Over time, our skin can become dull, dry, pigmented, and textured. Luckily, our chemical peel treatment offers a light, medium, or deep skin exfoliation to eliminate the appearance of facial imperfections, restore radiance, and rejuvenate the skin.
At the Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas, Dr. Wesley Anne Brady provides high-quality skin treatments that help women achieve and maintain their skin goals.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure that involves the application of a chemical solution to the face. This solution encourages the skin to shed itself over about seven days, removing layers of skin to reveal a healthier, smoother, more youthful complexion underneath. Chemical peels can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, scars, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and texture. Depending on your skin concerns and the facial imperfections you want to treat, the strength of your chemical peel may vary from light to medium to deep.
- Light chemical peel: Removes the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) and treats surface-level wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and dryness.
- Medium chemical peel: Removes skin cells from the epidermis and the upper part of your middle layer of skin (dermis). It treats wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture.
- Deep chemical peel: Removes skin cells at a deeper level and can treat deeper wrinkles, acne scars, craters, and even precancerous growths.
What Is Recovery Like After a Chemical Peel?
Recovery after a chemical peel usually takes between one to three weeks. During this time, the peeling will take place. As the treated skin sheds, patients should diligently follow their aftercare routine, which typically involves cleansing, hydrating, and sun protection to achieve optimal results.
Recovery can vary depending on the strength of your peel.
If You’ve Had a Light Chemical Peel
- A sunburn-like reaction, dryness, itching, and peeling will occur for up to seven days.
- Cleanse the skin with a gentle, chemical-free cleanser.
- Apply moisturizer as directed.
- Wear sunscreen daily.
- Makeup can be applied after treatment or the next day.
- Avoid picking or peeling the skin.
If You’ve Had a Medium Chemical Peel
- Redness, swelling, and stinging may last for up to 48 hours.
- Skin may crust and peel off over the course of two weeks.
- Daily soaks will be recommended.
- Apply ointment to the treated skin as directed.
- Makeup can be applied after one week.
- Antiviral medication may be recommended.
If You’ve Had a Deep Chemical Peel
- Excessive shedding and peeling is expected.
- Recovery time will take two to three weeks.
- Daily soaks will be recommended.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
- Antiviral medication may be prescribed for up to two weeks.
- Makeup can be applied after two weeks.
When Will I See the Results from My Chemical Peel?
Peeling from chemical peels is usually completed after five to seven days, which is when you will be able to notice your results. Over time, as the skin is exposed to the atmosphere and completes another rejuvenation cycle, you may notice your complexion appearing less rejuvenated. This would be the perfect time for a follow-up chemical peel treatment. Most often, for light and medium peels, you will notice the results within seven to 10 days. Over time, as your new skin cells acclimate to environmental exposure, your results will fade. When you notice your results are fading, then it’s time to schedule another peel appointment.
How Long Do Results from a Chemical Peel Last?
The results of a chemical peel can differ depending on the strength of the peel you use. Most light chemical peel results can last for one to two months before the skin replaces itself again. After this time, another peel may be recommended to maintain your results. A medium peel can last up to six months, while a deeper peel’s results can last a year.
How Can I Prepare for My Chemical Peel?
Preparing for your chemical peel is an important part of the treatment process. Before your appointment, be sure to do the following:
- Stop using retinol, exfoliants, and other chemical-based acne or facial products the day before your chemical peel treatment.
- Cleanse and moisturize your skin.
- Use sunscreen daily and avoid sunburn and tanning.
- Avoid shaving or waxing your face before treatment.
- Avoid picking at your skin.
- Heal any open wounds or cuts before your treatment.
How Often Can You Get a Chemical Peel?
Patients who undergo a light chemical peel treatment can repeat the process every four weeks. For medium chemical peel treatments, we recommend waiting four to six months before your next peel. Deep chemical peel treatments are only needed once a year. However, to maintain your results in the best way possible, Dr. Brady may recommend a timeline that best benefits you and the appearance of your skin, depending on the progress and appearance of your skin.
Schedule a Consultation for a Chemical Peel in Dallas
If you’re ready to get rid of dry, dull skin, now might be the perfect time for you to try a chemical peel! Dr. Brady and our expert staff are proud to serve patients in Dallas, TX, and the surrounding areas. To schedule your consultation, click here or call 214-442-0055 to find out more.