Undoubtedly, chemical peels are effective in exfoliating the skin and promoting cell turnover. However, the results you can expect after just one peel may not be as dramatic or noticeable as you hope. To achieve optimal results, a consistent series of peels is often necessary.
Some might wonder if one chemical peel session is enough. Will there be noticeable effects after just one session? The short answer is yes, but with some reservations. In this post, learn more about it and discover what chemical peel can do for you and your skin in terms of appearance and quality.
Chemical Peels Explained
Chemical peels are a safe, non-surgical treatment for rejuvenating the skin. They work by using a chemical solution applied to the skin, which helps remove the outer layer of the skin. When this layer is removed, new skin cells are exposed and begin to regenerate. The result is smoother and younger-looking skin. Chemical peels also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How Chemical Peels Work
Chemical peels can be performed in three different ways:
The doctor can use an electric needle to apply the peel solution to your face, neck, or chest. This method is called dermabrasion or microdermabrasion. This procedure is best used on people with light scarring or superficial wrinkles because it does not penetrate deeply enough into the skin to produce noticeable results. It can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if you have darker skin tones.
Your doctor will apply a chemical peel solution directly onto your face using cotton balls or gauze pads that have been soaked in the chemical solution. The most common type of chemical peel performed in this manner is trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel. TCA works by removing layers of dead skin cells from your face so new ones can regenerate underneath them. It can also help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.
The third method of chemical peels is using a laser device to apply the peel solution to your face. This type of peel is called a laser peel or ablative laser resurfacing. Laser peels work by vaporizing the outer layers of the skin, which helps to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and age spots.
Can You Expect Results After One Chemical Peel?
As mentioned earlier, you can expect to see some results after just one chemical peel session. However, these results will not be as dramatic or noticeable as you hope. To achieve optimal results, a series of peels is often necessary. The number of peels needed will vary from person to person, depending on their skin type and skin condition.
You may only need 3-6 peel sessions if you have light scarring or superficial wrinkles. For people with deeper wrinkles or more significant scarring, 6-12 peel sessions may be necessary.
One chemical peel is often not enough to achieve the desired results. However, you can expect to see some improvement in your skin’s appearance after just one session. You may only need three to six peel sessions if you have light scarring or superficial wrinkles. For people with deeper wrinkles or more significant scarring, six to 12 peel sessions may be necessary.
So, while you can expect some results after just one chemical peel, it is often best to undergo a series of peels to achieve optimal results. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Benefits and Results of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a form of cosmetic skincare that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scarring, and other blemishes. They also help shrink large pores and firm up loose or sagging skin.
Chemical peels can be used on all skin types. Still, most people with darker skin tones notice more improvement in the appearance of their skin after a chemical peel than those with lighter complexions.
The benefits and results vary depending on the chemical peel you choose.
A superficial chemical peel removes the outer layer of your skin (epidermis) to reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin underneath. These peels usually don’t require downtime because there is no removal of deep layers of skin.
A medium-depth chemical peel removes the topmost layer of dead cells as well as some underlying layers of skin. These peels require some healing time before you can resume normal activities such as exercise or wearing makeup.
A deep chemical peel removes multiple layers of dead cells, scar tissue, and other blemishes from deep in the dermis layer. Deep chemical peels require at least two weeks off work or school while your skin heals.
No matter what chemical peel you choose, the results are generally apparent within a week or two following your treatment. However, it can take up to six months for your skin to completely heal and for the full effects of the peel to be visible.
Chemical Peels vs. Other Facials
Chemical peels are an excellent option for those who want to eliminate wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. But other facial treatments may be just as effective or even more so than a chemical peel for some people.
For example, microdermabrasion is a type of facial that uses tiny exfoliating crystals to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It can also be used to treat acne and scars.
Microneedling is another type of facial that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This treatment uses tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.
Both microdermabrasion and microneedling are less invasive than chemical peels and don’t require any downtime for recovery. So, if you’re looking for a facial treatment that doesn’t require any time off from work or school, either of these may be a better option than a chemical peel.
Are Chemical Peels Safe?
The short answer is yes. But there are some risks associated with chemical peel treatments, so it’s essential to understand what they are before you decide to have one done.
The most common risks associated with chemical peels include:
Scarring. A chemical peel process can cause the skin to heal at a slower rate than usual and result in scarring. On the other hand, it doesn’t take much sun exposure for freckles and moles on your skin to turn into a scar that will remain visible for years. A good dermatologist can advise you on how much sun exposure is safe during and after your treatment so that you don’t risk developing unwanted scars.
Dryness or flaking. Your skin may become dry or flaky if it’s not appropriately moisturized after chemical peel treatment. To avoid this problem, follow all instructions from your doctor or nurse carefully, including instructions about how often you should apply lotion or cream after a peel procedure. You may also need to use moisturizer daily for several months after your treatment to prevent flaking and dryness from returning.
Broken capillaries (tiny red blood vessels). Broken capillaries are tiny red veins that appear on your face as tiny red dots during or after a chemical peel. The chemicals can cause them in the peel solution or by the heat from the laser used during certain types of peels. Broken capillaries usually aren’t permanent and will disappear over time, but they can be a cosmetic concern for some people.
Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). Some people may experience hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin, after a chemical peel. This is more likely to happen if you have dark skin or use a robust peel solution. Hyperpigmentation usually fades over time, but it can sometimes be permanent.
Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). Hypopigmentation, or lightening of the skin, is another possible side effect of chemical peels. This is more likely to happen if you have light skin or use a robust peel solution. Like hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation usually fades over time but may be permanent in some cases.
These are always on a case-to-case basis, so please do not hesitate to ask your dermatologist about the risks involved in chemical peel treatments.
Conclusion
Indeed, you can see some results after one chemical peel. Still, other facials can provide you with better results and don’t require any downtime. Are chemical peels safe? Yes, but there are some risks associated with them, so it’s essential to understand what they are before you decide to have one done. Consult with your dermatologist about the risks involved in chemical peels.
With that in mind, you can trust Evoked Aesthetics for your chemical peel needs. They can explain the procedures and products in detail to make an informed decision. They also offer other services that are as amazing as their chemical peels, so you will surely be in good hands with them. Evoke the essence of beauty and youth with Evoked Aesthetics.
