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Chemical Peel Treatment: Risks and Rewards

The skincare industry has boomed over the last few years and the rise in chemical peels is no different. In fact, face peel product purchases rose 150% from 2019 to 2020.

A chemical peel treatment can be a great solution for skin issues, but is it right for you? Continue reading to learn all about the risks and rewards of getting a chemical peel.

What to Know About Chemical Peels

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a beauty treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers to make room for a new top layer of skin to grow. A chemical peel treatment can help boost new cell growth and promote healthier, brighter-looking skin.

Chemical Peel Benefits

Before getting into the benefits of a chemical peel, it’s important to know that there are three different types, light, medium-depth, and deep.

Light Peel

The light, or superficial, peel removes dead skin from the outermost layer of skin (epidermis). This is considered a mild exfoliation and will help to heal superficial scarring and wounds on the surface of your skin.

Light chemical peels can reduce blemishes, even your skin tone, remove dead skin cells, and prevent breakouts. The risk of infection is low and the recovery period is typically short.

Medium Peel

A medium-depth chemical peel typically contains glycolic acid to help get to the surface of the second layer of skin (dermis). This particular chemical peel benefits people who have deeper skin issues such as shallow acne scarring and Melasma, a condition in which brown patches appear on the face.

Medium peels lighten and brighten discoloration, reduce pore size, reduce wrinkles, and smoothen out acne scars. A medium peel will typically have a longer recovery time. You should also avoid sun exposure and heavy exercise while you heal.

Deep Peel

The third and final chemical peel treatment is a deep peel. A deep peel can only be done by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. This peel penetrates the second layer of the skin (dermis) and is considered a more invasive procedure.

A deep peel can benefit those who have severe acne scars, deep wrinkles such as crow’s feet, and severe sun damage. A deep peel can also benefit those who have precancerous cells in their skin to prevent future issues.

Chemical Peel Risks

Chemical peel rewards aren’t the only factor to consider. Depending on your skin type, there can be various side effects for any of these peels.

You can experience redness, swelling, skin color changes, and scabbing. In more severe cases, an infection can occur and cause issues with your heart, kidney, or liver. The deeper you go with your peel, the higher the risk.

Light peels, for example, are fairly low risk and have minimal recovery time because it only affects the top layer of skin. Medium peels have a slightly higher risk. You may also feel stinging and burning during your treatment. For sensitive skin, you may have a longer recovery time and minimal scarring.

Deep peels have the highest risk. It’s recommended that you take antibiotics and antivirals post-treatment to prevent infection. A deep peel can be painful and the recovery can be up to six months long.

Chemical Peel Treatment

A chemical peel treatment can be very beneficial depending on your skin issues and skin type. Be sure to do all of your research and speak to a professional before making an appointment for your chemical peel.

For more information on chemical peels, visit our website today!

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