Are Chemical Peels Safe?

When you have wrinkles, acne scars, discolored skin or other skin problems, chemical peels might be a good option for improving your appearance. These peels cause your skin to exfoliate, resulting in the growth of new, healthy skin. Since this involves the use of a chemical solution on your face, it’s understandable to wonder if this treatment is safe.

Types of Chemical Peels

There are different types of chemical peels available for different skin problems. These include:

• Superficial Peels: Also known as lunchtime peels - use a mild acid, such as alpha-hydroxy acid, that only reaches the outer layer of your skin. This is a gentle treatment that can be used for mild skin problems, such as rough skin or slight discoloration.
• Medium Peels: These peels involve the use of a stronger acid, such as glycolic acid, that reaches the outer and middle layers of your skin. These peels can be used to improve signs of aging skin, such as age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
• Deep Peels: By using a stronger acid, such as phenol, this peel reaches deeper into the middle layer of skin on your face. These peels can be used for more noticeable lines and age spots, as well as shallow scars. Keep in mind that this chemical peel can only be used once.

Benefits & Uses for Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be used on the face, neck and hands to improve certain kinds of flaws, such as acne scars or sun-damaged skin. They can also be used for crow’s feet, age spots, some scars, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Chemical peels can also improve the appearance of sagging skin, resulting in skin with a smoother and more youthful look.

Chemical Peel Process

When you undergo a chemical peel, you can expect to have a chemical solution applied to the affected part of your skin. You might experience some slight stinging while having this done, but it shouldn’t cause any major discomfort. The amount of time it takes for your chemical peel will depend on what kind of peel you’re having and how many areas are being treated.

Recovery from a Chemical Peel

You can expect to have redness and irritation, as well as some swelling, after a chemical peel, especially if you have a deep peel done. Your doctor can provide you with advice on what to use on your skin to ease these effects while you heal. Superficial peels typically take up to a week to heal, and medium peels can take up to 14 days to heal. Deep peels can take up to three weeks to heal.

Risks of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are generally considered safe to do as long as qualified doctor performs them. Serious risks are rare and include scarring, cold sore reactivation, and short-term/long-term changes to your skin color. You should not have these peels done if you have skin infections, skin diseases, broken skin or skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.  

If you want to know more about chemical peels and see if you’re a good candidate for them, please contact Sculpt CosMedics in Brooklyn to set up an appointment. We can evaluate your skin and determine if this type of treatment is suitable for you.