Chemical Peels

The term Chemical Peels refers to the peeling away of the outer layers of skin through the use of a chemical. The purpose is that once the old, outer layer is gone the new layer has a fresh and youthful appearance due to the reduction of fine wrinkles, scaly patches, freckles, and irregular pigmentation; it also removes sunspots to a degree.

The process may sound quite drastic, using chemicals to remove skin, but it is a very tried and tested method and produces highly praised and favourable results. Chemical peels begin with the area that is to be treated being thoroughly cleaned and cleansed with acetone or a similar cleanser.

Once this is done the chemical is then applied onto the face and monitored closely, this is normally done in sections rather than the whole area covered at once. This part of the chemical peel can produce a burning or stinging sensation, in which case a cold pack can be applied to ease any discomfort; if this is ineffective then an anaesthetic can be used as an alternative.

Following treatment the skin will swell to a degree and turn red over the next 24 hours or so; during this period any discomfort should fade. Over the following few days the skin dries out and will appear tanned and have a somewhat leathery texture, this is normal, although moisturiser should be administered to keep the skin from cracking. After around 7 days the skin will begin to peel away, which must be left to occur naturally and continue at its own pace.

Once the skin has completed the healing process, makeup and toiletries can be applied to the new fresher skin without harm, though the application of sunscreen for the following few months is mandatory, and the use of moisturisers is encouraged. Further chemical peels in the future can be repeated without damage to the skin.

There are many different chemical peels available and each can differ from treatment to treatment. For full information on the chemical peels available at Laser Doc, contact us today.