What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels involve application of a specifically formulated acid to the surface of the skin. The acid effectively removes the outer layer of skin cells in a safe, controlled way. When the skin regenerates, it appears more youthful, hydrated, even and tight.
Depending on the type of acid used, chemical peels can treat:
- General signs of ageing
- Uneven skin tone
- Pigmentation
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Acne and acne scars
- Stretch marks and scarring
Chemical peels can be applied to almost all areas of the body, but the most popular areas are:
- Face
- Neck and chest
- Hands
What to expect during a chemical peel:
A chemical peel involves initial preparation of the area to be treated with a solution that removes the surface oil on the skin so the acid can penetrate evenly. Then, the peel solution is applied using either a brush or gauze swab.
Depending on the pH of the peel solution, you may feel a slight tingling to a mildly painful burning. Typically, the peel application takes 10-15 minutes, then a neutraliser is used to stop the activity of the acid on the skin. A healing mask is then applied, followed by a generous layer of high-SPF sunblock.
Are all chemical peels the same?
Chemical peels are classified according to the depth of penetration:
Superficial peels target only the very top layer of the skin. Superficial peels are gentle and typically painless. Most people feel slight tingling or mild irritation during the peel procedure. Immediately afterwards, the skin looks a little red and shiny.
There is no down-time. You can immediately go back to work and there is no visible peeling/flaking of the skin. After 1-2 sessions, the skin looks visibly brighter and more even but one can only expect to see dramatic changes in lines, wrinkles and pigmentation after 5-6 sessions.
Deeper peels penetrate to lower layers of the skin. During the procedure, there is more discomfort - often a burning sensation. Most deeper peels cause immediate changes to the colour of the skin - either redness or a lighter colour called 'frosting'. The skin may also look puffy or swollen for a few hours after the peel.
Because deeper peels are more aggressive, there is typically 5-10 days of downtime: the skin looks discoloured and dry by day 2, then cracks and obvious peeling starts by the 4th day. Peeling and flaking typically continues for 4-5 days and most people prefer not to attend work or social events during that time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does a chemical peel procedure take?
Depending on the type of peel used... it can take as little as 15 minutes, up to 45 minutes to perform a chemical peel.
Can I go back to work after a chemical peel?
Generally, after a superficial peel there may be a little redness and irritation to the skin, but you can do all your normal activities including go back to work immediately after the procedure. For deeper peels, there are visible skin changes like puffiness, skin discolouration, and redness and many people prefer to schedule deeper peelings for the afternoon so they can go home afterwards.
How long does the visible peeling last?
With superficial peels, there is usually no visible cracking, peeling or flaking of the skin.
However deeper peels will result in visible skin peeling. This usually starts on the 2nd-4th day after the peel and continues for 4-6 days. The duration of skin peeling will depend on the state of your skin before the peel, and the type of peel used.
Usually, we advise that you not do a chemical peel less than 2 weeks before a major social event - to allow enough time for the skin to recover fully before being photo-ready.
Is there any aftercare following a chemical peel?
Yes! Aftercare following a chemical peel is very important - to prevent scarring and pigmentation, and to ensure you get the best results from your peel. The important factor is PROTECTION FROM THE SUN.
You have to use SPF 50+ medical-grade sunblock for at least 2 weeks following any chemical peel. Your doctor will recommend the specific type of sunblock and how often it should be applied. Your doctor may also recommend healing/recovery creams that are formulated for specific indications like moisturisation, pigmentation, acne etc.