• Chemical Peels 101: The Ultimate Guide to Healthier, Refreshed Skin

Key Highlights

• Chemical peels make skin look better by taking off the top layer and revealing fresh skin underneath.
• These peels help with several skin problems, including wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
• There are different types: light, medium, and deep. Each type affects a different level of the skin.
• Superficial peels cause small changes, while deep peels can bring big changes but take longer to heal.
• It is important to talk to a trained expert to ensure a safe and effective treatment.

Introduction

A chemical peel, or chemoexfoliation, is a skin treatment. It makes your skin look and feel better. During this treatment, a unique solution is put on your skin. This causes the top layers of skin to get loose and peel off. When these layers come off, new skin comes up. This new skin is smoother, has a more even skin color, and looks fresh.

Understanding Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are becoming more popular for giving skin a fresh and healthy look. People select chemical peels for many reasons: 

• Make fine lines and wrinkles smoother 
• Improve skin tone and texture 
• Reduce acne scars and dark spots

A deep chemical peel may offer the best results for those requiring more intensive treatment. However, the best type of peel is different for everyone. It depends on your needs and how deep the treatment needs to be to get the results you want (more on this later).

The Science Behind Chemical Peels

So, what does the acid do to the skin you may ask? Well, the acid in these chemical solutions interacts with proteins in the skin. When applied, the solution creates a small, controlled injury to the skin. This injury encourages the skin to heal itself. As it heals, the skin exfoliates the damaged outer layers and begins to produce new skin cells.

There are different types of chemical solutions that impact various skin layers: 

• Superficial peels use milder acids, like glycolic acid and salicylic acid and focus mainly on the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis
• Moderate peels penetrate the epidermis down to the superficial dermis
• Deep peels use stronger acids, such as trichloroacetic acid, croton oil, or carbolic acid and can reach the mid-reticular dermis to address more serious issues. These peels come with more risk and are best performed by dermatologists

At the San Antonio Eye and Face Institute, we provide superficial (salicylic acid 20%) and moderate (glycolic acid 30%-trichloroacetic acid 10%-salicylic acid 10%) peels based on your skin type and concerns. 

After a peel, the new skin will feel smoother. It will also have a more even color and texture. Chemoexfoliation assists with skin resurfacing in a controlled way by taking advantage of the body’s natural healing to improve the look of the skin.

Which Type of Peel is Right for Me?

The best type of peel for you depends on:

• Your skin type
• What results you want
• How serious your skin problems are

A light peel, or superficial peel, is an easy treatment. It helps with small skin problems like wrinkles, dull skin and hyperpigmentation by gently taking away the top layer of skin. This type of peel uses gentle peeling agents like salicylic acid or glycolic acid peels (the most common alpha-hydroxy acid)

A medium peel is stronger than a light peel. It goes deeper and enters the upper part of the dermis. Medium peels can help with things like acne scars, more severe skin tone issues, and fine to medium lines.

A deep peel is the strongest type available. It reaches deeper into the dermis for severe wrinkles and more dramatic skin changes. Deep peels cannot be repeated often, come with increased risk of complications, and are typically performed only by dermatologists.

In some cases, deep wrinkles will respond best to soft tissue dermal fillers.

• Superficial Chemical Peels: Gentle and only affect the top layer of the skin
• Medium Chemical Peels: Powerful and go further into the skin to help with more problems
• Deep Chemical Peels: Most powerful and reach the deepest layers of skin to treat serious skin issues

Benefits of Chemical Peels for Your Skin

Chemical peels are excellent for people who want healthier and better-looking skin, including those with skin of color or darker skin tones. They remove the top layers of dead and damaged skin. This process helps new cells to grow and shows off fresh, glowing skin below. It brightens your skin’s natural shine. It also helps with issues like uneven skin tone, fine lines, and acne.

Chemical peels do more than just make you look better. They can also help your skincare products work more effectively. When dead skin cells are removed, other products can soak into your skin more easily. This helps you get all the benefits of your skincare regimen!

Rejuvenation and Renewal: How Peels Improve Skin Texture

One big advantage of chemoexfoliation is how much it can improve the look and feel of your skin’s appearance. By removing the top layer of dead epithelial cells, brighter and smoother skin layers underneath are revealed. As a result, you simply look younger. This change is more than just a visible change on the surface. Your skin is truly healthier and stronger.

