Chemical Peels For Smoother Skin

Chemical peels are a great way to even out your skin tone and smooth the texture, making you look years younger and fresher; however, as with all treatments involving strong chemicals, there are potential side effects.

Chemical peels are popular facial rejuvenation treatments that help improve the skin’s tone and texture, reducing fine lines, evening color, and encouraging the growth of new cells to replace the ageing layer above it. There are several different types available, ranging from over the counter and prescription topical creams that can be self-administered without supervisions to much stronger chemical peels that require a trained professional to ensure proper application.

A deep peel, which is reserved for only special and specific cases, even requires anesthesia in order to be performed.

As far as cosmetic treatments are concerned, chemical peels are among the safest. There are no incisions, no general anesthesia (except during deep peels), and most patients feel mild discomfort during and after the procedure at its worst. There usually is some downtime required due to excessive peeling and scabbing following treatment, but this is largely for cosmetic and privacy reasons.

Although quite safe when compared with other procedures, there are still risks and potential side effects of the same. The mildest forms, which are often applied at home, can cause redness, tenderness, and of course will cause the skin to dry and flake off. It will also take regular treatment to achieve desired results, so moisturizer is a must to keep your skin from becoming too dry and red.

Medium chemical peels are some of the most popular and effective. The procedure itself is fairly painless but is the equivalent of receiving a second degree burn. You may experience swelling and redness after treatment. The skin will continue to redden and then crust and flake off around the third day of recovery. You should refrain from using makeup for up to a week after the peel, but it is possible to engage in many normal activities as long as you keep it protected.

The biggest risks and side effects possible are related to receiving deep chemical peels. Since these require anesthesia and can take a month or two to fully heal. Although exceedingly rare, there have been cases of heart and kidney failure. More common complications include the typical swelling, redness, and of course the natural flaking that will come with the peel. There is also the possibility of scarring, allergic reaction, and infection.

Even light formulas can cause severe reactions in some people. Most importantly, protect your skin carefully with sunscreen and other measures following a peel as you will be more susceptible to sun damage.
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