If you have been thinking of having a chemical peel, you are in luck – because we have just put together your perfect guide to chemical peels, and exactly what you need to know before you have one. If you are a medical professional or business person looking to offer clients chemical peels, see this course.
What are chemical peels?
Our skin is actually made up of many different layers, rather than just one, and sometimes the very top layer that meets the air can get tired, old, wrinkly, and a bit grotty and disgusting. A chemical peel can remove this top layer of skin, and reveal the healthy, new, glowing, and clean layer of skin underneath. It is possible to have a chemical peel done on your face, which is the most popular place to have a chemical peel, but you can also have a chemical peel on your neck or on your hands.
What are the benefits of having a chemical peel?
There are so many different benefits of having a chemical peel that we found it rather difficult to narrow them down, but here are our favourites. For a start, a chemical peel will give you the feeling and look of healthy glowing skin, better than any look that make up can achieve. Secondly, a chemical peel will reduce the fine lines that may have developed around your eyes and around your mouth, which makes you instantly look younger. If you have wrinkles that have been created because of sun damage, they will be gone as well. Thirdly, any scars that you have on your face, neck, or hands will be greatly reduced in appearance, which can make people feel a lot better about them. Fourthly and lastly – for now – a chemical peel will reduce age spots and freckles, as well as any melasma or dark patches that have developed because of changing levels of hormones due to pregnancy. No other beauty treatment can offer so much!
Can I have a chemical peel?
Fair skinned and light haired people are the best for a chemical peel. Those of you with darker skin could still benefit from a chemical peel, as long as the person carrying out the chemical peel is careful. However, some people with darker skin tones have found that they actually have uneven skin tone after a chemical peel.
As wonderful as chemical peels are, they are not miracle workers. Deep wrinkles and skin sagging cannot be cured through a chemical peel – although if you talk through your concerns with a trained dermatologist, they will be able to recommend other procedures and treatments that would benefit you.
How do I prepare for a chemical peel?
First of all, you need to be totally honest with your doctor about any cold sores, facial X-rays, and your history of scarring. These factors are necessary before you have any chemical peels. You will also need to be open about any medication that you are taking, and you may be given some medication to have to prepare your skin for the chemical peel. Secondly, you need to discuss with your doctor how deep you want your chemical peel to go. This is different for everyone, depending on their skin condition, and what you are hoping to get out of your treatment. It is advised that you have someone to drive you home after your chemical peel.
What sort of aftercare will I have after a chemical peel?
Immediately after your chemical peel you will not feel pretty – the feeling is a little bit like sun burn. Your skin will go red, and then scale over before falling off. It will take around a week for those scabs to fall off and reveal your beautiful and radiant new skin. You should not go out in bright sun for several months after your chemical peel, and you should always ensure that you wear plenty of suncream.