What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a special solution that our specialists will apply
to your face and/or neck. This solution treats many skin conditions and
irregularities, leaving you with a more even, glowing complexion. There
are three main types of chemical peels, which include superficial,
medium, and deep. The severity of your skin condition, as well as your
skin type and esthetic preferences, will determine the type of peel you
receive
TCA Chemical Peels
Our office uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemical peels, which are
among the most versatile types of peel available. We can modify the
intensity of treatment to exfoliate only the top layer of skin or deeper
into the upper and mid dermis. A superficial peel may be suggested if
you are looking to improve your skin’s texture, whereas if you’re
looking to address wrinkles and tighten skin, a deeper peel could help.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
By exfoliating dead skin, chemical peels help you achieve softer, brighter, smoother skin and offer many benefits, including:
- Great for all skin types and tones, with the exception of extremely sensitive skin
- Even out skin tone
- Lifts hyperpigmentation
- Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
The Chemical Peel Process: What to Expect
At Carolinas Faces, your safety and comfort
come first. We can perform chemical peel treatments in the comfort of
our Charlotte, NC, office. After we talk about your treatment goals and
examine your skin, we will determine the strength of the peel and the
number of layers we need to address in order to achieve the desired
results. One chemical peel typically takes about 30 minutes to
complete.
Before a Chemical Peel
Plan on wearing sunscreen daily. Since chemical peels aim to reduce
sun damage, it’s important to protect your skin every day from direct
sunlight or tanning beds. If you have a history of cold sores or fever
blisters, you will need to take antiviral medications before and after
treatment. Most patients benefit from Retin-A® a few weeks
prior to before the peel as it speeds up healing. We may prescribe
hydroquinone for patients with darker skin tones to maintain an even
tone after the peel.
During a Chemical Peel
You should arrive at your chemical peel appointment with a clean face. We will tie your hair back.
After applying the chemical solution to your skin the treated area
will “frost” or look like there is a white or pink glaze over the skin.
It’s normal to feel a mild stinging sensation as the skin will also be
red and resemble a sunburn. The deeper the peel, the stronger the
sensation. You may take Tylenol® or Advil® if necessary.
After a Chemical Peel
The downtime after receiving a chemical peel varies between 5–10 days
depending on the strength of the peel and the condition of your skin.
Deeper peels may require additional healing time.
Cover all treated areas with a thin layer of Hydra Balm and apply the
ointment several times a day to prevent the skin from feeling dry.
Allowing the treated area to dry out can cause scarring and/or
hyperpigmentation. Apply a thicker layer of ointment before bed. You may
want to place a towel or shirt over your pillow. You can decrease the
amount and frequency each day as the skin heals, eventually only spot
treating residual peeling or raw areas.
The frost will fade to redness similar to a sunburn, which will last
for one day. Then, your skin will take on a brown or bronze look and
feel dry and tight. This is the damaged skin drying and separating. Your
skin will likely start to peel the following day. Peeling can last for a
day or two and your skin will look blotchy and uneven, which is normal.
After the main peeling, you may resume wearing your usual makeup.
Always apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. Any
final fading or pinkness will subside in a few weeks.
If you experience discomfort after treatment, use ice packs for 20
minutes at a time. Should you have questions at any point throughout the
process or feel like you’re experiencing discomfort beyond what is
expected, contact our office.
