A chemical peel is a non-surgical treatment that works to improve skin tone, texture and pigmentation. It’s a popular way to treat fine lines, wrinkles, blotchy or discolored skin and acne scars.
A chemical peel can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots by accelerating the skin’s turnover process. However, a chemical peel needs to be performed by a trained professional to achieve results.
Deep peels
A deep chemical peel can remove dark spots by removing layers of skin that have been damaged by the sun. It can also reduce wrinkles, age spots and liver spots that may be more difficult to treat with other treatments.
Your dermatologist will determine if you need a deep peel by working with you to assess your skin condition and goals. The best results are achieved with a treatment that targets the root cause of your discoloration, rather than just covering up the spots.
Deep chemical peels can help remove dark spots that are caused by acne, aging or the sun. They also can reduce the appearance of scaly patches and rough skin.
The depth of your peel will be determined by your doctor, who will use a combination of acids to target your specific concerns. You’ll need to prepare your skin by following certain pretreatment instructions, such as using retinoic acid, which thins the surface of the skin.
During your procedure, your doctor will apply a solution that contains glycolic or salicylic acid to your skin. Depending on the type of acid, you’ll see mild stinging or itching during the treatment.
You can expect redness and swelling to last up to seven days after your peel, though this will diminish with time. Your doctor will give you a painkiller and sedative to reduce any discomfort.
To minimize the risk of scarring, you should avoid picking or scrubbing the affected area. You should also wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.
Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, especially if you have a history of cold sores or herpes. This will limit the chance of a flare-up and shorten your recovery period.
If you are considering a deep peel, make sure you choose an experienced doctor and clinic. An inexperienced person can perform a peel incorrectly and result in uneven skin tone and scarring.
Your doctor will tell you about the risks and benefits of a chemical peel before your treatment. Aside from the common side effects, which include a redness-like reaction and a loss of your ability to tan, there’s a small risk of heart, kidney or liver damage.
Medium peels
If you’re looking to remove dark spots from your skin, chemical peels may be an excellent treatment option. These treatments remove the damaged top layer of your skin to give your complexion a more even appearance.
Often, the dark spots we see are caused by excess melanin clustering in the top layer of our skin. This can be the result of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and inflammation.
The chemical peels we use work to remove this excess melanin and promote new cell turnover, which results in an evenly pigmented complexion. Over time, you’ll see a reduction in the appearance of these discolorations as your skin heals from the peel and as you continue to use products that brighten your skin.
Most patients require about 4 to 6 light peels, spaced one to two months apart, to achieve their desired results. These treatments improve the texture and tone of your skin, reduce fine wrinkles and increase collagen production to help firm up sagging skin.
Once your skin has healed, we recommend regular maintenance treatments to keep your complexion looking smooth and youthful. Most people prefer to have these treatments every six months, although we can determine a specific frequency that works best for you based on your specific skin care needs and goals.
These treatments are also ideal for those who are looking to treat mild to moderate acne or other skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation. The acids used in medium peels, like Jessner’s formula or Salicylic acid, can unclog pores and promote skin rejuvenation.
As with all types of chemical peels, the treatment is most effective when performed by a qualified professional. Typically, these treatments are carried out using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) at concentrations between 35% and 50%. Other acids are sometimes used, including glycolic, pyruvic, and salicylic acid.
Occasionally, we may also use a small amount of phenol to enhance the peel’s effects. This type of peel is typically more intense than the other options and requires a greater degree of recovery, with redness and swelling lasting several weeks or longer.
After your treatment, you’ll want to follow your dermatologist’s instructions for skin care and avoid the sun. These guidelines can greatly assist in improving the effectiveness of your peel.
Light peels
A chemical peel is an effective way to remove skin imperfections and restore a smoother, healthier complexion. It can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, redness and scarring from acne, sun damage, melasma and dark spots.
Choosing the right type of peel for your skin is crucial to getting the best results. Your doctor will consider your skin type and tone, as well as your goals for treatment when selecting a peel.
Light chemical peels use a gentler form of acid to exfoliate the top layer of your skin (epidermis) to reduce the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles and other skin irregularities. They also are a good choice for those with sensitive or dry skin who aren’t comfortable with a deeper peel.
Some light peels contain fruit enzymes that work to gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells. They’re a great option for people who want to brighten their skin, especially on the surface of the face and neck.
Another option is a light peel with glycolic acid, which is commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. It can be repeated several times to achieve the desired results and has a minimal amount of downtime.
There are other acid-based peels that can help you fade dark spots on your face, including salicylic and lactic acid. Both of these treatments are mild enough for most people to tolerate and can provide dramatic improvements in the skin’s tone and texture.
Lactic acid is derived from milk and is one of the most gentle peels for skin that’s easily irritated or inflamed. Its light exfoliation helps to decrease skin cell cohesion and boosts collagen production for more even-looking skin.
Before any chemical peel, you’ll need to be thoroughly cleansed with a topical anesthetic and protected with a medical dressing that covers the area of the skin to be treated. Depending on the depth of your peel, you may experience swelling and redness after the treatment. This is normal and can last for several weeks, although white spots usually disappear in a few days after a deep peel.
Combination peels
Chemical peels are a common cosmetic treatment that can dramatically improve skin texture and color. They are effective for a wide range of conditions, including sun damage, acne, and fine lines. They can also reduce the appearance of scars and enlarged pores, and help improve melasma and other pigmentation issues.
However, it’s important to know what types of peels are safe for darker skin and people of color, since some chemicals can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s best to get a professional consultation to decide which peel will work for your specific needs and goals.
Light or superficial peels typically contain fruit enzymes and small concentrations of acids that exfoliate the top layer of your skin, helping to remove minor dark spots and surface discoloration. These peels are suitable for anyone with healthy skin that isn’t suffering from severe sun damage or other major skin issues, such as rosacea.
During a peel, a chemical solution is applied to your skin in a thin, circular pattern. The process is usually completed within a few minutes. Then, a neutralizer is applied to your skin to prevent any irritation.
A combination peel combines multiple acids that target different areas of the skin. For example, a modified Jessner’s peel combines lactic acid, salicylic acid, and citric acid. Other popular peels for reducing dark spots include the salicylic-mandelic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and phenol peels.
These peels can be performed on their own or as part of a series of treatments. They are ideal for improving the overall quality of your skin, but they can also be used to address more serious skin issues such as rosacea, melasma, and deep scarring.
It’s also important to remember that any type of peel is only beneficial if it is applied correctly and with care. Patients should follow all aftercare instructions and avoid direct sunlight until they are completely healed.
Once the initial redness has gone away, you can go back to your regular skincare routine. Your doctor will likely recommend using a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher every day to protect your skin from further damage.