Why Chemical Peels Are a Must for Your Skin?
Last updated on June 9th, 2024 at 03:39 pm
The concept of chemical peel is rather new in Nepal but it is progressing as most people are becoming aware of its benefits and results.
A Chemical peel is a technique in which a chemical solution is used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin.
In this method the outermost layer of skin is removed which is replaced by smooth skin.
With a light or a medium chemical peel, you may need to undergo the procedure more than once to get the best result.
Chemical peels are generally used to treat scars, discolored skin, and acne marks present on the face. They can be done in different depths, from light (superficial) to deep.
At Clinic One, we only perform light to medium chemical peel based on the patient’s skin condition. A deep chemical peel is seldom found in Nepal as it requires intensive aftercare and has possible deep side effects.
The result depends upon the deepness of the chemical peel but a deep chemical peel takes a longer time to recover.
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Types of Chemical Peel
This is a skin resurfacing procedure and depending on the issues you are addressing you can choose one of the following methods:
Light Chemical Peel
This type of chemical peel removes the outermost layer of the epidermis.
It is used to treat fine acne and reduce wrinkles, dryness, and uneven skin tone.
For the desired result, this process must be repeated every 2 to 5 weeks.
Medium Chemical Peel
This chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and some portions of the middle skin (dermis).
It is used to reduce the visibility of superficial scars, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
This treatment must be repeated every 3 to 9 months for better results.
Deep Chemical Peel
A deep chemical peel removes the skin even deeper and it needs a special recommendation by a doctor.
It is used to treat deeper wrinkles, precancerous growth, or scars. Repetition of this process is not required for full effect. (We do not have deep chemical peel available at Clinic One.)
Note: Chemical peels can’t remove deep scars or wrinkles or tighten sagging skin.
How do you Prepare for Your Chemical Peel?
In most of the chemical peel clinics in Nepal, first one has to choose a dermatologist and consult with him/her about their issues.
Results can be variable and highly depends on the expertise of the person doing the peel.
An improperly done chemical peel can lead to complications like permanent scars and infection.
Before you have a chemical peel, the doctor will likely:
- Review your medical history
You must be ready to tell the doctor about current and past medical conditions and any medications or cosmetic procedures you have gone through.
- Discuss your expectation
Talk with your doctor about your expectation and potential risks.
Make sure you understand everything about the method you are using with its benefits and disadvantages.
- Do a physical exam
The result of chemical peel and the type of chemical peel that you must use depends upon the nature of your skin. So to determine the process with the best result, a physical exam must be conducted.
Before your chemical peeling, you might also need to :
- Stay away from direct sunlight to avoid permanent irregular pigmentation in treated areas.
- Retinoid cream helps with healing and should be used a few weeks before the treatment.
- Cosmetic treatments and hair removal should be avoided for 1 to 2 days before peeling.
- If you will be sedated during the procedure, arrange for a ride home.
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What Happens During Your Chemical Peel?
Before the Procedure
A chemical peel should be done under the supervision of a dermatologist in a medical center.
Before the procedure, your doctor will clean your face, protect your hair and cover your eyes with ointment, tape, or goggles.
In the case of medium and deep chemical peel, a painkiller is provided to the patient but in the case of light chemical peel, a painkiller is not required.
During the Procedure
At first, your doctor will apply a chemical solution using a brush, cotton ball, gauze, or sponge during light or medium chemical peel.
The treated skin will begin to whiten and you might feel mild stinging while the chemical solution is on your skin.
The doctor might apply neutralizing solution or cold compress depending on the type of chemical peel being used.
You can use a handheld fan to cool your skin if you feel it burning.
In case of deep chemical peeling, you will be given intravenous fluid and your heart rate will be closely monitored.
Your doctor will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply phenol to your skin and the treated skin will begin to turn white or gray.
To limit your exposure to phenol the treatment is carried out in portions at about 15 minutes intervals and it takes about 90 minutes to complete the procedure.
After the Procedure
After a chemical peel of any depth, your skin might be red, tight, irritated, or swollen.
