Chemical Peel Benefits, Side Effects & How Do They Work

Chemical peels can do a great number of things for the skin. They are able to treat a range of skin conditions and rejuvenate the entire complexion.

Of course, no aesthetic treatment comes without risks, and it is important to note some of the common side effects that can be caused by a stronger skin peel.

Chemical Peel Benefits for Skin

Chemical peels come in different strengths and reach different depths in the layers of the skin. Generally, there are three types: superficial, medium and deep. More serious skin conditions may require a stronger peel.

Explore Chemical Peel Benefits in detail:

A superficial skin peel can:

• Remove the top layer of skin (epidermis)
• Treat signs of ageing e.g. lines, wrinkles, age spots and sagging
• Smooth over rough skin
• Even out skin tone and pigmentation
• Reduce large pores
• Help treat acne prone skin

A medium skin peel can:

• Reach the middle layers of skin
• Treat active acne and acne scars
• Treat signs of ageing e.g. lines, wrinkles, age spots and sagging
• Even out skin tone and pigmentation
• Reduce large pores

A deep skin peel can:

• Reach deeper layers of the dermis
• Treat deep acne scars
• Repair sun-damaged skin
• Treat rosacea

How does chemical Peel work?

Chemical peel treatments are so named because they use chemicals to quite literally peel away layers of skin and dead skin cells.

This exfoliates away any toxins and exposes newer, healthier layers of skin underneath. The appearance of lines and wrinkles is dramatically reduced and the natural healing processes of the body kick in. The growth of new skin cells and the production of collagen create a radiant and youthful complexion.

Your skin will be smoother, softer and healthier all around.

The usual place for chemical peels to be applied is the face, but they can be used elsewhere in the body.

Chemical peel treatment for skin pigmentation

What chemicals do skin peels use on the skin?

Chemical peels are applied as a liquid solution. They contain acids and enzymes.

Superficial and medium chemical peels can be delivered by a qualified aesthetic therapist and often require further treatments to maintain results. They use strong concentrations of chemicals that are found in products at the drug store.

For example salicylic acid, mandelic acid, citric acid, resorcinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, retinoic acid and hydroquinone.

Deep skin peels use stronger chemicals, such as phenol. They cause permanent results and should be carried out by medical professionals. The deeper the skin peel, the more effective it is at treating severe skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.

Phenol has been known to affect the heart and kidneys. Your treatment provider will need to be thoroughly briefed on your medical history and will monitor your heart and blood pressure throughout the treatment process.

Side Effects of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are very quick to administer and can be completed in under an hour. Little to no downtime is required after treatment, enabling you to go straight home.

During the treatment, you may experience a tingling or burning sensation. For deeper peels, a local anaesthetic will be offered.

Side effects that may occur over the following days include:

• Flaking skin that falls away to reveal the new growth underneath
• A feeling of tightness or soreness in the treatment area
• Redness or browning of the skin, similar to sunburn

The deeper the peel, the more uncomfortable the side effects. The symptoms above can be alleviated with moisturiser and should start to disappear within a week.

Deep skin peels may cause swelling that lasts up to 2 weeks, and redness that lasts up to 3 months. They may also lighten the skin, making them unsuitable for darker skin tones. This is something that you should discuss at consultation with your treatment provider.

MySkyn Clinic is available to answer any other questions you may have, either online or on 01274 921121. We are a CQC registered, all-female-run clinic and speak both Urdu and Punjabi if you require. Please get in touch to start the journey towards healthier, happier skin!