Chemical peels

There are three types of chemical peels, including superficial peels, medium peels, and deep peels.

Superficial peels

• It uses mild acids like alpha-hydroxy to gently exfoliate. The chemical is applied only to the outermost layer of the skin.
• This type is ideal for improving texture, mild discoloration and radiating glow.

Medium peels

• In which strong acids are used, like trichloroacetic or glycollic acid.
• It applies the middle and outer layers of the skin.
• It targets acne scars, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

Deep peels

• In deep peels, powerful agents like phenol or tricholoracetic acid are used.
• It penetrates the middle layer of the skin.
• The treatment treats severe wrinkles, deep scars, and significant sun damage.

Chemical peels have the ability to solve all sorts of your skin concerns, like:

• Acne and light scars: Some types of acne and light scars respond well to chemical peels. It helps clear up and even out your skin.
• Uneven skin tone: If you have sunspots, freckles, age spots or melasma (dark spots), applying a peel can even out skin tone.
• Dry or dull skin: Chemical peels can refresh your skin, correcting rough spots or a dull appearance.
• Precancerous spots: They are also used to treat actinic keratosis, scaly spots that can develop into skin cancer.
• Dark patches: Dark circles and dark paths can also be treated through this treatment.
• Fine lines and wrinkles: This skin treatment removes fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth area by gently exfoliating the top layer and providing a smooth and younger-looking skin.

Pigmentation

• If you’re experiencing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and blemishes, a chemical peel can be the perfect solution for your problems. It exfoliates the top layer of your skin to remove dead skin cells and promotes the regeneration of new ones. This skincare treatment can help you achieve even tone by reducing discolouration.

Acne

• Chemical peels reduce acne scars and unclog pores by exfoliating dead skin cells, promoting smoother texture and preventing future breakouts.

Ageing Signs

• They diminish fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production, improving firmness, and enhancing skin’s youthful glow.

Rejuvenation

• Chemical peels renew your skin by encouraging cell regeneration, revealing a vibrant, refreshed, and radiant complexion.

Ideal candidates

• People with acne scars, fine lines, uneven skin tone or sun-damaged skin.
• Individuals with generally healthy skin.
• People with realistic expectations about results.

Who should not get it?

• Individuals with serious skin conditions or active infections.
• People with specific medical concerns (consult a dermatologist first).

Other considerations

• Chemical peels come in different strengths to suit your skin type.

• Preparation: Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to start the procedure.
• Application: A chemical solution is applied, which may cause a slight tingling or warmth.
• Timeframe: The solution stays on for a few minutes, depending on its strength, before it is neutralised or removed.
• Immediate effects: You may feel tight skin or see a little redness on your skin after treatment.
• Comfort and safety: Your doctor will guide you through every step, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.
• Duration: Treatments last 30-60 minutes.

It is normal to experience some mild side effects after the treatment. You may experience redness, dryness or flakiness, which usually subsides within a few days. For deeper peels, skin may swell and darken temporarily before brighter, smoother results appear. Slight sensitivity to sunlight is common, so wearing sunscreen is a must. Rarely, scarring or uneven pigmentation may occur if aftercare instructions are not followed. While side effects may seem worrisome, most are temporary and manageable.

After a chemical peel, your skin needs extra care to heal and glow.

• Hydrate: Use a gentle moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and soothed.
• Protection: Avoid direct sunlight and apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Avoid harmful products: Do not use exfoliants, retinoids, or strong skincare products until your skin has healed.
• Don't touch: Resist the urge to touch, pick or peel away flaky skin to avoid irritation or scarring.
• Gentle cleansing: Wash your face with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser.

Your provider can offer additional guidance tailored to your peel. Following these tips ensures a smooth recovery and amazing results.