If you are looking for a non-invasive aesthetic treatment that can address most of your aesthetic concerns, you may want to consider a chemical peel. Chemical peels are professional exfoliation treatments that leverage the power of exfoliating acids to resurface the skin. Learn more about what you can expect from this treatment before your first appointment at Biotech Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Miami, FL.
What Are the Benefits of Chemical Peels?
There are numerous benefits to chemical peels. One of the major benefits is the fact that this treatment is completely non-invasive. A non-invasive treatment may be an essential requirement for people who have sensitive skin or a history of easy scarring. Additionally, non-invasive treatments are preferred by people who do not want to use surgery or ablative treatments such as laser skin resurfacing to address aesthetic concerns. Other benefits of this treatment include:
Manage Acne-Prone Skin
People who have acne-prone skin often struggle with regulating oil production, keeping skin clear of dead skin cells, and minimizing breakouts. Although several aspects of acne are determined by genetics and hormones, the right aesthetic treatment can go a long way to improving the appearance of acne-prone skin. In particular, chemical peels can be used to turn over new skin cells, kill acne-causing bacteria, and reduce sebum production.
Relieve Congested and Enlarged Pores
Oftentimes, the size of your pores is determined by your genetics and your skin history. People who have a history of acne or congested pores from whiteheads and blackheads typically have a larger pore appearance. Fortunately, an exfoliating treatment can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores so the skin appears smoother and more refined. People who have congested pores can also benefit from this treatment because the exfoliating acids will gently reduce whiteheads and blackheads.
Correct Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a significant challenge for many people. Whether your hyperpigmentation is caused by post-acne marks or sun damage, it can be difficult to correct stubborn hyperpigmentation with at-home skincare products. Even moderate to severe hyperpigmentation can be significantly improved with the right chemical peels. This is because exfoliating with an acid facial will remove several layers of affected skin cells at one time, which will reveal fresh, unlimited skin.
Minimize Fine Lines and Wrinkles
For people who have age-related concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, an important benefit of chemical peels is the ability to erase mild to moderate signs of visible aging. Although this facial treatment will not stimulate collagen production deep within the dermal layers of the skin, exfoliating the top layers of the skin will minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reduce Scarring
Scarring is often a difficult challenge for dermatologists to address, specifically because dermal scarring affects so many layers of the skin. Whether you want to improve the appearance of acne scarring or scars from injuries on the skin, chemical peels can be an ideal option. This exfoliating treatment will remove layers of skin cells affected by visible scarring.
Smooth and Balance Complexion
Finally, if you want to smooth out your skin and balance your skin complexion, this facial can be key for your ongoing treatment plan. With regular peels, it’s possible to bring your skin into balance so that you can enjoy a youthful, bright, radiant complexion. Some people find that with repeated treatments, fewer cosmetics are needed to improve the appearance of the skin.
Are Chemical Peel Facials Customized?
One of the keys to the success of a peel is the fact that the chemicals used for your facial will be customized to meet the needs of your skin type and skin tone. The most common acids that are used for peels include lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, TCA, AHAs, and BHAs. Furthermore, the strength of these chemicals will also be customized to suit the sensitivity level of your skin. The three major types of peels include:
Light Peels
Light peels are by far the most common type of chemical peel facial. These peels are designed only to remove the first few layers of the skin, making them an ideal option for your regular skin care maintenance. Light peels can address mild to moderate scarring, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. These peels are also often recommended to manage acne-prone skin to reduce breakout regularity.
Medium Peels
Medium peels will peel the skin down to the middle dermal layer. A medium peel is most appropriate to address moderate skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scarring, and enlarged pores. People who want to lift and tighten their skin can also use medium peels.
Deep Peels
Finally, deep peels are a treatment that will exfoliate several layers of skin cells to the deepest dermal layers. These peels can be used as a spot treatment to address suspicious blemishes on the skin or can be used all over to correct moderate to severe signs of visible aging and sun damage.
What Can You Expect From This Treatment?
Your appointments for these aesthetic facials will usually take about 30 minutes to complete. During your treatment, your skin will be cleansed to neutralize the skin surface, remove dirt and makeup, and prepare your skin for the acid peel. After the chemical solution sits on your skin for several minutes, it will be removed with a neutralizing cleanser that will restore the pH balance of your skin. Depending on your treatment plan, you can follow this facial up with soothing serums or other treatments.
What Should You Do Before Treatment?
Because a chemical peel is an exfoliating treatment, you must not use any at-home chemical exfoliants on your skin for at least one week. Using chemicals on your skin immediately before your appointment will make your skin prone to sensitivity and can undermine the success of your desired results. Even if you are using at-home chemical exfoliants that have a low percentage, it’s best to avoid these products completely.
Additionally, before your treatment, you will need to discuss the medications you are currently taking since some medications will prevent you from using the treatment. If you have been taking antibiotics and certain birth control medications, you may not be eligible for this facial treatment. You may also need to discontinue taking certain vitamins and supplements, as some supplements may cause photosensitivity.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
After your treatment, you will need to focus on keeping your skin hydrated and protecting your skin from the sun. Hydration is incredibly important for the skin after a chemical peel treatment since the skin will be shedding layers of skin cells, which will expose underlying layers to conditions in the environment. Using simple, cream-based moisturizers is the best way to soothe your skin. Ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid are highly recommended.
As for sun protection, the new skin cells that are revealed with this treatment will be vulnerable to UV rays. If you want to avoid hyperpigmentation or other discoloration, using SPF 30 to SPF 50 is ideal. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens can effectively protect your skin, although you may want to only use mineral sunscreens at least a week after your treatment.
How Frequently Should You Have Treatments?
The depth of your peel treatment generally determines the frequency of your treatment. Light peels can be scheduled every four to six weeks, while medium peels can be scheduled every two to four months. Deep peels are usually only scheduled once a year, and many patients will only ever need to use this level of exfoliation for medical dermatology needs.
How Can You Maintain Your Results?
The best way to maintain your results is to avoid any activity or habits that will create superficial skin concerns. It’s best to make your skincare routine consistent to maintain a radiant complexion, which means using skincare products that are formulated for your skin type. It’s also ideal to apply SPF every day, even on days when it’s overcast outside.
Refresh Your Complexion With a Chemical Peel Facial
The key to enjoying a youthful, radiant, and refreshed complexion is using effective aesthetic facials that can resurface and restore your skin. A chemical peel is both highly versatile and highly effective for addressing a variety of skin concerns. If you think the benefits of this facial are ideal for your aesthetic concerns, schedule your first appointment at Biotech Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Bay Harbor Islands, FL, Miami, FL, Coral Gables, FL, and Sunny Isles, FL today.