There’s all kinds of professional-grade skincare treatments out there, but one that’s more customizable and effective than most at treating a variety of conditions is a chemical peel. Rather than being a single formula we use for everyone who asks for it, chemical peels can be custom-formulated for your unique skin type and concern. This exfoliating procedure does more than just dissolve dead skin cells. By going deep into the skin, they offer effects you can’t get with over-the-counter masks or peels.
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, as you know, are formulas of certain acids and chemicals that interact with your skin to selectively remove layers of skin cells to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. They can be customized to penetrate to different depths, meaning more exfoliation, but also more downtime for recovery. Common ingredients in chemical peels are acids like alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid.
Light Chemical Peel
Sometimes called “lunchtime peels,” light peels are reserved for mild aesthetic concerns or exfoliation desires. These types of peels just affect the epidermis, or the topmost layer of skin, by dissolving those skin cells to reveal fresher, healthier-looking skin beneath.
Light peels are good for:
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne
- Large pores
- Dry or flaky skin
Depending on your goals, you can have light chemical peels performed on a regular basis, like once a month. Results from a light peel appear within two weeks.
Medium-Depth Chemical Peel
Going a little stronger than the no-downtime-required light chemical peel, a medium peel removes both the epidermis and the layer of skin below that, the top layer of the dermis. This deeper treatment can reach the layer of skin where things like scarring and skin damage that leads to wrinkles takes place. Because of that, medium peels are good for:
- Fine lines
- Mild wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Sun damage
- Acne scars
We find that patients of medium chemical peels often need a few days away from their normal life to handle the redness and tenderness of their skin. Medium peels can be repeated for a compounded effect.
Deep Chemical Peel
The most significant chemical peel handles the most significant conditions. This treatment removes the epidermis and several layers of your dermis for the deepest treatment that’s safe to perform. Because of the potency of the chemicals used during a deep peel, we usually apply topical numbing cream to help ensure the procedure is painless. Deep chemical peels can treat:
- Mild to moderate wrinkles
- Deep scarring
- Precancerous skin (actinic keratosis)
The good news is that a deep chemical peel lasts a very long time, so the results you get from it are here to stay. However, there is often significant downtime associated with the procedure, which not everyone has the time for.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
As you can see, chemical peels are capable of doing more for your skin than simply cleaning it deeply. With no expensive lasers, these treatments can help brighten or even your skin tone, and even minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Many formulas require no downtime at all, just a little bit of redness as a side effect. And the appointments for most peels (with the exception of deep peels) are quick and painless.
Chemical Peels in Glenview, IL
If you want a more radiant glow or need something to help combat stubborn acne breakouts, a chemical peel can be a great solution. To learn more and find out which dermatology solution is right for your unique skincare goals, don’t hesitate to contact Reserve Dermatology by calling our office or filling out an online form today. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Liz Damstetter is here to help you get skin that you love to look at with a full suite of medical-grade aesthetic treatments.