Patients looking to reduce the signs of sun damage and aging often choose options like over the counter treatments and lotions in hopes they will help freshen their face by reducing fine lines and sunspots. While many of these products make promises to restore a youthful appearance, results often vary widely from person to person, and may take a while to take effect. Individuals looking for skin rejuvenating therapies to quickly freshen their face and that guarantee real results should put down those over the counter potions and consider chemical peels.
A chemical peel is a skin rejuvenating therapy that uses a topical chemical solution on the skin. This solution produces a burn that blisters the skin, eventually peeling it off. As a result, new layers of fresh skin are exposed. This new skin has a fresh appearance free of the dirt and debris that the top most layers, known as the stratum corneum, collect from makeup, sunscreen and environmental pollutants.Chemical peels work the best to reduce fine lines and wrinkles that occur as a natural part of aging. Peels are also excellent for treating patients with sun damaged skin, sunspots and freckles, as well as light to medium acne scars. The procedure is used most readily on the face, but some patients may also have it done on their back, neck or hands.
Patients that benefit the most from chemical peels have fair skin and light hair color, while darker complexions may experience uneven results after their peels. Patients with deep creases, wrinkles and severe sun damage or scars do not respond well to chemical peel treatments. “Patients looking to have a chemical peel to rejuvenate their skin should consult a cosmetic physician to make sure the procedure is the right one for them,” says Dr. Mayli Davis, M.D. Davis provides a wide range of skin rejuvenating therapies at her Colleyville, Texas, practice.
Before the peel, patients are encouraged to give their whole health history, including any dermatological concerns like allergies, rosacea or rashes to prevent any complications. Patients should also discuss their desired final results in order to help determine the depth of the peel. The skin is thoroughly cleaned, and a chemical solution is then applied. The most frequently used chemical solutions are glycolic acid and salicylic acid. The chemical solutions stay on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes, and once these topical agents are finished burning through the topmost layers of the skin, are rinsed away.
After the peel, patients will experience swelling, redness and crusting, as old skin dies off. This may last a week to several weeks, depending on the intensity of the peel. Some patients may require bandages after the procedure in order to protect their new skin.
New skin that is exposed after a chemical is extremely sensitive, so patients should take care to avoid prolonged sun exposure. Patients should also wear sunscreen even if they get their chemical peels done in the winter, cautions Davis.
“Patients should choose a wide spectrum sunscreen to block out both UVA and UVB rays, and have a minimum sun protection factor of 30,” Davis said.
“UVA rays are just as strong in December as they are in the middle of summer.”
Patients with questions about chemical peels should consult a qualified physician.
“Peels are great options for many people, but not ideal for everyone,” Davis said.
Davis offers other skin refreshing treatments like IPL laser therapy, microdermabrasion, micro needling and dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restalyne.
“There are many treatments out there for patients, it’s just important to high the consultation to determine what the best way to proceed is,” Davis said.
