What Can Chemical Peels Treat?
Chemical peels can be used for mild sun damage, acne scars, age spots, wrinkles, dullness, or other minor imperfections on the skin’s surface.
What Chemicals Are Used in These Peels?
Chemical peels usually involve one of three types of chemical solutions: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or phenol. AHAs are most commonly used for mild exfoliation and lightening of the skin. TCA is usually used for deeper peels and can address more severe signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. Phenol is typically reserved for the most extreme cases, such as deep wrinkles or severely sun-damaged skin.
What Strength of Chemical Peels Are Available?
The strength of the chemical peel depends on how deeply it penetrates your skin. A superficial peel only affects the outer layer of the epidermis (the top layer), while a medium-depth peel can penetrate into multiple layers. Deep chemical peels are rarely done today because of the potential risks and side effects associated with them. Regardless, all chemical peels have some level of risk involved, so it is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have before starting the procedure.
What Can I Expect After My Chemical Peel?
In general, it takes one to two weeks for your new skin to heal after a chemical peel, depending on how deep it is. You may experience some peeling or flaking of the skin during this time as well. Afterward, you should be able to enjoy smoother, more even-toned skin with fewer wrinkles and blemishes. In addition, because chemical peels promote collagen production in the underlying layers of skin, you may also notice firmer and plumper skin over time.
Learn More About the Advantages of Chemical Peels!
Call Dr. Ellen Mahony of Westport, CT, today at 203-221-0102 to request an appointment. If you are ready to let go of dry winter skin, purchase a series of chemical peels and enjoy microdermabrasion for free, a $400 value. Also, if you book two areas of liposuction this month, you can enjoy a complimentary third area on us! Surgery must be scheduled by May 15, 2023.