A chemical face peel is an excellent way to combat signs of aging. By using a restorative chemical solution, a skin surgeon can resurface the skin to resolve wrinkles, scarring, and discoloration. If you’ve scheduled your first session, you likely have several questions about the process. Below, you’ll find everything to ensure the best outcome.

A Guide to the Chemical Face Peel Process

Before

Stop taking medications that make your skin sensitive to the sun. Those with a history of herpes infections may need to take antiviral medication to prevent or minimize the chances of a breakout. Use an SPF 30 sunscreen any time you’re outside to prevent sun damage. Avoid waxing and hair removal products, and discontinue facial massages, scrubs, and bleaching one week before the chemical peel.

During

There are three types of chemical face peels: light, medium, and deep. During a light peel, the skin surgeon will apply a solution of salicylic or glycolic acid to the treatment area. Some patients report mild pain, but it’s usually painless. This treatment exfoliates the top layer of skin to remove discoloration and smooth it out.

A medium chemical peel penetrates the outer and middle layers of the skin. By removing damaged cells, it can repair fine lines, wrinkles, freckles, and age spots. Deep peels repair more extensive age lines, wrinkles, and scars, and they can only be performed once. The doctor will apply carbolic acid to your skin in 15-minute intervals and neutralize it with water between each. They’ll often provide a local anesthetic or sedative to reduce pain. The entire treatment takes around 90 minutes.

After

The skin care surgeon will apply petroleum jelly, a protective ointment, or for deep peels, medical gauze to protect your skin when you leave. Redness, swelling, and irritation accompany each peel type and increase in severity from light to deep. Light peels take one to seven days to heal, medium peels take seven to 14 days, and deep peels take two weeks.

Don’t touch or pull your skin as it sheds because you may cause scarring. Keep your hair out of your face and use a neutral moisturizer and sunscreen, both of which you can discuss with your doctor. 

Are you ready to schedule your first chemical face peel? Turn to Lauren A. Daman, M.D., P.C. for an effective treatment. This Hartford, CT, skin surgeon offers a variety of unique services, including Botox®, microdermabrasion, and sclerotherapy. You can explore a full scope of services online or call (860) 246-3533 to schedule an appointment.