The Functioning Of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are skin treatments that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage, scarring, and acne. There are various types of chemical peels. This article explores the different types and how they function. We also consider over-the-counter chemical peels containing similar ingredients proving just as effective.

What Are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel treatment is cosmetic, involving the use of acids for skin exfoliation. The acid exfoliates a uniform amount of damaged skin cells around the treatment area. When performed appropriately by a professional, the treatment allows the skin to heal with minimal color changes or scarring.

Chemical peels affect two layers of the skin. They are the dermis and the epidermis. The epidermis is what you can see as the visible outer layer. The dermis is located just beneath. The dermis is home to nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles. Most chemical peels remove a limited amount of skin cells from the epidermis. Removing a part of the dermis requires stronger peels.

The cosmetic dermatologist Houston uses chemical peels to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and addresses issues like acne, scarring rosacea, redness, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation.

When providing chemical peel treatments, the dermatologist initially applies an exfoliant acid to the thicker areas like the chin, nose, and cheeks, followed by application to the thinner areas around the eyes and mouth. After the chemical peel treatment, the dermatologist uses cool saline compresses to remove any excess exfoliant.

The dermatologist may recommend different ways to help the skin heal, like applying diluted vinegar or unscented emollient to the face for some days after the treatment.

Chemical peels can cause swelling and peeling requiring a couple of weeks to subside depending on the intensity and the depth of the peel. Therefore it is essential to keep the face dry by not showering or using face wash during the initial 24 hours. You should also avoid make-up until the skin has healed.

Chemical Peel Benefits

Chemical peels deliver various benefits like reducing fine lines under and around the mouth. In addition, the peels can treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging and improve the appearance of mild scars. Chemical peels are also effective at reducing age spots, freckles, and dark patches due to pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives. Most importantly, the peels improve the appearance and feel of the skin.

Which Treatments Are Preferable Professional Vs. At-Home?

If looking for chemical peels, you help yourself by searching for a skin cancer dermatologist near me with experience in chemical peels. The advice is beneficial for people of color with skins more prone to the side effects of chemical peels. Dermatologists have the knowledge and will explain which type of peel best suits your skin besides providing information on the products that support healing after getting the treatment.

People with harsh skin states achieve adequate results from professional treatments, including higher concentrations of acids than commercial products. However, chemical peels from an experienced dermatologist cost higher than over-the-counter products. The average cost of a chemical peel is $ 644, and insurance companies do not cover the costs of cosmetic treatments. People can get a superficial peel for around $ 125, while a medium depth peel costs higher.

You can consider at-home peels as they are relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, they contain weaker chemicals and are better suited for people with mild skin problems like insignificant sun damage.

Chemical peels require no downtime for healing, but you must avoid sunlight after getting the treatment. Strong acids cause severe side effects even when used by professionals. You must never try to use professional-strength peeling ingredients at home because it may create more damage than provide any benefits.

Chemical peels help reduce skin damage to give your skin a youthful and unblemished appearance. Professional dermatologists recommend the most suitable chemical peel, depending on your concerns and skin type.

Commercial products of chemical peels contain weaker versions of the ingredients used by professionals. They are inexpensive than professional peels but require more time to deliver results. Superficial peels are safe for all skin types. However, it helps if you remember all chemical peels require some downtime for recovery and may also cause side effects.

If you intend to improve the appearance of your skin using chemical peels, Aviva Dermatology can help you achieve your goal. Please schedule your appointment with them for the chemical peels you need.