Chemical peels are an application of acidic actives to the face and body for treating active skin concerns like acne, dry skin, pigmentation, acne scars, skin with a lot of buildup and ageing skin. Chemical peels cause controlled destruction of the skin cells leading to chemical exfoliation, causing regeneration of epidermal and dermal skin cells thus exfoliating the skin well.
The doctor recommends a specific type of chemical peel depending on the skin concern, skin type, and skin goal of any individual. Every peel performs a different mechanism of action with the different strengths they have been created with.
Different peels have different types of pH, strength, and mechanism of action to perform.
Types Of Peels
These are considered safe for Indian skin types and are easy for any beginners as they have the lowest concentration facial peel and are best for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, addressing acne, improving hydration, and are effective for all skin types.
It is generally used to treat conditions such as hyperpigmentation, age spots, melasma, and actinic keratosis and address deeper wrinkles. It might take a week or more to recover from this type of peel.
It is recommended to pretreat your skin for almost eight weeks before applying deep peels. It should be performed with caution under the guidance of a senior dermatologist depending on the skin concerns. Deep peels have a higher strength of exfoliation and may require some downtime.
Objectives of Chemical Peels
The objective of the chemical peels is to enhance the overall appearance of the face, improve the elasticity of the skin, and also improve mild skin irregularities of the skin by increasing the skin cell turnover rate. Different acids with different concentrations will have different results on the skin. The most common acid found in chemical peels is Alpha Hydroxy Acid which includes glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, ferritin acid, and many more which helps in gentle exfoliation of the skin cells. The second type of peels are Beta Hydroxy Chemical Peels which often contain salicylic acid effectively reducing face and body acne.
Salicylic acid peels are often done in combination with TCA peels which are medium peels.
Retinol peels are deep peels that are anti-aging peels and are meant to be done by a senior doctor's supervision. These mainly give a stronger exfoliation and require more downtime.
Benefits of chemical peels
- Lightens unwanted pigmentation /Hyperpigmentation
- For a glowing skin
- Increases collagen production
- Lightens acne blemishes
- Controls future outbreaks
- Corrects sun damage
- Maximizes the effectiveness of skincare products
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
How often to use chemical peels?
Before getting any peel done a patient needs to pre-peel a skin care plan for 2-4 weeks prior. This can effectively reduce side effects and maximize the benefits
A dermatologist's guidance is necessary while planning for a chemical peel. Those who need maintenance of their skin to look brighter, young, and youthful can do peels every month in a gap of 15-21 days. Depending on the concerns one can choose between light and medium peels according to what the doctor prescribes them.
If you get a medium peel done the results can last from 1-3 months. For results lasting from 6 months to a year, get the peeling process done by a professional.
The sessions are decided according to the skin concerns, improvements post peel, and skin status and have to be a Bio-Individual.
What to expect after a chemical peel procedure?
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Superficial peels
Healing time: 1-7 days
Home care: Follow a moisturizer with sunscreen to heal skin at a faster rate
When to start with regular skincare: Usually after 48 hours one can apply makeup
Follow up: Peels can be repeated in a gap of 2-4 weeks -
Medium peels
Healing time: 7-14 days
Note: Skin might show redness and flakiness, and peel off for the next 48 hours after the peeling process.
Home care: Do cold dab compressions, apply emollients if the skin is dry, and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
When to start with regular skincare: After 5-7 days normal skincare regimen can be resumed.
Follow up: Depending on the skin concerns repeat the chemical peels -
Depth peels
Healing time: 14-21 days
Note: During the healing stage, the skin remains swollen and red and peeling might happen.
Home care: A thick moisturizer has to be applied and broad spectrum SPF has to be applied.
When to start with a regular skin care regimen: After 14 days
Follow-up: The next day one can see the doctor if the skin feels uncomfortable
Possible Side Effects Of The Chemical Peels
If the peel is done by a professional there are likely fewer chances of having potential side effects, but some side effects tend to be mild or likely to occur because of the sensitivity of the skin.
- Persistent redness that may last for months or years
- Lightens the skin colour
- Temporary darkening of the skin
- Disturbance in skin pH if the makeup is done before the time
- Scratching or peeling the skin by hands might cause the skin to abrade
- Fail to follow post-care instructions can eventually lead to disturbance of skin pH
Product Recommendation
FCL has introduced the concept of peeling pads, which is a home care product to fulfill the exfoliant needs of the skin. The wipes are soaked in a cocktail of various hydroxy acids like mandelic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and multifruit AHAs. This diverse selection of acids makes these pads compatible as a maintenance treatment with almost all types of peels and helps to improve most of the skin concerns.
FCL Penta Peel Pads: An innovative refining peel treatment that can be easily used at home. It gently removes the dead cells and promotes healthy cell turnover imparting a smooth texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Takeaways
Chemical peels play a significant role in enhancing the overall health and appearance of the skin. By incorporating them into a skincare routine under the guidance of a dermatologist, individuals can address a variety of skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging signs. Different types of peels, ranging from superficial to deep, offer targeted benefits and varying recovery times, making it essential to choose the right peel based on skin type and specific issues. The benefits of chemical peels, including increased collagen production, improved skin texture, and a brighter complexion, can be maximized through proper pre- and post-treatment care. Regular sessions, tailored to individual skin needs, can maintain youthful and radiant skin, ensuring long-lasting results. However, it is crucial to follow professional advice to minimize potential side effects and achieve the best outcomes.
