If you’ve ever struggled with dull skin or acne scars, you may be interested in chemical peels as a potential treatment option. Chemical peels are a popular skin care treatment designed to improve your skin’s texture and tone by removing the outer layers of skin to expose the fresh skin underneath.
At Revive Wellness Group, we offer a range of chemical peel options to our clients based on their skin types and desired results. What do chemical peels do and how do they work? Find out here.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a special chemical solution to remove the outer layers of skin through a process of chemical exfoliation. The goal of a chemical peel is to rejuvenate the skin by revealing new layers of healthier skin underneath. We use chemical peels to treat various skin concerns, like acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Three Types of Chemical Peels
There are three primary types of chemical peels.
Light Chemical Peels
Light chemical peels are sometimes called superficial peels. They use mild acids like AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) to gently exfoliate the outermost skin layers.
Light chemical peels are suitable for people with all skin types, including sensitive skin and a full range of skin tones. These chemical peels require minimal downtime, making them a convenient option for those with busy schedules who want skin rejuvenation.
Medium Chemical Peels
Medium chemical peels go a bit deeper than light chemical peels by penetrating the middle layers of the skin. These chemical peels also use a different type of chemical, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to treat skin concerns that require more aggressive methods, like acne scars and wrinkles. Medium chemical peels require more recovery time — usually around a week — depending on the person.
Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels are the most aggressive since they penetrate the deepest and use strong acids, like phenol. These peels treat deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, and deep acne scars. Deep peels require the longest recovery time, usually between two and three weeks.
What Do Chemical Peels Do?
During a chemical peel, we apply a special chemical solution to the skin. The solution exfoliates certain layers of the skin (depending on the type of peel), causing those layers to eventually peel off.
This forces the skin to regenerate, making it appear smoother and more even in overall tone and texture. This process is how chemical peels aid in the reduction of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Chemical Peels for Acne Scars
Chemical peels for acne scars are one of the most popular treatments we provide, as they effectively reduce the appearance of acne scarring through skin regeneration. Chemical peels for acne scars are a three-step process.
First is exfoliation, which removes damaged skin cells to allow new, healthy skin to emerge. Chemical peel exfoliation on its own can help reduce superficial acne scars.
Next, chemical peels stimulate the production of new collagen, which helps improve the overall texture and firmness of the skin. Increasing collagen production helps fill depressed acne scars to reduce their appearance and make them less noticeable.
Finally, chemical peels help with pigment reduction. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common issue associated with acne, but chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you’re interested in a chemical peel for acne scars, several factors will determine which type of chemical peel you receive and whether the peel will be effective. Superficial acne scars can see significant improvement with light to medium peels, while deep-set acne scarring may need deep peels or a combination of treatments in order to yield results.
Chemical Peels for Dark Skin
Chemical peels for dark skin require special planning and consideration to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For clients with darker skin, we carefully select the type of peel and strength of the acids used to minimize complications.
We also typically use a more gradual approach by starting with a series of light peels before increasing strength and intensity if needed. Taking a cautious approach allows us to provide more controlled treatment, which protects our clients’ skin while achieving results.
How Long Do Chemical Peels Last?
How long do chemical peels last? The longevity of chemical peel results depends on a few things:
- The type of peel you receive
- The condition of your skin
- Your skin care routine
Light chemical peels are temporary, with results lasting for one or two months. To maintain the effects of a light chemical peel, you should follow a treatment schedule of every four to six weeks.
Medium peels deliver results that last for 6 to 12 months. To maintain the results of your medium chemical peel, you should get one every 6 to 12 months depending on the condition of your skin and your specific concerns.
Deep peels offer dramatic results that last the longest, usually up to several years. Since these peels are an intense treatment, they’re typically only performed once, and any maintenance treatments are light or medium peels.
You can support the results of your chemical peel by protecting your skin with SPF, following a consistent skin care routine (including cleansing and moisturizing), and avoiding environmental toxins like smoking.
Chemical Peels in Perrysburg, OH
At Revive Wellness Group in Perrysburg, OH, we help our clients care for their skin health, texture, and tone through a variety of methods, including chemical peels. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our chemical peels and other treatment options.