What can you expect from a chemical peel?

A chemical peel can seem daunting at first. Samantha, anyone? We often hear questions from patients which include, “Will it burn? How much downtime will I have? Will I look crazy? How much skin peeling will I see?”

First it helps to understand how a chemical peel works. Peels use a solution to exfoliate the skin, smoothing the texture of the skin by removing the damaged outer layers. Once the outer layers have been removed, a process that takes one to seven days, your rejuvenated glowing skin is revealed.

What are the benefits of a chemical peel?

Chemical peels are an effective skin treatment for many skin issues, including everything from smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to treating acne, brown spots and pores. Receiving a treatment is simpler than you expect and could be the best gift you give your skin all year. The benefits of a chemical peel are huge, and the women at Timeless Skin Solutions are here to walk you through every phase.

After one chemical peel, most patients notice an immediate improvement in skin’s texture. Generally, results are cumulative so maximum benefits are seen with a series of chemical peels.

Day by Day Chemical Peel Process

One week before your chemical peel.

During the seven days leading up to your treatment, you should avoid any skin irritants as well as tanning, waxing, tweezing or use of depilatory creams. Because some patients can experience mild itching or stinging be sure to have Benadryl or Zantac and aspirin or Tylenol available at home.

The 10 minute peel application.

The treatment will begin with a Timeless Skin Solutions provider washing your face before applying a topical solution in layers. This peel application takes ten minutes or less. After the solution is applied, many patients experience a mild stinging sensation that quickly subsides. Your face may feel tight and appear red however most patients have no problem returning to work the same day.

The week following your chemical peel: day by day.

Here’s what you can expect the week after the treatment – your skin will change each day.

Day 1

Your skin will feel tight and may appear sunburned, continuing to redden as the day continues. Benadryl, Zantac, aspirin or Tylenol can help with any mild itching or burning that might occur as the peel penetrates deeper into the skin.

Day 2

Your skin will continue to feel very tight while the top layers of skin are dehydrating. By the end of the day you may experience some skin flaking, usually starting between the eyes and around the mouth and nose. It’s very important not to peel the skin manually and to only cleanse with cool or tepid water.

Day 3

Your skin will flake, peel and feel pretty tight today, but make sure not to pick! You may begin using a gentle cleanser, such as Skin Medica’s Sensitive Skin Cleanser or Facial Cleanser as well as a strong hydrating cream, such as Skin Medica’s Dermal Repair, Dermaquest Antioxidant Soothing Serum or Ceramide cream. Do not use SPF or retinoids, retinol, acids, astringents or Vitamin C.

Day 4

While the majority of skin peeling takes place between days three and four, don’t be alarmed if you continue to experience peeling. Continue with cleansing and moisturizing. It’s normal if some areas have completely peeled while other areas may not have peeled at all.

Day 5-6

On day six may still have tender skin. You can exfoliate with a gentle scrub, such as Skin Medica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, to remove any remaining peeling skin. You should continue to avoid sun exposure for two weeks, but you can begin to wear SPF.

Day 7

On day seven, come see us at Timeless Skin Solutions for a SilkPeel treatment to remove the remaining flaking skin. Ease back into your skin care products and be sure to wear sunscreen at all times.

Week Two

The following week you may resume waxing, tweezing or depilatory creams. You will notice your skin is pink for about one more week. And by day six or seven, you should see a new youthful glow. After just one chemical peel, most patients notice an immediate improvement in skin’s texture.

It’s that simple.

In the time it takes for you to have a lunch date, you could be on your way to a younger looking and more radiant you.

For a complete list of treatment instructions, please read here.

If you’re interested in learning more about the incredible benefits of a chemical peel or SilkPeel treatment, please contact us at 614-799-5100 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.