Chemical Peels Scottsdale

What are Chemical Peels?

A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to slowly remove the top layers, revealing smoother and fresher skin cells underneath. The top layer will gradually “peel” off in a few days or so. The skin beneath will appear smoother, rosier, and fine lines will be noticably diminished. Chemical peels are typically made with acids, like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and/or lactic acid. These are all safe for your skin. Consult your practitioner to make sure they’re using safe ingredients such as these. Some common side effects of chemical peels are temporary redness, irritation, and flaking of the skin. The most common areas requested for chemical peels are the face and neck, although they are also effective for the tops of hands.

What to Expect

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Chemical Peel FAQ's

A chemical peel is applied to the skin and the acidic agents will gradually break down the dead skin cells and in the course of a few days, the upper layer will slowly peel off, revealing fresher and dewier skin beneath, with diminished fine lines and wrinkles.
Chemical peels, especially the “light” acid peels are exceptionally safe. The medium and “deep” peels have more side effects and some risks. Discuss your concerns and needs with your pracitioner.
The treatment will just take about 15 minutes, but the “peeling” will last anywhere from 4-7 days before your fresh face is revealed.
Light acid peels are safe while pregnant, but medium/deep peels are not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding.
By sloughing off dead skin cells and unclogging pores, chemical peels have shown to be effective at treating acne.
Everyone is different and so the frequency of your peels are up to you and your practitioner to discuss. If you’re targeting acne, it’s usually recommended to get a peel every 2 weeks or so, until your skin’s condition improves to your satisfaction. Medium and deep chemical peels should be done very infrequently.
A super hydrating, good quality moisturizer after a peel is a must. You can consult your practitioner for recommendations, or use your favorite product, as long as it doesn’t have harsh ingredients. You’ll want to avoid products with retinol.
Your skin is vulnerable and tender after a peel, and so it’s recommended to wait at least 48 hours after a light acid peel. Let the skin breathe and heal. The longer you wait, the better for your skin’s health and the overall effects of the peel.
Known as “purging,” sometimes your skin can break out after a chemical peel, mostly due to bacteria and toxins being stirred up just beneath the skin’s surface by the acids in the peels. This is temporary, and can be treated by cleansing with mild soaps with cool water, and using very mild moisturizing afterward. Consult your practitioner for recommendations.
Chemical peels are effective at reducing the appearance of acne scars and making them less noticable.
Chemical peels lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by breaking down the surface dead skin cells and revealing fresh skin underneath.
It’s advised to avoid retinol products until after all the peeling has ceased, generally after about a week or so.
It’s best to avoid working out right after a chemical peel, because your elevated heart rate and sweating may cause the skin to peel prematurely. After a day or two, when your skin begins to peel, you may resume workouts.
A chemical peel can lighten skin to some degree, but it’s not very noticable. More noticable is the rosy and fresh skin that’s revealed after the skin is completely done peeling. Some dark spots will be lighter.
Light acid-based chemical peels are considered safe and have been used for many years.