Chemical peels have long been successfully used to treat mild to severe acne. They are also a wonderful treatment for acne scars, uneven pigmentation, sun spots and are great for just a general refresh and brightening of the skin. Chemical peels range from mild to moderate to deep, are minimally invasive and usually only take approximately 15-30 minutes to perform, right in the doctor’s office.

How do chemical peels work?

Chemical peels are effective because they essentially burn off dead skin cells, leaving behind new, smooth skin with smaller and tighter pores. These tighter pores leave your skin much less prone to clogging from oil and dead skin cells, relieving much of your acne. Additionally, the chemical peel stimulates your skin’s own natural collagen-building mechanisms, further allowing you to have healthy, plump skin shine through. Basically, chemical peels speed up your body’s own skin-shedding and renewal capabilities—leaving you with bright, fresh and clear skin. The results are noticeable immediately for light chemical peels and within just days for deeper peels.

There are different peels used to address different depths of skin. Light peels—removing just the outermost layer of skin—can still be extremely effective. You’ll notice a clear, bright complexion and you’ll feel clean and refreshed. Moderate peels burn off skin a bit deeper, going into the upper layers of the middle layer of skin, the dermis. And deep peels are still available albeit they are less frequently used. It’s more often than not that laser technology is used to treat deep scars and wrinkles today, versus a deep chemical peel.

For moderate peels, you will need just a few days recovery—3 to 5 days at the most—before you can return to normal activities.

Do I need to get many chemical peels to fight my acne?

Chemical peels are not permanent and you may need to receive several treatments, depending on the severity of your acne and what kind of peel you receive. You can choose to receive a series of mild chemical peels or a more moderate, deeper peel. Many clients choose to have a light peel performed every four to six weeks. Moderate peels can be done every 6 months so your face retains a clean and clear appearance.

Why should I receive a chemical peel at a doctor’s office?

While there are numerous over the counter chemical treatments, chemical peels performed in a doctor’s office will be much more powerful, and also performed under the care of a trained doctor. If you receive a chemical peel in a plastic surgeon’s office, it will be performed in a controlled and safe environment. Should anything go wrong, your doctor will know how to handle the situation immediately. Others may not be able to provide this level of safety and control.

Will my chemical peel hurt?

In general, no, your peel will not hurt. Light peels require no medication whatsoever; you may only feel a tingling sensation. Deeper peels may require a topical anesthetic or local anesthesia to relieve your temporary discomfort.

Chemical peels are an easy way to get a quick refreshed look! Chemical peels are a noninvasive and very safe way to rejuvenate your skin without having to commit to a surgical procedure.

Have a question about chemical peels? Contact us here, we’re happy to help.

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