Chemical peels can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These aging signs are typically caused by: 

• Sun exposure
• Genetics
• Lifestyle choices

Chemical peels can also help reduce hyperpigmentation for individuals with black or dark skin.

This condition happens when dark spots or patches form on your skin. The dark spots may result from:

• Sun exposure
• Hormonal shifts
• Irritation.

Again, by removing the top layers of skin, this process lightens the dark spots, giving you a more even skin tone.

Addressing Specific Skin Concerns: Acne, Aging, and Hyperpigmentation

Chemical peels are helpful for common skin issues like aging, uneven skin tone, and acne. If you have acne, chemical peels can:

• Clear clogged pores
• Reduce excess oil
• Lessen swelling.

This leads to clearer skin and fewer breakouts. In some cases, a series of 3-4 chemical peels can make acne scars less noticeable.

Chemical peels are a simple way to deal with aging. They help lessen fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots that come from sun damage and getting older.

Chemical peels can improve uneven skin tone and dark spots. They do this by taking off the top layer of skin that has too much melanin. This process helps lighten the dark areas. As a result, your skin can feel smoother and look more radiant.

A deeper peel can boost collagen production in the skin. More collagen makes the skin feel firmer and look younger!

8 Steps of the Chemical Peel Process Explained

The chemoexfoliation process has several steps:

1. You will meet Dr. Maria Isabel Triana. Dr. Triana is originally from Colombia, a country with a strong reputation in aesthetic medicine.
2. You will talk about the type of peel that is best for your skin and what you want to achieve.
3. She will check your skin condition and go over your medical history.
4. You can share your hopes with her and learn about any risks involved.
5. Dr. Triana will create a treatment plan.
6. During the procedure, she will clean your skin carefully, often using a cotton ball, before applying the chemical solution.
7. You will likely feel a little tingling or warmth from the peeling agent.
8. After the peel, it is really important to follow the specific aftercare steps provided. This will help your skin to heal and give you the best results.

In most cases, you will need 3-4 skin peels about 4-6 weeks apart to obtain the best results.

Remember: Good patient selection is important for good cosmetic results.

Preparing for Your Peel: 7 Things to Do Before Your Appointment

Before you have a chemical peel, it’s important to prepare your skin and know what will happen. You’ll begin by talking with your doctor. She will help you with your skin care needs.

She will review your medical history and discuss your goals for the treatment area. One benefit of chemical peels is convenience. You will not need to visit a surgery center, as they are performed in our office.

1. You need to protect your skin from the sun several weeks before your peel, especially if you have dark skin. Try to stay out of direct sunlight and always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
2. Your physician might tell you to stop using some skincare products, such as retinol or exfoliants, a few days before the treatment. This can help reduce irritation.
3. During your appointment, share your medical history, especially any history of actinic keratoses or skin cancers. Actinic keratoses are pre-cancerous skin lesions that appear as rough, scaly patches or bumps due to chronic skin exposure.
4. You should also tell your doctor if you have had cold sores due to herpes simplex. Your doctor might recommend antiviral medication for you.
5. Let your doctor know if you take any other medicines or supplements. 
6. Mention any allergies you have.
7. Finally, make sure to clean your skin well before your visit. This will help the treatment work better.

7 Steps of the Peel Process

1. The chemoexfoliation process starts by thoroughly cleaning the area to be treated. Your doctor will use a cleanser to remove makeup, oil, and dirt (it’s good to do this before arriving).
2. Next, a peel prep will be applied to your skin.
3. The next step is the application of the right chemical solution. This solution is carefully selected based on your skin type and goals for the treatment. The strength and pH level of the solution are important. This affects how deep the peel goes.
4. You might feel some tingling or warmth during this part.
5. After the proper reaction is visualized, the chemical solution is neutralized and gently wiped off your skin.
6. A soothing cream or gel will be applied to help with any discomfort.
7. Your doctor will give you instructions to follow after the peel. Cool compresses can be used for comfort. 

Post-Peel Care and Recovery

After your chemical peel, it is really important to care for your skin. This helps it heal well and helps you maintain your results longer.

Makeup can usually be worn the next day. Also, be sure to protect your skin from the sun.

Use the ointments or creams recommended to you very carefully. Also, try not to pick or scratch the treated areas.

Be patient while your skin changes. You will see results over time.

