Chemical Peels
Every fall, many of our patients seek our advice for the simplest ways to refresh their appearance. Our most popular is the chemical peel, because there are many benefits of chemical peels without the negative side effects. Chemical peels are an effective and easy treatment to help you achieve your best glow. No matter how much sunblock you wear or how healthy your diet is, it’s often difficult to shed a dull complexion. One of the benefits of chemical peels is that you can expect impressive results without the major expense of a surgical procedure. Another benefit of chemical peels is that chemical peels improve your skin’s texture by removing damaged layers. This is an affordable alternative for anyone wanting to reduce blotchy skin, remove the appearance of sun damage, help soften acne scars, lighten and smooth skin, and remove dry skin.
While the word “chemical” may seem intimidating, our treatments are safe and effective. All of our peels are customizable to all skin types, as well as comfort level. Many clients enjoy the benefits of chemical peels to simply clarify, brighten and polish the skin while other clients may choose a series of stronger chemical peels to improve more severe freckling, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and age-related facial lines and wrinkles.
Common Questions associated with Chemical Peels
How does a chemical peel work?
A chemical peel involves the use of a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It works by breaking up the cemented layer of dead skin that sits on the surface, and allowing it to flake off.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin to allow lighter, brighter, newer skin to grow. They increase cellular turnover, which in turn refines the epidermis and treats environmentally damaged, acne prone, sensitive, dry and oily conditions.
Chemical peels have been used since ancient times to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Modern chemical peels don't just make you look younger; they can also treat skin conditions like acne, melasma, and even precancerous growths.
Skin Peels Can Make You Look Younger and Protect Skin Health
Many people get chemical peels for cosmetic reasons. Mild chemical peels remove a portion of the epidermis, or upper layer of the skin. They can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, and improve skin texture.
But chemical peels aren't just used for cosmetic purposes. Chemical peels are used to treat a number of skin conditions ranging from acne to melanoma. Mild chemical peels are often used to treat acne, since they help to keep pores clean. For sun damage and hyperpigmentation problems like melasma, medium-depth peels are often more effective.
Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?
Chemical peels work best on those with mild to moderate skin damage from sun exposure, aging, lifestyle choices such as smoking, and/or acne. If you would like a brighter, smoother and fresher complexion, without surgery and little or no downtime, then you are an excellent candidate for a chemical peel.
Is a chemical peel painful?
Most clients report a mild stinging or slight burning sensation that lasts for a very short amount of time, however, it really depends on the type of chemical used during the process.
How many treatments are needed?
During the initial consultation, your cosmetic goals will be discussed. A skin care regimen will be designed to help you improve and maintain healthier looking skin at home. Typically, a series of 4- 6 chemical peels spaced 2-4 weeks apart is adequate to achieve most cosmetic goals.
Post Treatment:
After a chemical peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.
Erin Keane, LME is a licensed aesthetician at Sound Plastic Surgery in Seattle, WA.
Call 206-729-2248 to schedule a skin care consultation with our expert today !