If you’re spending time staring into the mirror, studying a face that has aged beyond your youth, then a chemical peel might be a great option for you! Did you know peels date back as far as 1550 BC?!
What Is a Chemical Peel?
During a chemical peel, a chemical is applied across the surface of your skin, wounding it in order to promote new skin to grow in its place. Also called exfoliation, this process removes the outermost layer of your skin, causing it to reveal the unblemished skin underneath. Its primary purpose is to remove the uppermost layer of dead or damaged skin.
There are three levels of peels you can undergo. The first peel, a “light peel,” is used for those who don’t want a long recovery time. During recovery time, you should avoid contact with direct sunlight and use only doctor-approved products on the exfoliated skin. If you receive a medium or deep chemical peel, your downtime and after care will be more intense.
The chemicals that are used are glycolic, fruit, salicylic and lactic acid. However, with all those acids, you might wonder whether a chemical peel is a safe method of removing blemished or dead skin?
The Risk of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are not for everyone, and those acids can pose a risk to some people’s skin. For starters, the appearance of your skin could be impacted, especially if you don’t have a light complexion. If you are darker-complected, you probably shouldn’t get a chemical peel. This is due to discoloration of the skin.
There’s also a risk of your heart beating irregularly during a deep chemical peel. Also, if you suffer from herpes viral infection, you shouldn’t receive a chemical peel because the infection could flare up.
Should I Get a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels performed by a certified doctor have been proven safe, but you should definitely consult with your doctor and make sure you’re a good candidate before getting your heart set on having one. If you’re interested in undergoing a chemical peel, you should make sure it is done by a certified professional.
How Chemical Peels Bring Back Youth!
Once the outer layer of skin has been removed during a chemical peel, new skin begins regrowing in its place. Again, you might have a period of downtime during which you are asked to avoid sunlight, but it all depends on the level of chemical peel you undergo. If you go for a medium or deep chemical peel, you should expect the healing process to be longer than with a light chemical peel.
Make sure to consult your doctor on how to avoid complications and to care for your skin after receiving a chemical peel. Want to discover more ways chemical peels can benefit your skin? Call us at 817-778-4444 to schedule an appointment today!
