When considering your skin, it’s important to discern which trends or new procedures are truly effective and research-based and which ones are just driven by celebrities or ads. You likely see chemical peels advertised for uneven skin tone or reducing fine lines in beauty magazines or on television. These days, social media influencers rave about the positive differences that show in their skin after a peel. The word “chemical” can make some people feel uneasy about putting an unknown substance on their skin, but there’s a reason why so many people love the after-effects of a chemical peel: it’s because they can be very safe and effective when performed by a qualified provider. Here are some key points to think about if you’re looking to book a chemical peel:

What is a chemical peel?

Before heading into any procedure, it’s prudent to understand what will be happening and why. A chemical peel is known as a skin-resurfacing procedure. It involves using a layer of chemicals on the facial skin to remove the top layer and expose a new layer of skin. This layer is usually more even in color and texture and can have fewer wrinkles. There are three types of chemical peels:

• • Light: A light, superficial peel, usually for treating fine lines and dryness.
  • Medium: This removes cells from the outermost layer (epidermis) and some of the dermis. This is recommended for wrinkles, melasma, sun damage, age spots, and enlarged pores.
  • Deep: This type of peel is less common and is recommended for scars, deep wrinkles, and precancerous growths.

Which type of chemical peel is right for you and your needs?

Everyone’s skin is different, and each patient comes to our medical spa with unique needs. This is why our providers believe in holistic care that takes your long-term skincare goals into account. Before your peel is scheduled, our expert staff will meet with you and evaluate your skin with our Visia Skin Analysis. The Visia machine provides accurate and detailed facial analysis and images so you can see progress and changes over time. After they listen to and address your concerns and answer your questions, they will schedule you for one of our popular options:

• VI Peel Precision Plus: This is a great choice for patients who are experiencing various degrees of skin discoloration, such as sun damage or hyperpigmentation. The VI Peel Precision Plus combats these with Lighten Booster and fast-acting Brightening Booster. This powerhouse formula effectively suppresses melanogenesis (the production of melanin) and promotes rapid cell turnover for improved skin tone. Most patients see beautiful results in about seven days, and we usually recommend 3-6 treatments.
• ZO 3-Step Peel: This type of peel is powerful and innovative. It is perfect for those who have fine lines, sun damage, dull skin, acne, and melasma. It involves a chemical peel in-office and continues treatment with an in-home component afterward. This peel is based on the Obagi philosophy, which focuses on empowering patients to practice ongoing skincare after a treatment. Most patients see results begin at 2 weeks and continue to see improvement until 6 weeks post-treatment (Source).

Do chemical peels have a lengthy record for safety?

The American Academy of Dermatology reports that chemical peels have been performed for over 50 years, and have an excellent track record when it comes to safety. In 2017, a study performed in Australia found that chemical peels are rapid, safe, and cost-effective for populations who were experiencing acne, sun damage, and melasma, among other skin challenges. This study also found that the success of the peel depends on proper patient preparation and the experience of the clinicians.

Is your provider trained and experienced?

Because a chemical peel involves potential risks (similar to any medical procedure), you want to be sure that your skincare provider is educated and knowledgeable. If you visit a clinic that is unlicensed or inexperienced in chemical peels, you could experience a higher risk of side effects like redness, scarring, or infection. A trained provider will apply the chemical peel and will understand the proper timing for removal. Our providers at Renew Medical Spa are all highly trained, and you can feel confident in their attention to detail and understanding of the procedure.

Are you a good candidate for a chemical peel?

Chemical peels can be done on the neck, face, or hands, and many people are good candidates for the benefits they provide. Generally, patients who are fair-skinned and light-haired see the best results, because patients with darker skin can see uneven skin tone after the procedure. However, according to a 2012 study, patients with darker skin tones can achieve optimal results with higher frequency and depth of treatments. Chemical peels are less likely to be recommended for patients: with a history of scarring, who have medical conditions that result in sensitive skin, who are pregnant or nursing, or who have undergone professional acne treatments within the last year.

Chemical peels can be an ideal solution for many people who struggle with the appearance of their skin. It can restore confidence and help you feel more youthful. Because it’s not for everyone, it’s important to utilize our consultation process to achieve your best results. To reach our experienced team and begin the process, call us at (541) 622-3455.

Please note that the above information is intended to be observed as guidelines and is not intended to be a substitute for or construed as informed medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of licensed skincare professional with any questions you may have regarding facial skin and health.