F.A. Q. About Chemical Peeling
1. How many types of chemical peels are there?
2. What should I do before the chemical peel?
3. How is a chemical peel performed?
4. What is the recovery time for a chemical peel?
5. How long does the peel treatment last?
6. How do I know which peel strength to choose?
7. Are there any side effects?
8. How often should I have a peel treatment?
9. Can I do other cosmetic treatments with chemical peels?
1. How many types of chemical peels are there?
There are three types of chemical peels:
Superficial peel - the mildest chemical peel that is safe for use on all skin types. Typically, superficial chemical peel uses mild solutions such as glycolic acid or dry ice. Also known as AHA, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane. Since it only targets the most superficial layers of the skin, glycolic acid peel is ideal to smooth finer lines and improve the skin's texture and tone.
Medium peel - harsher than superficial peel and causes a second-degree burn of the skin. Known as TCA, trichloroacetic acid is the common peeling agent used in medium chemical peel. Because it penetrates deeper than the glycolic peel, TCA peel is great to remove wrinkles, pigmentation and blemishes. However, the treated skin requires protection from sun exposure and may take longer to recover.
Deep peel - the harshest chemical peel that can penetrate through several layers of skin, effectively treat problems such as deeper wrinkles, severe age and sun spots, etc. Phenol is typically used for a deep peel. Deep peels may bleach the skin and should not be used on dark-skinned patients.
2. What should I do before the chemical peel?
A couple of weeks before your chemical peel procedure, it's helpful to prep your skin by cleansing it two times a day, applying a moisturizer once or twice daily, and applying sunscreen everyday. It is important to consult with a qualified cosmetic specialist to determine your precise skin care regiment prior to a chemical peel.
Individuals using Tretinoin (e.g. Retin-A, Vitamin A Acid, etc.), AHA's (e.g. Glycolic acid), topical acne medications (e.g. Benzamycin, Clindoxyl, BenzaClin, Differin, Stievamycin, etc.) or any product which is drying or irritating must stop the product at least 3 - 5 days before the peel. This will help to avoid excessive peeling, exfoliation and irritation. These products may be resumed as tolerated when there is no irritation, usually approximately 3 - 5 days after the chemical peel treatment.
3. How is a chemical peel performed?
Most chemical peel procedures begin with prepping the skin either with skin care treatments or with microdermabrasion. A licensed professional will scrub your skin and use a mild toner to remove any oils before gently applying layers of an acidic solution to peel away the aged surface of the skin. Depending on the procedure, the solution is left on your face for a certain period of time before the product is removed. Then your skin will be wiped clean and an antibacterial cream will be applied to help with comfort and healing.
4. What is the recovery time for a chemical peel?
Recovery time after a chemical peel is dependant on the type of peel. After a chemical peel procedure, your skin may feel tight or sunburned. The proper skin care regimen is important to speed up the healing process, enhance results, prevent infections, and skin color changes. Cleansing, moisturizing, using sunscreen are highly recommended after a chemical peel. Avoid sun exposure during the early healing period. In addition, do not attempt excessive facial expressions for a few days after the procedure, which can lead to tearing and bleeding of the skin. And do NOT peel off any loose skin, as this can result in scarring.
5. How long does the peel treatment last?
The peel solution is applied to the skin for anywhere from 10 - 60 minutes, depending on the skin's tolerance and the type of peel. As part of your peel service, a complimentary cleansing facial, which usually takes 30 - 60 minutes, is performed prior to the peel at Q Esthetics.
6. How do I know which peel strength to choose?
At your appointment time, your skin will be assessed by an experienced aesthetician in order to determine the peel strength most suitable for you. In general, the concentration of peel is gradually increased with each treatment in order to maximize results.
7. Are there any side effects?
In the right hands, side effects with chemical peels are rare and mild. Most individuals are able to return to work or regular activities immediately after their mild peeling treatment. At Q Esthetics Laser Clinic, your treatment will be performed by a highly trained esthetician who has performed hundreds of treatments.
After a peel treatment, one may notice slight redness for up to 24 hours. This is a normal and expected occurrence indicating that the peel solution is doing its job. Sensitivity to sunlight may occasionally occur and may be prevented by using a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Dry, flaky skin or light crusting may last up to 4 or 5 days after peel.
8. How often should I have a chemical peel treatment?
Frequency of chemical peel is dependant on the type of peel. In the case of milder peel, to achieve optimal results, we recommend a series of 4 - 6 peels approximately every 4 weeks. Results are cumulative, so the more peels you have, the better the results. Periodic peels thereafter help to maintain your results. However, repeated peel are not recommended for deep peel.
9. Can I do other cosmetic treatments with chemical peel?
Botox and fillers (e.g. Restylane) may be done immediately after a peel treatment as long as there is no scabbing in the area to be treated. Facial waxing or other facial treatments should wait at least 5 days after a peel to avoid excessive irritation.
Back to Chemical Peels Treatment at Q Esthetics Laser Clinic.
