Many of us have heard of chemical peels, but may not know what they really are and when or why to consider having a chemical peel. Hopefully, this will help answer many of your questions about peels and also dispel many of the misconceptions about peels.

Q: What is a chemical peel?
A: A chemical peel is a procedure typically done in a medical office or medspa using medical grade chemicals to hasten the natural skin exfoliation process. The skin cells take about 45 days to move from the basal layer of the epidermis to the top layer of the skin where they are no longer connected to the skin. Chemical peels can speed this process along. You do not want to be too aggressive in this process because it can cause scarring or striping.
Q: What are the benefits of a chemical peel?
A: Many. Chemical peels can be used for a number of skin conditions. They are done usually in a series of 3-5 peels, 3-4 weeks apart. Where chemical peels shine are:
Photoaging - this means helping with skin damage caused by the sun. This addresses fine lines, pigmentation, and dullness.
Acne - there are many peels specifically meant to treat acne, often using high concentrations of salicylic acid. This can be a great alternative to antibiotics and irritating topicals.
Melasma - this is typically pigmentation on the face (often cheeks, forehead and upper lip) caused by the sun and hormonal changes. Peels can safely help lighten/reduce pigmentation.
Q: What is the recovery like after a chemical peel?
A: Recovery is always dependent on the strength of the peel. For many superficial peels, including those for acne and melasma, the peeling process is very minimal and can be as short as 2-3 days. For some, the peeling can be so light that you do not even see it. For more aggressive peels, i.e. peels that are targeting photoaging, the peeling process can last 7-10 days. I always recommend expecting at least a week of peeling to patients so that they do not schedule a peel right before a big life event.
Most people will also be a little red during the healing process - this is normal. A chemical was applied to your face to “unglue” the skin cells - this is irritating and thus erythema is often the result.
Finally, patients often feel their face is dry and tight. Gentle washing, extensive moisturizing and sun protection are key in the healing process.
Q: Who can get a peel and when is best to get one?

The amazing thing about chemical peels is that they are safe for all skin types. Not every peel is appropriate for every person, that is where the art of medicine and experience comes into play. If you are prone to hyperpigmentation, you always want to start with a more mild peel. The same is true if you have sensitive skin. Listening to the patient’s concerns will also direct which peel is going to be the most beneficial.
The best time to get a chemical peel is always when the UV radiation is at a minimum. Winter tends to be the best season, as our skin is no longer tan from summer and the days are shorter and we are not out in the sun as much. A chemical peel is a medical procedure that is intentionally irritating/injuring the skin - sun exposure during the healing process can lead to hyperpigmentation and suboptimal results.
If you have questions and would like to have a peel consultation, reach out to Aislyn Dermatology to make an appointment.
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