As the largest organ in the body, your skin’s job is to protect you against the environment and help regulate your internal body temperature. The skin encounters many harsh environmental factors, such as UV rays from the sun and chemical contaminants from things like car exhaust, and also provides a barrier against physical objects that you may run into or cut yourself on. All these factors can cause your skin to be damaged and uneven.
This condition may be especially noticeable in your face. Over time, your skin loses its elasticity and firmness, causing your skin to sag and wrinkle more easily. Surgeries like facelifts or eyelifts are good options for improving the tightness in your skin, but for those looking to even out their skin’s surface, a chemical peel can help.
Types of Chemical Peels
A chemical peel involves putting chemical solutions on small areas to remove damaged layers of skin. There are different strengths and types of chemical peel solutions available depending on your personal skin needs and what you’d like your skin to look like after the procedure. A light peel is used to treat things like dry skin, acne, uneven skin pigmentation, or fine wrinkles. A medium peel treats deeper wrinkles and acne scars, as well as more pronounced uneven pigmentation. A deep peel targets sun-damaged skin, severely blotchy patches, and heavy scarring. It can also target precancerous growths on your skin.
The strength of the chemical peel determines what solutions are needed and has a direct relationship with the amount of recovery time you’ll need. A more intense peel requires a longer recovery time. Putting chemicals on your face to burn away your skin sounds a little terrifying, which is why this should only be performed by a trained, board certified facial expert. As for the actual content of the chemical solutions, most of them are based in acids that you can find naturally in different kinds of fruit.
How a Chemical Peel Is Applied
Any areas being treated will be thoroughly cleaned by the technician before the solutions are applied. Once the solutions have been applied, the technician will let them sit on your skin for a few minutes. Most patients will feel a stinging or burning sensation during this part of the procedure. After the appropriate amount of time has passed, the technician will wash off and neutralize the solution.
You may find that more than one treatment is necessary to achieve your desired results, or that regular treatments are needed to maintain your healthy skin. Skin care professionals have found that the use of regular treatments can actually prevent future damage while repairing any existing damage, which will keep your skin healthy and rejuvenated.
Recovering From a Chemical Peel
As we said above, the strength of the peel will determine how long you will be recovering from the procedure. Your skin will be very sensitive and probably will sting or even be a little painful for several days after. Liberal use of sunscreen, moisturizer, and cold compresses will help with this discomfort.
Get Your Skin Care Consultation Today
If you are interested in improving the look and feel of your skin, contact our office in Scottsdale, AZ at (480) 214-9955 to schedule a skin care consultation with Dr. Todd Hobgood. In addition to chemical peels, we offer laser resurfacing and Botox treatments to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. During your consultation, Dr. Hobgood will do a complete assessment of your skin and determine the best course of action to help restore your skin’s youth and beauty. Call or email us today!
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