What Do Chemical Peels Do?

You’ve heard of Botox and laser hair removal, but what is a chemical peel and what does it do? A chemical peel is a simple procedure used to improve the color, texture, and smoothness of the skin. Chemical peels and other skin treatments have been performed for many years to treat a variety of skin disorders. Many skin conditions can be improved when receiving a series of peels. It helps with blemishes, fine wrinkles, and uneven color. Fine lines will be softened, dull skin will appear more radiant, rough or uneven skin will become smoother. Sun damaged skin or blotchy skin will even out. Acne scarring may be softened. A peel does not eliminate sagging or excess skin. Each treatment is customized for patient skin type, specific problem areas and the delicate areas of the face.

Skin Care and Chemical Peel Before and After Pictures

What do chemical peels do?

Chemical peels are usually performed on the face, but can be done on anywhere on the skin. Prescription strength peels are used for superficial to medium-depth peeling. A controlled amount of acid is carefully applied to the skin, causing the outer surface layer to peel off slowly over the course of a few days to a week. The procedure itself takes less than 15 minutes. The acid is left on the skin for a short period of time. Then, depending on the peel, it is neutralized with water or base. The new skin that grows is rejuvenated, with smoother color and texture, and has a more youthful appearance. A initial series of three to six treatments every four to eight weeks is recommended with touch ups every three to six months. Using skin care products during this period enhances the effects of the peel and reduces the possibility of discoloration after the treatment.

A E Skin Red Carpet Peel Experience

The A E Skin Red Carpet Peel experience is fast, safe, and comfortable. It provides outstanding results for facial rejuvenation, with improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, and discolorations, as well as active acne and acne scars. We start by washing your face and taking baseline photographs to monitor your progress. Next we sit you down in front of a fan to keep you comfortable. We’ll then clean your skin with cleansing solutions. When the peeling agent is applied, you will feel a tingling, burning, or itching sensation, but this will subside shortly because it contains a numbing ingredient. We will let you sit in front of the cold air for a few more minutes and we’re done. We’ll apply sunscreen to your skin and you are good to go.

Chemical peel aftercare instructions

For best results, carefully follow these aftercare instructions: Please avoid heat, alcohol, and exercise for 24 hours after the treatment. Heat refers to going out in the hot sun, if it were to be hot outdoors, but also any hot environment indoors, such as a hot bath, sauna, or steam room. Also avoid hot or spicy foods or drinks like soup, hot coffee, or hot tea because all of these things will bring blood to the skin and cause problem like redness, blister, and discolorations. Avoid harsh rubbing or scrubbing for one week after the treatment. Do not use products such as washcloths or the Clarisonic brush. Avoid direct water contact from the showerhead when in the shower. Please avoid makeup for several days after the treatment because your skin will be sensitive. You may be red for a few days after the treatment. Redness is normal, don’t be alarmed. Feel free to apply cold compresses to your skin to keep you comfortable, if necessary. Sometimes dark discolorations get darker before they get lighter; this is normal. It is important that during this time you minimize sun exposure and wear protective sunscreen every day. Use a sunscreen every day, even if you avoid the sun. Recommended sunscreens have SPF of at least 30 and provide UVA and UVB protection. Protective hats and sunglasses are also recommended.

Peeling process

Most people will peel on days three to five after the treatment, but everyone is different. Some people don’t peel at all. This is ok, for the goal is not to peel, it is to get results. These people are actually getting exfoliation, but it is microscopic, so you don’t see it. If you do get visible peeling, please do not pick at it, otherwise you may have side effects such as redness, blisters, and discolorations. Apply a thin layer of intense moisturizer such as Vaseline, Aquaphor, or the Elta MD Intense Moisturizer to improve the healing process. This goes on best on a wet skin surface. By seven days, the new skin has formed. It is refreshed and rejuvenated, and you will see improvements in color texture and tone.

Dr. Alex recommends an initial series of six treatments at four to eight week intervals, followed by one maintenance treatment once every three months.