Follow your doctor’s directions for sunlight protection, cleansing, moisturizing, and applying protective ointments to your skin, and avoid picking, rubbing, or scratching your skin.
It may take several months before your skin color returns to normal and you can see the full results of the chemical peel.
After a Light Chemical Peel
- Healing Time: The treated area takes about 1 to 7 days to heal after this type of chemical peeling.
Treated skin might be red, dry, and mildly irritated — although these effects might be less noticeable with each repeat treatment.
New skin may temporarily be lighter or darker than normal skin.
- Caring process: Your doctor might apply a protective ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to soothe the skin (epidermis).
- When to wear makeup: You can start wearing makeup the next day if you wish.
After a Medium Chemical Peel
- Healing Time: The treated skin may be red and swollen. You will feel stinging.
Treated areas take about 7 to 14 days to heal after a medium chemical peel, but redness might last for several months.
As swelling decreases, the treated skin may begin to form a crust and might darken or develop brown blotches.
- Caring process: Your doctor may apply a protective ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to soothe the area and prevent dryness.
You can use ice packs for comfort. Over-the-counter pain-relieving medication, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may help you to reduce any discomfort.
- When to wear makeup: After 5 to 7 days, you can use cosmetics to cover any redness on the skin.
- Follow-up: You’ll likely schedule a checkup after the treatment so that your doctor can monitor your healing.
After a Deep Chemical Peel
- Healing time: You’ll experience severe redness and swelling. You’ll also feel burning and throbbing, and the swelling can even make your eyelids swell shut.
Treated areas will develop new skin within about two weeks after a deep chemical peel, although redness may last for months.
Treated skin might become darker or lighter than normal or it may even lose the ability to tan.
- Caring Process: Your doctor will perform a surgical dressing on the treated skin.
He or she might also prescribe a painkiller. You’ll need to soak the treated skin and apply ointment several times a day for nearly about two weeks.
- When to wear makeup: Once new skin completely covers the treated area in about two weeks, you can use any cosmetics to conceal any redness. Use sunscreen every day.
- Follow-up: You might prefer to remain at home while you’re healing from a peel.
You’ll likely need several follow-up visits soon after your treatment so that your doctor can look after your healing.
Side Effects of Chemical Peel
A chemical peel can have various side effects, including:
- Redness, scabbing, and swelling of the skin can last for a few months in the case of medium and deep chemical peel.
- A chemical peel can lead to bacterial and viral infection in some people and can even cause cold sores.
- In a deep chemical peel, phenol is used which can lead to heart, kidney, or liver damage.
- A chemical peel can cause scarring in the lower part of the skin and it can also change the skin color.
Who is in the Risk Category?
A chemical peel isn’t for everyone. Your doctor may caution against a chemical peel or certain types of chemical peels if you:
- Have taken the oral acne medication – isotretinoin for the past six months
- Have a personal or family history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids)
- Are pregnant
- Have frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores
Precautions
- You must perform it under the supervision of a dermatologist only.
For example, Clinic One is considered one of the best chemical peel clinics in Nepal.
- You must not perform a workout, sweat, or expose your skin to direct sunlight before or after 24 hours of treatment.
- You must use bleaching agents or other medicine provided by a dermatologist in time.
- You must not run only behind affordability but a medical institute that is affordable and provides quality treatment also.
For example, Clinic One is offering a discount on chemical peeling.
Conclusion
- A light chemical peel improves the skin texture and tone and lessens the appearance of fine wrinkles.
- The results are subtle but increase with the repetition of treatments.
- If you have a medium chemical peel, treated skin will be smoother.
- After a deep chemical peel, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in the look and feel of the treated areas.
- Results might not be permanent. Over time, age and new sun damage may lead to new lines and skin color changes.
With all peels, the new skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Talk with your doctor about how long you need to protect your skin from the sun.
Call us at 01-5400400 / 98633936960 to book an appointment for Chemical Peel at Clinic One.
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