Your Treatment Guide To Chemical Peels

Chemical peels aren’t new to the aesthetics world and have in fact been a prominent procedure in the industry for a prolonged period – even since the 19th century where abrading the skin and / or introducing an abrasive topical agent was frequent practice. Despite this, chemical peels have evolved considerably since their early days and the industry has since developed – introducing refined techniques and gentler ingredients. However, the concept of chemical peels has always remained the same – to resurface and rejuvenate the skin.  

Medical grade chemical-peels are formulated and developed with tailored ingredients to deeply exfoliate the skin and to stimulate new cell growth. Moreover, these chemical peels can also be customised specifically to each patient’s skin and their individual needs and goals. Working to transform dull and lacklustre skin, chemical peels are also controlled chemical burns which is why it’s important to visit a trained professional when opting for this treatment. By triggering a controlled injury such as a minor chemical burn, this helps to prompt the skin for new cell growth for a gorgeous glow. Essentially, chemical peels work to induce a controlled injury to the surface of the skin to remove the top layer, or layers, of the dermis to help promote a smoother and softer appearance whilst producing more collagen. This is because the top layer of the skin consists of tightly packed non-living cells, and chemical peels will gently loosen some of these extra cells to help restore the skin for a glowing and revitalised appearance.  Once this process has finished, the skin’s natural healing process then works to generate a new, rejuvenated layer of skin – thus reducing acne scarring, fine lines, and other perceived imperfections.  

 There are various types of chemical peel formulated to achieve an array of skin goals and objectives and each chemical solution will provide the patient with a different result. These specialised chemical peels each work to penetrate through to a different skin depth which is what separates them from each other.  The terms ‘superficial’, ‘medium’, and ‘deep’ and the most common ways of describing the different types and the names are relatively self-explanatory. For example, these names describe how deeply the peels penetrate the skin and deeper the peel, the more intensive the benefits. However, this does come at a short-term with longer downtimes and recovery periods. 

On the other hand, medium chemical peels penetrate to a deeper layer of the skin in comparison to superficial peels and are more aggressive on the skin. Medium depth peels work to remove skin cells not only superficially, but also from portions of the upper part of your mid-dermis. This choice of peel may be best if you have uneven or moderate skin discolouring, age spots, acne scarring and/or fine-to-moderate wrinkles. Generally, with a medium chemical peel, one to two weeks of downtime is normal. Patients should be aware that pain, redness, swelling, crusting, and flaking may persist for three to 10 days following the treatment. However, the results of a medium depth chemical peel will develop after 10 to 14 days as skin sheds and begins to heal but for certain skin objectives and goals, two or more peels may be needed to accomplish the desired results. 

Finally, deep chemical peels are the most aggressive of the range and can offer an effective solution to some of the more challenging skin conditions and concerns including acne scarring, melasma, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines, and various other chronic skin problems.

Unlike the other chemical peel options, a deep chemical peel will generally involve a type of pre-treatment for up to eight weeks and will penetrate down to the lower middle layer of your skin. The pre-treatment will prepare your skin for the peel and speed the healing process which is typically longer in comparison to superficial and medium chemical peels.

Deep peels have at least two weeks of acute downtime following the treatment and occlusive dressings and diligent skin care will have to be considered for the first few post-procedure days. The results of a deep chemical peel will develop after a lengthy several months of recovery as skin sheds and heals. Dramatic and enduring results after one treatment can last years which makes deep peels one of the most effective. 

 Speaking to a trained professional will help you to decide which peel is best for your desired skin objectives and goals.  

As far as chemical peels go, many skin types can benefit from a chemical face peel. The trick is all in the depth chosen as explained and the active ingredients used. Plus, dependent on the depth of peel chosen, how often you choose to have chemical peels is completely dependent on the depth of your treatment. For example, whilst medium and deep peels are generically a one-off session, superficial peels may need a course of treatments to see full results. Your practitioner will also explain the best aftercare instructions for chemical peels to help maximise the results. Essentially, these skin treatments are an amazing solution for maintaining skin heath and to help revive dreary-looking skin and also one of the most effective facial treatments available within the aesthetics industry. They can be used to treat an array of issues and are available for any skin type. 

Would you try a skin peel? 

Shop our full range of chemical peels from your trusted aesthetics supplier, Fox Pharma, here.