The skin makes up most of our body; it is noticeable and significantly determines how we look. Most people employ skincare regimes like cleansing, moisturizing, and toning to make their skin look good. While such practices help maintain, they do not protect your skin from the effects of sun exposure and natural processes like aging. If you have skin imperfections such as fine lines, acne scars, sun spots, age spots, and hyperpigmentation, Brooklyn peels may be just what you need. The following information gives you more insight into peels, what they are and how they work.
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What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that uses chemical solutions such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and trichloroacetic acid to remove the dead skin cells. The chemical solutions cause the skin to peel off and allow for the growth of new skin, which is usually brighter, firmer, smoother, and with fewer imperfections. Chemical peels can be used to address scars, melasma, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars on various body areas, including your face, neck, and hands. The treatment solution provided is dependent on your choice and desired treatment outcomes. For example:
Types of chemical peels
· A light chemical peel or superficial peel uses salicylic acid to remove the outermost skin layer
· (epidermis). Results are less noticeable compared to other peels, and in most cases, patients require subsequent sessions to obtain desired results. Problems like fine wrinkling and acne scars may improve with a light chemical peel.
· A medium chemical peel. For this treatment type, your specialist uses glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid or may use a combination of both. These solutions penetrate your skin’s epidermis and upper part of the dermis. It may be an option if you have acne scarring, age spots, and fine to moderate wrinkles.
· A deep chemical peel. It involves using phenol to cause trauma to your skin’s lower middle layer and offers the most dramatic results. Sedation is needed before the treatment and the recovery period is more extensive than with light and medium peels. You only need one treatment which your doctor may use if you have deep acne scars, severe sun damage, and actinic keratosis (precancerous growths).
Preparing for a chemical peel
Before treatment, you should consult with your skincare specialist to understand what the procedure is all about and whether you are an ideal candidate for chemical peels. A discussion with your specialist helps you understand the best treatment method for you and offers you a chance to clear any uncertainties you may have. A chemical peel may not be an option if you scar easily or you have taken acne medication. If you qualify as a good candidate for this treatment, your doctor may give you several guidelines that include:
· Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications and supplements since they have blood-thinning properties and may increase your chances of bleeding and bruising.
· Do not exfoliate or use facial scrubs at least a week before treatment.
· If you are prone to cold sores, take an antiviral medication.
· Do not use hair removal processes like waxing and epilating on areas to be treated at least a week before a peel.
You do not have to keep worrying about your skin’s appearance when you can do something about it. Reserve a session with your specialist at Heights Aesthetic Laser Center for treatment to get that radiant skin.