At True Skin Care Center in Chicago, IL, we see clients with all sorts of facial skin problems. Some clients feel they look older than they are due to sunspots. Others feel their facial skin looks dull or ruddy. Others are concerned with acne scars or hyperpigmentation. If these concerns resonate with you, you may benefit from a chemical peel.
What to Expect From a Light Chemical Peel
During the Treatment
During a light chemical peel, we will apply a chemical solution to your skin with a sponge, brush, cotton ball or gauze. This chemical solution usually includes salicylic acid or glycolic acid. As the treatment works, your skin whitens. Then, a neutralizing solution is applied to your skin or your skin is washed to remove the chemical solution.
After the Treatment
After a light peel, you must cleanse, moisturize and apply protective ointments to your skin. Petroleum jelly is a particularly effective protective ointment. Take particular care of your skin for one to seven days after treatment as your skin’s color returns to normal.
What to Expect From a Medium Peel
During the Treatment
During a medium chemical peel, we will apply a chemical solution containing trichloroacetic acid, sometimes combined with glycolic acid, to your skin. This may be applied via gauze or a cotton-tipped applicator. As the treatment works, your skin whitens.
After a few minutes, your dermatologist will soothe the treated skin with the application of a cool compress. While no neutralizing solution is required, you may want to also use a hand-held fan to cool your skin. It may feel warm for up to 20 minutes.
After the Treatment
After a medium peel, you must apply a protective ointment, like petroleum jelly, to your treated skin. Your skin will be tight. Take special care of your skin for seven to 14 days after a medium peel.
What to Expect From a Deep Peel
During the Treatment
During a deep peel, your pulse will be monitored closely and you will receive intravenous fluids. Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is applied to your skin via a cotton-tipped applicator. As the treatment works, your skin will turn white or gray. To limit your skin’s exposure to phenol, treatment will be conducted in 15-minute intervals. A full-facial treatment will take roughly 90 minutes.
After the Treatment
After a deep peel, you should sleep in a semi-reclined position for 14 days. The pigment of your skin will change during this time. However, once it has returned to normal, your skin will be brighter and healthier than ever before.
What to Expect From the Results
The results you can expect from a peel depends on several factors. People who receive light peels enjoy a drastic reduction in the visibility of fine wrinkles. They also enjoy an improvement in skin tone and texture. After the first peel, results may be subtle. However, they become much more dramatic with regular treatments.
After a medium peel, clients enjoy a reduction in moderate wrinkles. After a deep peel, your skin won’t just look smoother: it will feel noticeably smoother, too. Keep in mind that the results of the peels are not permanent. If you receive skin discoloration from sun damage, you will need a follow-up treatment. Moreover, wrinkles will reoccur as you age.
What to Expect From Your Initial Consultation
To determine if you are a good candidate for this anti-aging treatment, your dermatologist will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination and discuss your expectations.
Medical History
When you come in for your initial consultation, be ready to take about your current and past medical conditions. Particularly, we are concerned with the health of your heart, kidneys and liver if you are having a deep peel. Let us know what medications you are currently taking or have taken recently.
Specifically, we need to know if you are taking any medications that may make your skin sensitive to the sun. Moreover, we need to know about any invasive anti-aging procedures you have had. Finally, we must know if you use a retinoid cream, like Renova or Retin-A.
Physical Exam
During your initial consultation, your dermatologist will assess the quality and health of the skin you would like treated. This is done, primarily, to help us decide the type of peel that would be most beneficial to you. It also allows us to identify any physical features, like the thickness or tone of your skin, that may affect the treatment results.
Expectations
The best candidate for a peel has realistic expectations about the results. We will review why you want a peel and what results you hope to get out of treatment. We will also advise you regarding how many treatment sessions you will need to achieve your desired aesthetic.
What to Expect From Scheduling
The frequency with which you need a peel depends primarily on the type of peel you are receiving. A light peel may be done every two to five weeks. A medium peel may be done every three to nine months. A deep peel is only performed once in a lifetime.
Discover the Right Peel for You Today
Are you ready to take your skincare game to the next level? Are you excited about the opportunity to have healthier, brighter-looking skin than you’ve had in years? If so, a chemical peel may be right for you. To learn more, contact us today at True Skin Care Center in Chicago, IL to schedule your initial consultation.
