Achieving the beautiful skin you desire can feel impossible, particularly when you have an intense skincare routine and topical skincare products are only minimally effective. Nevertheless, it is possible to achieve healthy, radiant skin. At South Lake OBGYN in Clermont, FL, we offer chemical peels to help our clients achieve flawlessly beautiful skin for weeks at a time.
How Long Do Chemical Peels Last?
The longevity of your results depends on the type of chemical peel you choose. For instance, if you opt for a light peel, your results may only last for a month or two. On the other hand, if you opt for a medium peel, your results are more likely to last for two to six months at a time.
Finally, phenol peels should only be performed once in a lifetime due to their intensity. Phenol (deep) peels can provide such permanent benefits as scar removal.
Extending the Longevity of Your Results
You can help the results of your chemical peel last longer by incorporating nutrient-dense, high-quality skincare productions into your regular skincare routine. For example, you should look for skincare products that include hyaluronic acid and collagen.
One major benefit of acid peels is it chemically exfoliates the superficial layer of your skin and unclogs your pores. This significantly increases the efficacy of topical products, including moisturizers and anti-acne medications. During your initial consultation, we will advise you on some of the most effective steps you can take to extend the longevity of your results.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a customizable chemical exfoliation treatment that improves the health and appearance of the skin. The acidity of your peel and the types of acids used will be determined during your initial consultation once we have an understanding of your aesthetic goals.
Light (superficial) chemical peels are ideal for treating mild concerns and only remove the top (superficial) layer of your skin, also known as the epidermis. If you have moderate cosmetic concerns, you will be a better fit for a medium chemical peel.
What Results Can I Expect?
Chemical peels can be customized to treat a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. For example, they can eliminate the signs of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, poor skin texture and tone, and melasma. It can also be used to treat dull skin. Moreover, you can expect that the more acidic the peel is, the more dramatic your results will be.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
What Is the Right Peel for Me?
To determine the appropriate peel for you, it is imperative that you attend an initial consultation. During this initial consultation, we will assess the current state of your skin and review your cosmetic goals to determine the best course of action.
Is There Any Downtime Required After This Treatment?
Light chemical peels do not require any post-treatment downtime. Medium chemical peels may require a few days of downtime depending on the specific acids used. Also, the more intense your peel is, the stricter your post-treatment care guidelines will be.
Will My Skin Peel?
Yes, your skin will peel following a chemical peel. This is an essential part of the process because the top layer of your skin comprises dead skin cells. It is only after the upper layer or layers of your skin have been shed that your final results become apparent.
However, you must refrain from picking at your peeling skin. There are several reasons why this is a bad idea, including the fact that this will actually slow the process down by interfering with the skin’s natural healing process.
Are At-Home Peels a Viable Alternative?
You may feel like you don’t have time to come in for an initial consultation and chemical peel for the sake of your skin health. However, it is not advisable to perform an at-home chemical peel. If you try to perform a DIY chemical peel in the comfort of your own home, there is a very high risk of nasty side effects, including pretty serious skin damage. Also, at-home peels are far less effective and may cause burning sensations.
What Should I Expect During My Treatment Session?
As a good general rule of thumb, peels can be completed in just 20 minutes. However, your treatment will take closer to an hour if your peel is being combined with another cosmetic treatment, like dermaplaning or a facial.
Your skin may tingle a little during your convenient treatment, but you won’t feel any pain. If you opt for a highly acidic peel and you feel like your skin is getting a little too warm, we are more than happy to pause your treatment and cool your skin.
How Should I Care for My Skin After My Treatment?
After your treatment, you must protect your skin from sun damage. Before an acid peel, your dermis is protected from the elements by your epidermis. The acids used in chemical peels remove this layer of dead skin cells, revealing the underlying layer of radiant, healthy skin cells.
However, these previously protected skin cells are more sensitive to sunlight and heat. Consequently, you must minimize your time spent in direct sunlight for a few days after your treatment and wear highly protective sunscreen diligently.
Avoiding Certain Products and Investing in a Few New Products
Besides protecting your skin from the sun, you must not use any topical products that contain harsh, irritating ingredients and avoid exfoliating treatments. Irritating your skin will cause inflammation that will delay your skin’s natural healing process significantly.
Also, it is highly advisable to use skincare products that will moisturize and nourish your skin during the first few days after your chemical peel. Depending on the type of skin you have, you may need to moisturize once or twice daily.
Don’t Over-Moisturize Your Skin
While it is important to keep your skin hydrated after your chemical peel, it is also important to not over-moisturize your skin. Over-moisturizing your skin will not irritate your skin, but it will extend your skin’s peeling time. Also, you should be aware that you must use a gentle moisturizer that is free from fragrances.
Vaseline and Aquaphor are both very gentle, effective moisturizers. However, Cetaphil is another great choice. Cetaphil was designed for people with sensitive skin.
Keep Your Hair Out of Your Face
It is essential that you keep your hair out of your face until your skin has finished peeling. This post-treatment care guideline applies to all peels regardless of the intensity. If your hair falls below your ears, your hair should be worn in a high ponytail or bun. Also, you must clip any strands of hair away from the face that won’t stay up.
It is highly unlikely that the oils in your hair will affect your skin as it is peeling. However, your fingertips always have oil irrespective of how frequently and thoroughly you wash your hands. The oil on your fingertips may irritate your peeling skin and extend the time it takes your skin to peel.
Keep Your Face Clean
It is also very important to keep your face clean until your skin has finished peeling. Depending on the strength of the peel you get, you can expect your skin to start peeling two to three days after your treatment. Typically, it will take two to five days for your skin to finish peeling. During this time, it is essential that you wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser, soft washcloth, and tepid water.
Remember, your skin may be very sensitive to heat as your epidermis is peeling. Therefore, it is not advisable to take steaming hot showers. Also, it is possible for the steam from an extremely hot shower to over-moisturize your skin.
Do I Qualify for This Treatment?
Virtually everyone qualifies for chemical peels due to their customizability. Regardless of how sensitive your skin is or the severity of your cosmetic concerns, there is a peel that can be customized to meet your needs. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, this treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Add Regular Peels to Your Skincare Routine
Typically, the results of peels last between one and two months. However, in some cases, the results last a lifetime. If you’re interested in learning more, drop us a line at South Lake OBGYN in Clermont, FL to schedule your initial consultation.