If you are living with dull, scarred, wrinkled, uneven, or otherwise damaged skin, you may dream of a straightforward treatment that could rejuvenate and revitalize your complexion, leaving your face soft, healthy, and glowing. Have you considered a chemical peel? This restorative, skin resurfacing procedure can help you to achieve the even complexion and more youthful appearance you desire, while also addressing skin issues ranging from fine lines and acne to hyperpigmentation, scarring, and more.
As the name suggests, a chemical peel literally peels away damaged skin, allowing a fresh layer of new, healthy skin to develop in its place. Safe, effective, and suitable for all skin tones, chemical peels are a popular cosmetic treatment option chosen by millions of Americans every year. At Dermatology Institute and Laser Center in New Jersey, Dr. Ros and her world-class team have performed hundreds of successful chemical peels and work with each patient everyday to develop a personalized treatment plan and achieve stunning results.
Many patients wonder about the benefits of chemical peels and whether or not this treatment approach may be the right fit for their needs and cosmetic goals. Below, we’ve provided an overview of how chemical peels work, the various types of chemical peels available, their uses and benefits, plus more. To learn more about chemical peels and how they may help you move forward on your journey toward a brighter, more youthful complexion, book an appointment with our dermatologists in Rockaway or Clifton today!
Key Takeaways
- A chemical peel is a cosmetic dermatology procedure that removes one or more layers of damaged skin cells, triggering the re-growth of healthier, smoother, softer, and more even skin.
- Patients may undergo a light, medium, or deep chemical peel procedure, depending on the type and scope of skin irregularities they are looking to address and the outcomes they hope to achieve.
- Chemical peels can be used to treat a wide range of skin imperfections including wrinkles, scarring, acne, hyperpigmentation, and more.
- They are generally considered to be safe but, like any treatment, can come with certain risks and side effects, depending on the circumstances.
- Speak with the knowledgeable team at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center to learn more and receive an individualized treatment plan!
How Chemical Peels Work
Chemical peels work by removing one or more layers of old, damaged skin cells in order to trigger the body’s natural healing processes and boost elastin and collagen production. The new skin that develops after a chemical peel is softer and more elastic, contributing to a bright, even, and youthful complexion!
At Dermatology Institute and Laser Center, chemical peels are performed on-site at our state-of-the-art clinic. A solution of chemicals is expertly applied to the treatment area and then removed after a short period of time to allow the healing process to begin. Light or medium chemical peels may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired outcomes, while deep chemical peels are a one-time treatment option (see more about the different types of chemical peels below). Chemical peels may be performed on their own or in combination with other cosmetic procedures as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peel procedures can range from superficial to deep. Dr. Ros will help you determine which type of chemical peel will be right for you based on the condition of your skin and treatment goals. While all chemical peels remove skin cells to promote new skin growth, each type has its own unique treatment process, recovery considerations, and benefits. Let’s take a closer look:
Light Chemical Peels
Also known as superficial peels, light chemical peels remove only the topmost layer of skin—the epidermis. The chemical solution is usually only left in place for approximately 10 minutes and complete recovery takes only about 1-7 days.
Light chemical peels are often recommended for the treatment of acne, dry skin, fine lines, and dry skin and treatment may be repeated every 2-5 weeks, as necessary. Mild dryness or irritation may occur but usually resolves quickly.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium chemical peels remove the epidermis as well as the top layer of the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. The chemical solution is usually left in place for approximately 20 minutes and the recovery process typically takes between 7 and 14 days. Makeup may be worn after the first 5-7 days.
Medium chemical peels are often recommended for the treatment of moderate lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone and multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Redness of the skin may persist for up to a few weeks after treatment.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels remove the epidermis as well as the upper and middle layers of the dermis. This is a more in-depth treatment and local anesthetic may be used to ensure patient comfort. The procedure usually takes about 90 minutes in total and the recovery process may take up to several months. That being said, the effects of a deep chemical peel are long-lasting and can rejuvenate facial skin for a decade or more!
Deep chemical peels may be recommended for the treatment of deep wrinkles and scars. A surgical dressing and pain medication are usually necessary in the days immediately following the procedure but new skin will grow within about 14 days.
Benefits and Use Cases
Chemical peels have many benefits and can be used to treat a wide variety of different skin conditions and imperfections:
Acne and Acne Scars
A mild chemical peel may help to reduce acne breakouts, while a medium chemical peel is more often recommended for the treatment of acne scars. A chemical peel can unclog pores, decrease oil production, remove blackheads, eliminate bacteria, and reduce inflammation associated with acne. The treatment may be used on its own or in combination with other topical or oral acne medications.
Rosacea
Chemical peels can sometimes relieve the symptoms of rosacea, a common skin condition that can involve redness, swelling, red bumps and, in some cases, breakouts similar to acne.
Aging Skin
A chemical peel won’t tighten sagging skin or eliminate deep wrinkles, but it can be an effective treatment option for softening fine lines, evening skin tone, addressing roughness, dryness, and liver spots, and achieving an overall healthier and more youthful appearance.
Exfoliation
If you suffer from dry skin or have an excess of dead skin cells that are dulling your complexion, a chemical peel can help you exfoliate and achieve silky smooth skin that is healthy, elastic, and glowing. Book an appointment with Dr. Ros to learn more about rejuvenating your face with a chemical peel!
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation disorders can leave the skin blotchy and uneven. Chemical peel treatments can help! Speak directly with Dr. Ros to learn more about how a chemical peel can reduce or eliminate dark spots from melasma, freckles, scars, and more.
Good Candidates for Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a highly customizable cosmetic treatment option that is considered safe and effective for the majority of adult patients. You may be an excellent candidate for a chemical peel if:
- You have generally healthy skin and are in good health overall
- You are looking to address mild to moderate wrinkles, scarring, or hyperpigmentation
A chemical peel may not be the right treatment option for you if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a compromised immune system
- You have frequent or severe cold sores
- You are looking to address sagging skin or deep wrinkles
If Dr. Ros determines that a chemical peel is not the right fit for your needs and circumstances, she will recommend another treatment option to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
Risks and Side Effects
Chemical peels are considered a safe and effective treatment option. As with any treatment, however, they can come with the risk of potential side effects or other complications. These may include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Stinging
Deep chemical peels may also involve:
- Crusting
- Severe redness
- Bruising
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing
For further information about the risks and side effects of chemical peels based on your specific situation, speak directly with Dr. Ros.
Request a Consultation
Ready to remove dead or damaged skin cells, address imperfections and signs of aging, and achieve a youthful, glowing complexion? So is the team at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center! To learn more about chemical peels in New Jersey, contact us to book a consultation today!
