If you’d like to make your skin brighter, healthier, and more radiant, then you’ve probably heard of a popular type of treatment known as a chemical peel. Chemical peels are a common type of skin refreshing treatment, but they can also be great tools for anti-aging. There is a wide range of different peels available, ranging from extremely gentle and subtle to deep and dramatic. Despite this variation, however, chemical peels work in basically the same way, no matter what the formula.

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a type of skin resurfacing treatment that uses different types of chemicals to encourage damaged and old skin cells to peel off, revealing fresh, healthy skin below. Peels can treat a variety of skin issues, including skin discoloration, sun damage, wrinkles, and dull skin, depending on the formula. There are many different chemicals that can be used, and the chemical and length of treatment determine the results and required downtime.

How Do They Work?

Chemical peels penetrate layers of skin at different levels, depending on the type. The solution is applied to the face and left for a specific amount of time before being neutralized. The chemicals destroy skin cells in a controlled manner, and these cells peel off in the days and weeks following treatment. Chemical peels provide intensive exfoliation, and deeper peels that reach lower levels of skin stimulate collagen production, an essential component in youthful, beautiful skin that becomes less plentiful with age.

Aftercare

Skin is very sensitive following a chemical peel, and you should be very careful to protect it and treat it gently according to your doctor’s instructions. Some peels require no downtime, but the skin will always peel following treatment. For deep peels, recovery may take a few weeks. Always cleanse and care for the treated skin carefully, and avoid touching your face during the healing process, as this can introduce bacteria and inhibit or negatively affect healing.

The Peel for You

When choosing a peel, there are many different factors to consider. Naturally, the most important factor is your goals for treatment. Are you looking for overall skin brightening, or something more in-depth to treat deep wrinkles? If you choose a deep peel, you will need to commit to good aftercare and a period of downtime for recovery. Cost is also a factor, though it is important to remember that light peels may not give you the best value if you seek more substantial results.

Here are some different types of peels available to prospective patients (from mild to deep):

  • Alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) peels
  • VI peel
  • Trichloracetic acid (TCA) peels
  • Phenol peels

Mild chemical peels can be used as a periodic part of a normal skincare routine, helping to keep skin bright, healthy, and glowing, while deeper peels are usually performed only once, or at least at very infrequent intervals.

Remember, though there are chemical peels to suit nearly every patient, it does not mean that this is necessarily the best treatment for you. There are many different facial rejuvenation options from minimally invasive to intensive. Take your time when making your decision, and ask for advice from potential providers.

Go to a Professional

If you’ve been looking into different options for chemical peels, then you may have noticed that there are some at-home chemical peel kits on the market. However, it is generally not a good idea to take the do-it-yourself approach when it comes to powerful skin treatments. Over-the-counter chemical peels are not as effective as those with a skincare professional, and you may be risking a poor outcome or other complications. For best results, choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to perform your treatment. By doing so, you will have the opportunity to discuss a variety of options and find the best solution for your skin.

If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable provider in the Newport Beach (949-650-8882) or Beverly Hills (310-467-2180) area, come to Batniji Facial Plastic Surgery and meet with acclaimed, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Rami K Batniji. Dr. Batniji offers a number of different chemical peel types, including the minimally invasive VI peel. For more information and to schedule your consultation, call either location today.