If you are looking to get rid of some of the dead skin cells on your lips, you may be considering a chemical peel. However, you need to know how to choose the right one for you and what side effects you should look out for. There are a lot of different types of chemical peels and each one has its own unique benefits.
Glycolic acid
If you have dull, flaky, and dry lips, a glycolic acid chemical peel may be the solution you’re looking for. These peels work by weakening the bonds that hold dead cells together. When this happens, your skin reveals a smooth, clear layer underneath.
While there is no downtime involved with a lip peel, it’s still important to take care of your lips afterward. Moisturizing the area can help prevent irritation from the chemical. Use an over-the-counter pain-relieving medication, like ibuprofen, to minimize discomfort.
Lips are often the most delicate skin on the face, so it’s important to treat them gently. Using too much rough scrubbing can cause irritation and bleeding. Instead, try a gentle chemical exfoliant.
A glycolic acid chemical peel is an effective way to get rid of aging signs, including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It can also help reduce acne scars.
Skin on the lips can be damaged by sunburn, overuse of cosmetic products, and nervous habits. Fortunately, glycolic acid is safe and can produce excellent results.
You should ask your doctor about the procedure. He or she will perform a thorough exam and discuss your expectations. Also, be prepared to answer questions about medications you’re taking and your medical history.
The duration of your treatment depends on the type of peel you’re having. Lighter peels can be completed in a few minutes, while a deep peel might last for up to 14 days.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is a hygroscopic (water-soluble) alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps remove dead cells on the skin’s surface. It can be used as a daily toner or serum, and it is often formulated with sunscreen.
A lactic acid peel for lips is a safe and effective way to clear away dead skin and improve the look of your lips. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. The best way to avoid them is to start with a small concentration of the acid.
Some mild lactic acid peels may cause a few minor side effects, such as a temporary rash, tingling, and an increase in sensitivity to the sun. Those symptoms generally dissipate by the end of the day. If you have sensitive lips, however, it’s a good idea to avoid a lactic acid peel.
Aside from its benefits, a lactic acid peel can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to correct age spots, and it can hydrate dry, flaky skin.
Lactic acid peels are available over the counter and in professional settings. They can be purchased at drug stores and beauty supply stores. You can choose from a variety of strengths, from 10% to 30%.
A lactic acid chemical peel for lips should be applied 1-2 times per week. To prepare, you should first remove all makeup. Once the area has been thoroughly cleansed, you can apply the solution for about one to three minutes. After the treatment, you should use a neutralizing agent to soothe the area.
Croton oil
A Croton oil chemical peel for lips is a non-surgical procedure that can reduce wrinkles and fine lines, increase elastin and collagen, and improve the appearance of age spots. The croton oil-phenol chemical peel can also add volume to the lips, making the lips appear more plump.
It is important to be aware of the side effects of this procedure. Some of the symptoms include burning, throbbing, redness, erythema and crusting. Symptoms may persist for several months. Patients should avoid the sun during the first few weeks following the treatment.
A phenol-croton oil chemical peel can be done on the entire face, eyelids and lip lines. The results can be dramatic. However, it is not recommended for darker skin tones, which have a higher risk of hypopigmentation.
The process is generally completed in one hour. During the first few days, special skin dressings are necessary. This is to ensure the proper application of the ointment, which will lock in moisture.
The recovery period is about seven to ten days. After this time, patients can resume their normal routine. They should start a regimen of moisturizers, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
When choosing a surgeon for this type of procedure, look for a physician with experience. The physician must be able to recognize and treat any complications that might arise. He or she should also be knowledgeable of plastic surgeons in their area.
Mandelic acid
Mandelic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid. It’s a good choice for acne-prone skin and can even out your complexion. However, it can also have side effects.
The larger molecular structure of mandelic acid means it takes longer to penetrate the skin. This makes it more effective, but it can also mean more irritation for some people.
Before using mandelic acid, you should be sure to test it on a small patch of skin. If you notice any abrasiveness or redness, discontinue use.
You can find many over-the-counter products with mandelic acid in them. But you should always check with a dermatologist first.
Depending on your condition, you may want to consider using mandelic acid in conjunction with other exfoliating products. A mandelic peel is an innovative way to get rid of old skin cells.
When you’re using mandelic acid, it should be applied after a toner and massaged into the skin for about five minutes. This helps to promote cell turnover and increase collagen.
While it can reduce the appearance of acne, you should be careful not to over-exfoliate with it. In addition, you should avoid sunlight and sweating after the peel.
Because it is not as harsh as other acids, mandelic acid can be a good option for acne-prone skin. Using it regularly can help keep your skin looking healthy and bright.
Mandelic acid can be used on both the face and lips. It’s recommended to use it at night.
Avoiding menthol in lip balms
If you are considering having a chemical peel, you will want to avoid lip balms with menthol. This is because menthol can cause irritation and dryness, making it hard for you to hydrate your lips.
However, if you do not mind having your lips slightly tingle, you may want to try a lip balm with a similar tingling effect. You can also combine this with a moisturizer, such as hyaluronic acid, which neutralizes free radicals.
There are many things to look for when purchasing a lip product. First, you should check out the ingredients list. Many basic balms contain drying alcohols that can aggravate your lips.
Other ingredients you should avoid include lanolin, camphor and fragrances. Lanolin is a waxy substance, and it can irritate your skin. It’s also a known allergen.
Fragrances, however, can irritate the skin’s outermost layer and cause contact dermatitis. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that fragrances are the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
Another ingredient that should be avoided is phenol. This is an organic compound that acts as a preservative, but is also toxic.
One of the best things you can do to help your lips is to eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and apply a sunscreen. You can also try a facial mask, but you should be careful not to overdo it.
Side effects
When you have a chemical peel for your lips, you can expect some mild side effects. However, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions. You may need to drink plenty of water and apply ointment to your skin daily. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce the pain, prevent infection, or treat cold sores.
The results of your peel are usually noticeable after a few weeks. The color of your lips will be lighter. But, you’ll need to avoid sun exposure for several months.
Some people experience redness, itching, and swelling after their peel. This will go away after a couple of days. It’s a good idea to wear sunscreen, preferably a high SPF, for the first month following your treatment.
There are three main types of chemical peels. These are light, medium, and deep. Each one has different side effects. Light chemical peels use a chemical solution, usually salicylic acid.
Light chemical peels are often performed without anesthesia. Patients can also receive a numbing agent. For more intense peels, patients will require a sedative. Occasionally, a deep peel requires general anesthesia.
Medium-depth peels will penetrate deeper into the skin, and side effects include swelling, blisters, crusting, and redness. Depending on the strength of the peel, these side effects will last for a few months.
Deep chemical peels can be extremely painful. Pain can be reduced with a numbing agent or topical anesthetic. People who undergo deep chemical peels will need to apply ointment daily.