You may have glowing, youthful skin when you were younger. But as you age, its condition gradually deteriorates, leading to hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and texture, and other problems. These concerns can affect your physical appearance and self-confidence. Fortunately, you can address these common skin issues by undergoing chemical peels. Learn more about this procedure and what you should know before getting it by reading the information in this guide.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that uses a chemical solution to remove dead and damaged skin cells from your skin’s top layer. It involves a peeling process that can last from three to five days after. As your dead skin cells flake off, you can grow new, healthy skin underneath.
What Are the Different Types of Chemical Peels?
Light chemical peel
A light chemical peel lightly exfoliates the skin. It uses mild chemical agents and removes only the epidermis, the topmost skin layer, to address dry skin, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Medium chemical peel
A medium chemical peel removes your epidermis and the top layer of your dermis. It is usually used for treating acne scars, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. You may be required to get several treatments to achieve your desired results.
Deep chemical peel
A deep chemical peel removes your epidermis and the upper and middle layer of your dermis. Since it uses very strong chemicals, you may need a local anaesthetic before the procedure to prevent pain and discomfort. It is best suited for precancerous skin patches, deeper scars, and deeper wrinkles.
What Are the Benefits of the Procedure?
Chemical peels can address many skin problems. Here are some of the common ones that this procedure may help treat:
Acne and acne scars
Light and medium chemical peels can improve acne. The procedure can reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, decrease oil production, and break down hair follicles. Medium chemical peels can also treat bumpy and raised or atrophic acne scars by exfoliating the top layer of your skin and removing excess collagen.
Ageing skin
Signs of ageing will eventually get visible on your skin. The good news is that the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and more can be reduced by getting chemical peels. The procedure triggers the production of collagen and elastin that can promote the growth of new skin cells. Note that the treatment is advisable only for minimal signs of ageing. It is not recommended for removing deep wrinkles and tightening sagging skin.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels can address different skin concerns, but they are not appropriate for everyone. You are a good candidate for the treatment if you generally have healthy skin, superficial wrinkles, mild scarring, and a lighter complexion. On the other hand, it’s advisable to avoid undergoing the procedure if you:
- have a darker skin tone (higher risk of hyperpigmentation)
- have sagging skin
- have deep wrinkles or scars
- have psoriasis or atopic dermatitis
- have a history of abnormal skin scarring
- have recently taken an oral acne treatment
- frequently develop cold sores
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a compromised immune system
- have undergone recent surgery
- have undergone radiation therapy
- have a heart disease
Conclusion
Chemical peels can provide you with the younger-looking skin and healthy glow that you have always wanted. Note that it uses chemical solutions, so make sure to remember the information in this guide and talk with a reputable aesthetician before getting the procedure.
If you need chemical peels, microneedling, and dermal fillers, we’re here to help. CLÉO Clinic is a premium aesthetics clinic based in Kuala Lumpur, and we offer different aesthetic treatments to enhance your natural beauty. Book an appointment today!
