between treated and untreated areas, such as between the face and jaw line.

During the early healing period after a chemical peel (before the skin has finished peeling), patients will need to avoid sun exposure. After the early healing period has passed, patients will need to wear sunscreen every day and limit sun exposure as much as possible. New skin is more susceptible to damage and discoloration from sunlight.

Even with realistic expectations, patients may not see results for several weeks or months after a chemical peel.

9 comments:

Katie said...

The information above is helpful for those who want to use chemical peel to look younger. But it's important to know what to do, what to avoid, and possible negative effects on the facial skin. It's better to follow instructions first rather than regret the effects afterwards.

Katie Hallison

Mary said...

Very informative, thanks for sharing us your ideas,well Beauty is of two kinds, GOD-Gifted and achieved by artificial means. Both type of beauty needs care and attention; beauty makes you attractive and appealing. ctbuyer is a skin solution website that provide detailed information about advanced skin care products and treatments related to skin and beauty.

http://www.ctbuyer.com/

Michael said...

Chemical Peel needs to be taken on a timely basis and with appropriate dosage for faster result.

kataraleo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kataraleo said...

Thanks for this nice post moreover ! skin care involves different steps i.e. cleansing, toning, moisturizing. There are thousands of skin care products are available in market at economical rates.

kamagra1uk said...

Prior to using Sildamax, speak with your physician. They can let you know if this product is right for you based on current and past medical history and any medications that you’re currently taking.
Sildamax | Buy sildamax | Cheap Sildamax UK

Unknown said...

Really an interesting blog you have shared here with us on skin care .Such an informative and useful post you have shared here with us. I really like the tips you have shared here for us. Thanks and keep sharing.I want to share an informative thing about cellulite.Today cellulite is a big problem and people are finding that how to remove cellulite. Cellulite Burned is one of the best way to get the complete solution if you were suffering from this problem.

Unknown said...

As the youth goes away, a number of physical issues affect a person. Skin also bears the brunt of these less than exciting changes. Sagginess of skin is a common aging issue that can have ill effects on the overall appearance.
how to get rid of pimples

Blogger said...

As claimed by Stanford Medical, It's really the ONLY reason women in this country live 10 years longer and weigh 19 kilos lighter than us.

(And actually, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with genetics or some secret exercise and absolutely EVERYTHING to do with "HOW" they are eating.)

BTW, I said "HOW", and not "WHAT"...

TAP this link to uncover if this little quiz can help you release your true weight loss potential