Chemical Peels Specialist

How does a chemical peel work?

Chemical peels are designed to remove a specific amount of skin. A light chemical peel removes only the outer layer of skin, much like an exfoliation, but other peels can go progressively deeper to remove multiple layers of skin. 

The peel enhances your skin two ways: It removes damaged and blemished skin, then the healing process boosts the production of collagen and elastin, the vital proteins that make your skin strong and flexible. 

The type of chemical agent used depends on the depth of the peel. Mild acids easily remove the top surface and cause little discomfort. Deeper peels require stronger chemicals and require more downtime.

What skin conditions are treated with a chemical peel?

A variety of skin conditions may benefit from a chemical peel. The new skin that grows will have a healthier tone and texture because it has more collagen than the old skin. 

A chemical peel is a good option if you want to fight early signs of aging because a light peel diminishes fine lines and removes uneven skin color. 

Light chemical peels may also help treat dry skin and acne. Deeper peels can reduce or eliminate acne scars and diminish deep wrinkles.

Inflammatory skin conditions, like acne and rosacea, often cause the skin to darken. This darkening, called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, can develop in anyone, but those darker skin are more likely to be affected and have a severe case of hyperpigmentation. The team may recommend a chemical peel to treat hyperpigmentation.

What happens after the chemical peel?

Your recovery time depends on the type of peel you receive. Light peels generally cause redness and possibly some scaling as skin heals, but your appearance will be back to normal in 1-7 days. Deeper peels may cause swelling, so you can anticipate recovery time of 7-21 days.

Most people can begin to wear makeup immediately after a light peel, although some may need to wait until the next day. For a medium peel, you can return to makeup after about 5-7 days, while the wait will be longer for deeper peels.

Following a good skin care routine and regular application of a moisturizer is essential following a chemical peel. This will help the healing process and will set the stage for keeping fresh skin hydrated and healthy. The Dana Point Dermatology team will help you with every step, including ongoing skin care.

To learn more and book an appointment, call Dana Point Dermatology today or use the online scheduler.