Getting Your First Chemical Peel

A beautiful face turns heads. While everyone yearns to have a flawless face, very few people have the drive to actually help their dream materialize. Additionally, many people just don’t have enough time to abide religiously by a skincare routine.

Thanks to advancements in cosmetic science, you don’t have to follow a strict diet or skin-care routine to get more beautiful blemish-free skin. All you need to do is come in for a chemical peel.

A chemical peel can help get rid of a number of skin issues, such as hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and wrinkles. The process involves applying a safe acid solution such as trichloroacetic acid, phenol, or hydroxy acids to the person’s face. These chemicals gradually exfoliate the outer layers of dead skin, revealing fresh, radiant, and youthful skin.

Chemical peels can be broadly categorized into three types:

Superficial peel: Also known as a lunchtime peel, superficial peels are recommended for people with minor skin imperfections. Mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid are applied to problem areas. These acids penetrate the outer layer of skin to treat mild discoloration and more.

Medium peel: These peels typically include glycolic or trichloroacetic acid that penetrates the outer and middle layer of skin to get rid of dead and damaged cells. Medium peels are used for treating age spots, wrinkles, freckles, fine lines, and medium skin discoloration.

Deep peel: Deep peels are often recommended for people with major facial-skin issues. For a more sustainable result, a stronger acid such as trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to the face. These acids deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin and help in getting rid of skin imperfections such as age spots, shallow scars, and moderate lines.

A good candidate for chemical peels is someone who:

• Does not have active skin diseases, broken skin, or infections
• Is not pregnant or nursing
• Has not taken Accutane for the past six months

Medical professionals applying chemical peels first apply a defatting solvent such as alcohol or acetone to the person’s face. Next, the peeling solution is applied for a specific duration, after which a neutralizing solution is applied to the face. Individuals opting for deep peels are administered anesthesia beforehand.

• Steer clear of microdermabrasion treatments.
• Avoid tanning for at least two to three weeks before the procedure.
• Start using a high-SPF sunscreen.
• If you get cold sores, start taking an antiviral medication such as acyclovir or valacyclovir.
• Stop smoking.
• Stop using products that contain ascorbic acid or acid-based products at least a couple of days before the procedure.

• Limit your exposure to the sun.
• Use a natural moisturizer.
• Avoid using products that contain kojic acid, glycolic acid, or Retin-A for at least a week after the procedure.
• Before leaving your home, remember to wear a sunblock of SPF 30 to 50.

To schedule a chemical peel and heal your skin, contact Laser MD Medspa and set up an informative consultation. We will be happy to help you achieve your beauty goals.