by Skincare-news.com team
Part I took a detailed look at preparing for your chemical peel; now get a better understanding about the actual treatment and recovery.
6. Fiction – Chemical peels will burn your skin. Burn is a bad word in the skin care industry. Burning indicates that the temperature of something like wax or a chemical peel is so high that it’s going to take off several layers of skin and leave bad scarring. This rarely happens, so please be careful before using the word, burn.
After getting a peel, your skin will most likely be red or frosty and feel very tight. This doesn’t mean it’s been burned. The first layer has been exfoliated using an acid that eats up dry and dead skin and kills bacteria. Depending on the type of peel you use, the number of layers applied and the amount of time the peel has been left on your face, the sensation will vary. A pre-treatment is typically used seconds before the peel goes on the skin. The peel is then applied and takes about 15 minutes. Some people experience a slight tingling feeling; others feel as though their skin is stinging. Your technician should place a fan near your face after the peel is applied and most estheticians use ice cubes or a cooling mask to calm the sensation. This will help the uncomfortable feeling on your face. If you are still red and tingly 24 hours after your peel, consult your technician. Hydrocortisone can immediately help the situation until you discover the root of the concern. Always remember to moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize!
7. Fiction – All chemical peels have a horrible smell. Not exactly: It isn’t the greatest smell in the world and most companies that supply peels are constantly working on a “fragrance” that can cover up the smell of acidity. But with chemical peels, less is more. Fragrances can be active irritants and don’t belong on the skin while you’re having a peel. When chemical peels are applied to your skin, the initial odor smells a lot like rubbing alcohol. Not all peels have a bad smell. There are pumpkin and pomegranate peels; green peels that have a natural smell; and some peels that have no smell at all. For the majority of peels that do have an odor, like with other procedures, you get used to it.
8. Fact – Your skin doesn’t always peel after having a chemical treatment. Skin starts to peel anywhere from three to seven days after treatment. Some people have extremely thick skin and don’t see much actual peeling. Also, low-grade peels like AHA or lactic acid don’t always force the skin to have a peeling effect. Other peels like Jessner’s, Sal Ex or TCA peels have a different effect and skin usually peels pretty heavily.
Overall, there are many objectives of a chemical peel, the acids are very different and all are highly effective: As skin peels and new layers become visible, take a close look at how healthy and fresh the texture of your skin looks and feels. Peels leave skin tighter, younger looking and softer.
Importantly, after the peel, your technician should always apply a sunscreen, no matter what the weather is like in addition to writing out a home care prescription so that you know the products to use till your next treatment.
9. Fiction – You should get a chemical peel once a week for it to be effective. Nope! Each type of peel has its own pace. This is why a consultation, home care and a six-month treatment plan should be done before you begin your peels. Remember, your esthetician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon is the expert. They have been highly trained on what works and what is effective. Not following the directions of your skin care expert can end up in ineffective results or worse, damage to your skin. Home care and follow-up treatments are equally as important! Peels can be done every other week, or only once a month, depending on your skin type and the recommended routine. Other treatments may be scheduled between your peels like a facial.
10. Fiction – You can buy chemical peels over-the-counter for at-home use. Not possible. Only skin care products with 10 percent or less are available to consumers. Chemical peels have high concentrations of acids and should only be handled by professionals. There’s a specific protocol for applying a peel: Skin has to be prepared for the acid and it has to be treated a certain way once the peel is removed. These products are unavailable to consumers because applying a peel is considered a specialty service that only licensed professionals are allowed to do. Again, we can’t stress the importance of finding a well-qualified, experienced skin care specialist.