With the progression of the aging process, our cell turnover and healing process of our skin will begin to slow down. In addition to aging, acne and sun damage can leave behind pigmentation that would typically take an extended period of time to heal on its own. Chemical peels can help this process move along quicker and encourage cell turnover to happen at a faster pace. Patients can experience more radiant skin with more even tone after chemical peel treatments.

What are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are a topical treatment performed in-office by a skincare professional. There are various levels of peels that vary in the depth in which they will penetrate the skin. The treatment provider will prepare the skin for treatment by cleansing to remove any oils. Once the skin has been prepped, the custom solution will be quickly swept over the face and left to soak in for a few minutes depending on your skin type or the depth of the peel. After the peel has had a chance to soak in, the peel will either be removed with water soaked pads or neutralized depending on the patient’s skin. Peels will often be performed in a series for best results.

What Skin Concerns Can They Treat?

•Noticeable signs of sun damage
•Fine lines and wrinkles
•Uneven tone, such as sun spots and brown spots
•Scars that are causing uneven texture
•Acne scars

Downtime & Side Effects

The downtime associated with peels will depend on the depth of the peel. Many people will find that after a light to medium peel not much downtime is needed, as any redness will subside within a couple of hours and any actual skin peeling will be minimal. With deeper peels, the skin may be more sensitive and some more aggressive peeling may occur but is too be expected with a deeper peel.

After any chemical peel, you will want to avoid direct sun exposure and use proper sunscreen until any redness or inflammation has calmed down. However, it is recommended that you wear sunscreen every day to avoid sun damage that can result in fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about chemical peels and if they are right for you, call the CosmedicDerm office today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Shauna Diggs and her staff are ready to offer you best-in-class medical and cosmetic care as Michigan’s leaders in comprehensive skin health and rejuvenation.