It’s no secret that cosmetic treatments and services are big, but did you know it’s a $20-billion industry? Of this, the United States accounts for 45 percent of the market.
What’s more, this industry isn’t all about surgical procedures. In fact, non-surgical treatments are now more popular than those involving the knife. Botox injections are still the most sought after, followed by soft tissue fillers.
Then, there are the chemical peels. In 2016, there were a whopping 1.37 million of these procedures done in the country.
So, what’s all the buzz about? What are the benefits of chemical peels in the first place? Keep reading to find out.
What Chemical Peels Are
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A chemical peel, as the name suggests, consists of chemical solutions applied on the skin. It’s a technique dating back as far as the ancient Egyptian times. But true exfoliation in clinical settings were first introduced in the early 1900s.
Either way, their main purpose is to improve the appearance and general health of the skin. The most common area of treatment is the face, although you can get them for your neck and hands too.
The solution works by making the skin exfoliate, which then leads to peeling, hence the name. The new skin that surfaces is often smoother, has fewer wrinkles, and is younger-looking.
How They Work
The benefits of chemical peel depend on the type of peel itself. These are three primary ones you should know about:
1. Superficial Peels
It’s also known as the “Lunchtime Peel”, well, because the treatment itself only takes about 15 minutes or so. These peels are solutions using mild acids (like alpha-hydroxy) designed for gentle exfoliation. Note that these peels only work on the skin’s outermost layer though.
If you only have mild skin discoloration, then this peel may be enough for you. It can also help reduce skin roughness while giving it a refreshed appearance too. You can have it done on the skin on your face, neck, hands, and even the chest.
2. Medium Peels
Medium skin peels use a solution consisting of trichloroacetic or glycolic acid. These compounds can penetrate deeper than AHAs, reaching the middle layer of the skin. It’s because of this that they’re a better choice for eliminating dead skin cells.
These peels are sought after for their reducing effects on various signs of aging. They’re some of the most effective and fastest ways to get rid of sunspots and age spots. They also work wonders on fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles.
Aside from skin aging, medium peels can also help lessen unpleasant-looking skin discoloration. If you have super obvious freckles, this peel can help minimize their appearance. All these, plus smoother skin, are the main medium chemical peel benefits.
Studies also found these peels as an effective treatment for pre-cancerous skin growths. This is particularly true for actinic keratosis, which results from long-term sun exposure. It’s a very common condition, affecting as many as 58 million Americans.
3. Deep Peels
This is the peel you’d want to get the most dramatic and noticeable improvement of your skin. The solution consists of either phenol or trichloroacetic acid. It can penetrate the deepest part of the skin’s middle layer.
This penetrating ability then allows for the peel to remove even moderate fine lines. You’ll also see a huge reduction on age spots, shallow scars, and darker freckles.
Take note though that you can only undergo this procedure once. Furthermore, the face is the only treatment area you can get a deep peel done.
The Beneficial Chain Reaction Triggered by Chemical Peels
Within minutes after application, the peel’s acids lift and remove dead skin cells. From here, the skin’s topmost layer will begin to shed. It’s not as scary as it sounds, this shedding is what actually makes the new cells move up the surface of the skin.
It’s also during the shedding wherein the new skin cells produce more hyaluronic acid. It’s the substance you have to thank for keeping your skin moisturized, hydrated, and plump. In short, more HA means healthier, younger-looking skin.
But the benefits of skin peels don’t end there. Aside from rejuvenating your skin, they also boost your skin care products’ effectiveness.
After all, peels get rid of obstructions like dead cells or dirt in your skin. This then lets your toner and moisturizer penetrate your skin better.
Ending Your Acne Worries, Plus the Scars Previous Breakouts Left Behind
Fifty million people in the U.S. suffer from acne every year. That’s about one in every six people.
The good news is, one of the amazing benefits of chemical peel on the face is putting a stop to acne. That’s right. With the proper chemical peel, you can finally say goodbye to those ugly, disgusting bumps.
There are the peels making use of salicylic acid and Jessner’s solution, for starters. These go deep into the skin, getting rid of clogged pores. They also erode away blackheads while minimizing scars of past pimples.
Not all cosmetic and plastic surgeons use these solutions though. Only some do, such as Allure Plastic Surgery. In any case, make sure you do your research on acne-centered chemical peels before getting one.
You may also want to check out this guide I made on rosehip oil for acne. It may be one of the anti-acne solutions you’ve long since looked for.
The Low-Risk Solution to Skin Problems You’ve Always Suffered From
The fact that chemical peels aren’t surgical already make them safer and lower-risk. But what makes them even more special is that anyone, regardless of their skin color, can benefit from it!
With the right chemical peel type, there’s a super low chance of hyperpigmentation. That means even with a darker complexion, you can still enjoy the benefits of facial peels. Or peels on any other area you want to be treated.
The Less-Painful Way to Address Skin Concerns
Another great benefit of chemical peels is that you don’t have to worry about serious pain. They may sting a bit, especially if you have extra-sensitive skin. But for most people, it’s highly-tolerable, since most peels use gentle acids.
Some redness and irritation may occur during your first few sessions. But as you continue getting them, you’ll notice a serious reduction in these side effects.
Stronger peels, like those used for medium and deep peels, may cause swelling and redness. Don’t worry though, as your skin doctor will apply topical solutions to minimize them. Besides, the big improvements on your skin are more than enough to outweigh these side effects.
The Best Skin Specialists Offer Custom-Made Peel Recipes
Experienced skin specialists know that every person has unique skin needs. That’s why they offer not only premixed peels but also custom-made solutions. This way, they can address their patient’s specific skin concerns, yours included.
Who Can Enjoy the Many Benefits of Chemical Peels?
Anyone who suffers from acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun-damaged skin. If you’re experiencing minor to moderate signs of skin aging, chemical peels can help. Whether it’s crow’s feet, wrinkles, fine lines, or sagging skin, these peels can help address them.
Note, however, that some people may not be a good candidate for chemical peels. This is especially true for those with sunburns, active skin disorders, and infections. If you have open injuries, it’s best you wait for them to heal first before getting a peel.
Pregnant or nursing women are also not advised to undergo a chemical peel. If you’ve used Retin-A or bleaching products, you need to wait for at least two days before getting a peel.
Preparing for Your First Chemical Peel
The first step to reaping the many benefits of chemical peels is to go for an initial consultation. It’s during this appointment wherein the skin doctor can figure out which type of peel is best for you. Make sure you let them know about all your skin worries and medications you’ve taken.
Don’t forget to tell the specialist if you’re prone to scarring. Also inform the doctor if you’ve taken Accutane, especially within the last six months.
To make the procedure itself as painless as possible, stop removing your hair a week before. That means you shouldn’t wax or use hair removal products.
You also stop using exfoliants or facial scrubs a week before the procedure. If you’re going for a medium or deep peel, make sure you have someone to take you home. Remember, these peels require sedation, so it’s best someone is with you during and after.
Peel Your Way to Younger, Healthier, More Beautiful Skin
With these many benefits of chemical peels, it’s no wonder millions of people now opt for them. Them being nonsurgical and lower-risk are other reasons they’ve become so popular.
So, why not consider getting a chemical peel to rejuvenate and breathe new life to your skin? You may not stop your age from going up, but it doesn’t mean you can’t slow the signs of aging.
Want more nuggets of beauty wisdom? Make sure you check out my how-to guides!