Chemical peels are one of the most effective ways to reduce signs of aging, improve skin appearance and health, and remove some blemishes or even acne infections. However, the chemical peel process can be very intensive.
Although Cosmetica does not offer deep peels, which require general anesthesia, we offer medium peels that remove many layers of dead and damaged skin. You’ll need to take some time off work to heal, and you’ll have a follow-up visit to check your healing progress.
Light peels only need two to five days to heal, and you can get these every few weeks or months. You should not get a medium peel more than twice per year.
Chemical peels make profound changes to the surface of your skin in the short term, and they are very beneficial in the long term. They can be more effective than other cosmetic treatments like deep-cleaning facials, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments. They are particularly effective at removing sun damaged skin, which is something many residents of Boca Raton, Florida, want.
Why Is a Chemical Peel Used?
You want healthy, youthful, and glowing skin, but maybe you struggle with blemishes, acne, wrinkles, scars and lines, discoloration, or uneven tone that you have not been able to fix on your own. You might have found a combination of at-home treatments that reduce the appearance of these skin imperfections for a day or two, but the problem always comes back.
You need to go deeper to solve the problem. In fact, removing these unhealthy layers of skin and deep-cleaning your pores can reset your face and improve your appearance.
One of the best approaches to healing your skin is with a chemical peel, also sometimes called chemexfoliation or derma peeling. Chemical peels can diminish signs of aging or poor health, including spots, changes in texture and coloration, wrinkles and lines, and even minor scars. This procedure can also help treat some medical skin conditions like acne, which is a type of skin infection that is difficult to remove.
We’ve outlined what chemical peels can do for you, their cost, and which procedure might be best. Medical spas like Cosmetica offer light or medium skin peels to greatly enhance your skin’s health.
What Can a Chemical Peel Treat & How Often Should I Get One?
Chemical peels go deep into layers of your skin to effectively treat these issues:
- Some types of acne, like acne vulgaris, which is a skin infection
- Age spots
- Blotchy complexion
- Dull complexion or discoloration
- Fine lines or wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth
- Freckles or minor spots
- Melasma, or patches of freckle-like spots
- Sun-damaged skin
- Rough skin
- Uneven skin tone
The process of getting a chemical peel may involve some pre-procedure preparation. For example, your aesthetician may recommend two to four weeks of specific skin care to moisturize and reduce inflammation.
On the day of treatment, you will also deep-clean your skin. Your dermatologist or aesthetician will tell you the exact process they would like you to follow for best results.
Chemical peels are intensive treatments. Typically, you will not need more than a topical anesthetic, but some deep peels for medical reasons require general anesthesia and are performed in a surgical setting. Cosmetica Med Spa does not perform these procedures. It is important to understand that this is a process that removes layers of skin to heal skin conditions.
Chemical peels are not designed as frequent, regular skin treatments, as facials might be. However, some results of these peels are not permanent since skin continues to age. That said, results will last for months.
For residents in sunny places like Boca Raton, Florida, there are almost no better dermatological treatments for sunspots, sun damage, and melasma, or skin spots that can get darker from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
The Cost of a Chemical Peel Compared to Other Skin Procedures
Although chemical peels are used to treat some medical dermatological conditions, the process is not covered by insurance. However, chemical peels cost significantly less than other types of skin resurfacing treatment, like lasers or deep-cleansing facials. This makes them a good option for the occasional skin boost, to trigger your natural healing process.
Currently, the average cost of a chemical peel is $519, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s 2020 statistics. This cost includes any anesthesia, prescription medications, and facility costs. Adding skin treatments to the procedure can add to this cost, but getting a light chemical peel might cost much less since there are fewer associated medical expenses.
Although they can be abrasive, light or medium skin peels are good for nearly anyone who wants a serious refresh. Your aesthetician at Cosmetica can customize these treatments with other moisturizing and deep-cleaning procedures. Once the chemical peel is complete and you begin the healing process, you may notice that your skin care regimen works even better than before.
Supporting Your Skin’s Healing After a Chemical Peel
The type of aftercare you follow will depend on the type of chemical peel you receive. Your Cosmetica aesthetician will tell you more, but here is an overview of what you can expect:
“Lunchtime” or Refreshing Peels
- Healing will take 1 to 7 days.
- Skin will be red, which gradually disappears.
- Scaling may appear on the third day, but it will also gradually disappear.
- Apply lotion or cream to keep the skin hydrated, and use sunscreen every day.
- Wait for a day to put makeup on again.
- There are typically no required follow-up visits, unless you are prescribed a chemical peel routine. You might receive this light peel every 2 to 5 weeks.
Medium Peel
- Healing takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- Swelling and redness worsens after 48 hours. Eyelids might swell.
- Blisters can form and burst.
- Skin will crust and peel off starting at about one week.
- Soak your face daily for a specific period; then, apply a medicated ointment after.
- You will be prescribed an antiviral medication to take for 10 to 14 days.
- Avoid the sun completely until skin heals.
- There will be a follow-up visit after you begin healing.
Deep Peel
- Healing takes 14 to 21 days, or 2 to 3 weeks.
- Your face will be bandaged.
- You should arrange for someone else to take you to and from the peel, as you will be under general anesthesia.
- These are medical procedures, so your doctor will prescribe soaking, skin ointment, and medication. Use as directed, and attend your follow-up appointments.
Chemical peels are very popular skin cleaning and healing procedures, and they are quite effective at removing blemishes, wrinkles, and other skin concerns. They are even used in a medical context to treat some types of acne or other spots. Light skin peels have similar benefits as laser treatments or microdermabrasion, while deep peels require several weeks of healing time and are rarely used.
Overall, a chemical peel is a great option for many people who are frustrated with unhealthy, aging skin and want a reboot.
References
Chemical Peels: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
Chemical Peels in the Treatment of Acne: Patient Selection and Perspectives. (July 2018). Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Chemical Peels: FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost? American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Here’s Why Chemical Peels Are the Secret to Perfect Skin. (April 2016). Allure.