Finally, it’s important to contact your physician if you have any problems. She will see how you are doing and help you adjust your skincare routine if needed.

Immediate Aftercare: The First 24 Hours

The first day after a chemical peel is very important. Your skin starts to heal and feel better. It may feel sensitive, have a stinging sensation, look red, and feel a bit puffy. These reactions are normal.

Your physician may suggest using a cool compress to ease any discomfort during your recovery time.

Sun protection is very important at this moment. Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Always put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. This helps to protect your new and sensitive skin.

It is important to follow your physician’s specific instructions for cleaning and moisturizing your skin. Use the creams or ointments they recommend to you. If you do not have the recommended ointment, you can use petroleum jelly to keep your skin moist and support healing.

Long-Term Skin Care After a Chemical Peel

To maintain the results of chemoexfoliation, you need a good skincare routine. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says you should protect your skin from the sun daily, even after it has healed. This is especially important if you are on birth control pills.

Sunlight can harm your skin and lessen the effectiveness of your peel. Therefore, it’s important to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher each day.

Staying hydrated is very important. It helps your skin heal and stay healthy.

You should choose a gentle moisturizer that has no fragrance. Make sure it is suitable for your skin type. This will keep your skin soft and smooth.

Talk to your physician. They can help you create a skincare plan that works for you. This plan may include products with antioxidants, growth factors, and other helpful ingredients.

These can keep your skin healthy and help your chemical peel results last longer.

Conclusion

Chemical peels have many advantages. They can make your skin look fresh and help with issues like acne and dark spots. It’s essential to know how the peel works and how to care for your skin afterward to get the best results.

No matter if you choose a light, medium, or deep peel, keeping your skin healthy should be your main concern. To keep that bright glow, always follow the advice of your physicians for post-peel care.

If you are in San Antonio, think about how often you need peels based on your skin’s requirements.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy the fantastic benefits of chemical peels for a light and fresh complexion!

For a free consultation with Dr. Maria Isabel Triana, you can contact us @ 210-485-1488.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should someone in San Antonio get a chemical peel?

The American Academy of Dermatology says how often you should get a chemical peel depends on your skin type and needs. If you have mild skin issues, having a light peel every month can be good for you. Some people might need a medium peel every few months. Others could need a deep peel just once a year.

Can chemical peels remove scars and sun damage?

Chemical peels can help make acne scars and brown blotches from sun damage look better. They do this by using a chemical solution that takes off the top layers of skin. However, it is important to understand that complete removal of scars is not usually possible.

Deep scars can be permanent and may best respond to deep chemoexfoliation or laser resurfacing with a board-certified dermatologist. You may need more than one treatment over the course of years to get the best results.

Are there any side effects to be aware of?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that chemical peels are generally safe. Still, they can cause some side effects. You might see redness, swelling, and peeling in the treated area. Usually, these side effects don’t last for long.

How long does it take to see results from a chemical peel?

The results of a chemical peeling can change based on the type of peel and personal factors. Some people notice improvements in just a few days. However, it usually takes one to two weeks for the top layer of skin to come off.

This helps show the new, healthy skin below. If the peel goes deeper, it may take longer to see the full results. Like most skin treatments, the results are not permanent changes.

When is the best time of the year to have a chemical peel?

Many doctors recommend getting chemical peels in the fall or winter. After these treatments, your skin may feel more sensitive to the sun.

In the colder months, there is less sun exposure. This is good because it allows your skin to heal better. It also makes it easier to take care of your skin after the treatment.

What are the benefits of salicylic acid peels?

Salicylic acid is common in many skin products. It works well for treating acne since it can go deep into the pores. It also helps remove dead skin.

This makes the skin feel smoother, lessens breakouts, and makes the skin look brighter. It’s probably our top seller!

Who shouldn’t get chemical peels?

Chemical peels may not be suitable for everyone.

• People with active skin infections, such as cold sores or acne, should avoid peels until these conditions are treated
• Individuals with a history of abnormal scarring or keloids may be advised against having a chemical peel due to the risk of further skin damage
• Those with darker skin tones may be at higher risk for hyperpigmentation and should proceed with caution
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally advised to avoid chemical peels
• People with extremely sensitive skin or certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, should also proceed with caution
• Finally, those with actinic keratoses or skin cancer should not have a peel and should see a dermatologist for further care