Chemical peels have been around for a very long time. In fact, the very first chemical peel came about in the 19th century by a dermatologist in Australia, named Ferdinand Ritter von Hebra. There are many reasons why people love this treatment, including how versatile it is. Chemical peels work to improve the appearance of your skin and they can be used on the face, neck or hands.
The reasons that people choose to get a chemical peel can vary, but some reasons are to reduce fine lines on the face, help certain kinds of acne, treat sun damaged skin, reduce dark patches or age spots, improve the appearance of scars, and treat wrinkles.
There are three classifications of chemical peels, and they are light, medium and deep. The type of chemical peel you get will depend on your specific skin type and your skin concerns or goals.
After deciding which type of chemical peel is best for you, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and the chemical solution is then applied to your face. The treatment generally takes around 45 minutes and the amount of peeling you will experience after depends on which classification your chemical peel was. You will also be given some direction as to how often you should come back for another chemical peel.
After receiving the chemical peel, your skin will be a little more sensitive to the sun, temporarily, so you want to make sure to wear sun protection if you are going outside. You should do your best to avoid the sun for a little while though, but if you do go outside, make sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses to shield your face as much as possible.
It is important to know that your skin will go through a recovery process following the treatment. If you have a light peel, the recovery time can be anywhere from 1-7 days, but a medium to deep peel can take a few weeks for your skin to fully recover.
Many people suffer from various skin concerns and the chances that a chemical peel will help is very likely, since it is such a versatile treatment and can treat so many different skin concerns. This is also a very popular treatment since it offers people a way to improve the appearance of their skin without needing to have surgery.
After a chemical peel, people can expect to have better texture in their skin and their overall skin tone will be improved. You may also experience younger and smoother looking skin. This treatment often gives people a natural boost in confidence since the treatment results are so positive.