Chemical Peels: Separating Fact from Fiction
Chemical peels have gotten a bad rap due to DIY horror stories, but they’re actually a great way to treat a number of skin issues when administered by a qualified physician. They increase skin turnover to improve the appearance of acne, mild scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sun damage, discoloration, and dark spots. They’re also great for improving the youthful appearance of skin, so they’re not just for people with skin problems.
Properly applied skin peels can change the look and feel of your skin with minimal down time. We want to dispel the most common myths and misconceptions about chemical peels.
- Myth: All chemical peels are painful.
- Truth: The level of discomfort depends on the depth of the peel. Most people will only feel a light tingling sensation, which can increase with deeper peels. A physician can help you determine the level of peel you will need to achieve your desired results but, peels should not be painful. During the procedure you may feel a slight tightening of the skin and after the procedure your skin may be slightly sensitive. You shouldn’t do anything that might irritate your skin for a few days, such as use any type of exfoliant. Staying hydrated is essential for your skin.
- Myth: You must stay home for days after a chemical peel because of flaky skin, redness and sun exposure.
- Truth: In most cases, you can go about your day directly following a peel. Many people can even apply makeup after our Lunchtime Peel. Modern peels are gentler on the skin, so there’s less irritation and downtime after a treatment, but it may depend on the type and sensitivity of your skin and how deep a peel you get.
- Myth: You can do chemical peels at home.
- Truth: Chemical peels should only be performed by a qualified physician. There are many factors that affect the success of a peel, such as skin sensitivity and skin disorders. Performing a peel without professional training can lead to severe complications or even permanent damage to your skin.
We’ve seen many patients who have actually caused damage to their skin and come to us for help. A professionally administered peel will always yield better results.
An experienced physician should properly assess your skin, take time to understand what you are trying to achieve, and provide you with realistic expectations. Only then can they determine the right application for you, and the correct length of time the product should remain on your skin. For some people, getting a series of peels will achieve the best results.
- Myth: Skin Peels Are Not Safe
- Truth: One of the most common questions we get is, “are skin peels safe”? When performed by a professionally trained physician or esthetician in a controlled setting, and if all pre-procedure and post-procedure instructions are followed, skin peels are safe.
For best results, the procedure should take place in a sanitary medical environment where the appropriate steps can be followed before, during, and after the application.
Chemical peels are a wonderful, non-invasive way to improve the look of your skin. At NJVVC, we’ll work with you to determine the best solution for your skin.
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and find out which chemical peel is right for you.
