Is a Chemical Peel Your Skins New BFF?

The skin has a constant need for attention, which is why it is necessary for us to create meaningful and lasting relationships with various habits, techniques, products, and treatments. Daily habits like wearing sunscreen have an impact on skin aging, but this isn’t enough. It is crucial to go above and beyond to maximize the skins capabilities. One way to do this is with the occasional chemical peel.

Chemical peels are essential treatments that are customized to your skin. Having one chemical peel doesn’t mean all others that you have in the future will be the same. Each is designed around what your skin needs most at that point in time. The general purpose of a chemical peel is to help your skin regenerate. We can do this by formulating the right chemical solution to achieve the desired amount of abrasion to the superficial layers of tissue. Here, we discuss the common types of chemical peels and what they can do.

Light Peels

Light chemical peels usually have a base of alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acid. Many of the ingredients in light peels are fruit or plant derivates that exfoliate and nourish the skin gently. Alpha hydroxy acids like citric acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid are light enough that they do not induce pronounced redness or peeling, but efficient enough to bring out healthy new skin cells.

What to Expect from a Light Peel

Light chemical peels are advantageous because there is no downtime afterward. It is possible to go straight back to the office after one of these gentle treatments. Because there is no lingering redness and minimal flaking, if any, it may seem as though a light peel isn’t providing any value. However, patients can receive this treatment every 1-2 months for cumulative effects that last years.

Medium Peels

Medium chemical peels are for more intense rejuvenation with minimal downtime. There used to be deep peel options, but those have largely been replaced with laser skin resurfacing, which is safer and gentler than deep chemical resurfacing. Medium peels usually contain a specific concentration of Trichloroacetic acid, which permeates deeper beneath the surface and may cause a slight burning or stinging sensation during treatment. A topical numbing cream can reduce these effects.

What to Expect from a Medium Peel

Medium peels incite more redness and may even cause you to look slightly puffy for a day or two. Flaking and peeling are expected, and the skin will need precise care to nourish and protect those vibrant new skin cells that are being revealed.

Schedule a Consultation

Learn more about chemical peels and the spa services available in our St. Louis office at 314-567-3567.