After years of sun exposure, product use and wear and tear of daily life, our skin is bound to lose some bounce and have uneven skin texture, discolouration, wrinkles and dryness. With advances in aesthetic care, we now have access to chemical peels that can help solve these problems and leave us with fresh and glowing skin.
Chemical peels are an effective way to even out your skin without going under the knife. If you want to learn more about the procedure, keep reading below:
What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are non-surgical procedures that help improve imperfections on the outermost layer of the skin. A chemical peel essentially removes this layer of skin, taking with it all the dead skin cells. This process helps resurface the skin and encourages the growth of new skin cells that are free of all imperfections.
Depending on the level of treatment your skin requires, a variety of products and substances may be used on your skin. The deeper the scarring and wrinkles, the more intense the treatment is likely to be. After a chemical peel, the skin appears smoother, softer and tighter because it is built up from regenerated skin cells. These cells haven’t gone through the wear and tear your old skin has.
The best way to decide what level of peel is right for you is to visit a professional aesthetician or dermatologist. They will be able to guide you on what is the right path for your skin. Remember that some peels can go deep enough to require some form of anaesthetics. When it comes to your skin, it’s better to let the professionals help you make decisions to avoid any mishaps.
What Can a Chemical Peel Help With?
A chemical peel can help reduce superficial imperfections on the skin. This includes fine lines and wrinkles, acne and scarring, dryness, rosacea, discolouration, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture.
What is the Process?
There are different levels of chemical peels, so there is a slight variation in the process, depending on what your skin needs. The basic process of a peel always starts with a consultation. During the consultation meeting, you and your aesthetician will go over your medical history and any skin concerns you might have. The professional will do a physical exam of your skin to pinpoint the areas that require treatment and to determine what level of peel will most benefit you.
Before the peel treatment, your aesthetician will give you instructions on what to avoid and what to do for your skin. You will likely be asked to avoid facials, scrubs and hair removal treatments before the peel, and you will be encouraged to use sunscreen to prepare your skin for the procedure.
Once you get to the clinic, your aesthetic practitioner will start by cleaning your face. Depending on the level of your peel, a numbing cream will be applied, or you will be given a mild sedative or painkiller. The chemical peel solution is then applied to the skin by the practitioner and left to sit for the appropriate amount of time for the chosen solution. A neutralising solution is applied if needed, and then removed from the skin. During this time, you might experience some stinging or mild discomfort.
You will end the treatment with some application of moisturiser and protective ointments to help heal your skin. You might experience redness and dryness on the skin after your treatment, which your aesthetician will discuss with you before your procedure.
What to Expect After a Chemical Peel
Your skin will react differently depending on what level of chemical peel you went for. After a light chemical peel, you can expect your skin to be red and dry with some mild irritation. Your skin will remain this way for up to a week while your new skin regenerates. As the new skin grows, you might notice some discolouration, but this is just temporary.
After a medium peel, you are likely still going to experience some mild stinging on the skin. Your skin will be tighter and swollen with some redness. You will be told to use cold-packs to soothe the skin and take some mild painkillers if needed. Over the next two weeks, the swelling will reduce, and new skin will begin to form; temporarily. You might notice some spotting and discolouration as your skin heals.
After getting a deep chemical peel, you will notice visible swelling and redness on the skin. Some ointments and painkillers will be recommended to help you during the healing process. Your aesthetic practitioner will also advise you to stay at home during this time to help speed up the healing process. You will notice the regeneration of new skin within two weeks of the process.
What is the Aftercare Process of a Chemical Peel?
For the few days after the peel, use moisturiser and sunscreen regularly as they will support the healing process and even improve the results. Make sure to avoid any sun exposure or excessive heat, and any kind of exercise that will cause excessive sweating as that can result in skin blistering after a peel.
You should continue any ointments and topical treatments as recommended by your aesthetician for the specified amount of time to make sure your skin heals properly. Last but not least, don’t pick or peel your skin when it starts flaking.
Where Can I Get a Chemical Peel in London?
If you want to even out your skin tone with a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure, book a consultation with Dr Chike Clinics today. They operate on Harley St, in Knightsbridge and in West Hampstead. They have a range of procedures to rejuvenate your skin and offer luxury care for their clients. When it comes to chemical peels, they offer a range of treatments using the ZO Skin Health range. They also have combination treatments with peels to help you get the best results for your skin!
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