FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?
A chemical peel is a skin treatment designed to improve and smooth out the surface of the facial skin. The procedure involves adding a chemical solution to your face that will eventually remove the top layers of skin, allowing the dead surface skin to peel off. This controlled peeling process leads to new skin growth with a smoother, healthier and less wrinkled appearance. Due to its potential risks, chemical peels should only be performed by trained and certified aesthetic professionals, such as aesthetic doctors, nurses and beauty therapists.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PEELS AND THEIR EFFECTS?
Overall, there are 3 types of peels: superficial, medium and deep. They all have varying percentages of active ingredients and different pH levels. The depth and strength of a peel depends on the percentage of the pH level solution. The lower the pH, the deeper the peel.
- In a Superficial peel the solution is applied to the skin and left on for a few minutes to remove skin cells from the top layer of your skin, the epidermis. After that, your skin may feel tight for a couple of hours.
- In a Medium peel the solution is applied and left on for a few minutes so skin cells can be removed from the top and middle layers of skin. Following the procedure, you may feel a burning or stinging sensation on your face and your skin may go brown or red for a few days. After a medium peel it can take up to 4 weeks for your skin to heal completely.
- Deep peels affect the deeper layers of skin and usually require anesthetic creams to numb any pain. During the procedure the solution is applied to the face and left on for 30 minutes or more. Along with peeling you’ll likely have some redness and discomfort for a few days. The swelling of a deep peel can last up to 2 weeks, and redness can last up to 3 months.
HOW MANY PEELS DO I NEED?
Although you may see some very minor benefits after a single superficial peel, we typically recommend a course of 4 to 6 peels, one or two weeks apart. A course of treatments will provide the best results, as the full benefits of the peels build up over time. After completing the full course of your initial treatment plan, you can have a maintenance peel every other month or wait for six months before embarking on another course of peels.
CAN I CONTINUE TAKING MY ACNE MEDICATION WITH A CHEMICAL PEEL?
It really depends on the medication. Oral antibiotics used for the treatment of acne can and should be continued during the course of your treatment. But it is important to postpone the use of topical prescription medications, such as Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, benzoyl peroxide, until the peel process is complete or skin sensitivity resolves. Additional acne remedies that work drying to the skin should also be discontinued until the peel process is complete or sensitivity resolves.
HOW IS THE RECOVERY AFTER A CHEMICAL PEEL?
The recovery window after a chemical peel is dependent on the type of peel you have. After a chemical peel procedure, your skin may feel tight or sunburned. So cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen is highly recommended to speed up the healing process and enhance results. It is extremely important that you avoid sun exposure during the early healing period. Also, do not peel off loose skin, allow your skin to exfoliate on its own.
WHERE CAN I GET A CHEMICAL PEEL IN LARCHMONT EASTCHESTER?
At StudioMD Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Centers we encourage people to make the best choices leading to healthier lifestyles and improved self esteem. Clinical Peels are an important element of every skincare regimen, as they improve and smooth the texture of your facial skin. So if you are ready to rejuvenate your skin with a chemical peel, book an appointment today at our Larchmont location, and let’s work together towards your perfect skin.