What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels are non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments that can treat a variety of concerns, from mild acne to severe wrinkles. These treatments involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which removes the top layers and stimulates the growth of new, healthier skin. Chemical peels can be customized to meet the needs of each patient, with different depths and types of chemicals used to achieve the desired results. They are sometimes paired with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing for a more dramatic overall effect.

WellSpan Plastic Surgery offers several types of chemical peels:

• Micropeel: Combining microdermabrasion with a chemical peel, micropeels accelerate exfoliation to reduce the appearance of acne scars, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and red and brown spots. A micropeel treatment is designed to revitalize and rejuvenate dull, dry skin to give you a fresher, healthier and younger looking complexion.
• Perfect 10 peels: Available in different formulas to accommodate all skin types, this in-office treatment improves the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, sun damage, discoloration, large pores and skin roughness.
• Light peels: Used to improve the look of pigment changes in the skin, acne scars, mild sun damage, or fine wrinkles in all skin types, light peels can be done on the face and on other parts of the body. A light peel may also be used to prepare the skin for a deeper peel.
• Medium peels: Recommended to treat mild to moderate wrinkles, long-term sun damage, pigment changes and precancerous discoloration of the skin (usually caused by sun exposure), medium peels are most often used on the face.
• Deep peels: Reserved for treating severe wrinkles, long-term sun damage, pronounced pigment changes, and lesions and growths on the skin, deep peels are done only on the face. Deep peels are not done on darker skin types, because they bleach the skin.

Who is a candidate for chemical peels?

You may be a good candidate for a chemical peel if you:

• are in generally good health
• do not have any active skin infections or conditions
• are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• have realistic expectations about the results of treatment
• are willing to follow pre- and post-treatment instructions carefully

Chemical peels are not recommended for:

• individuals with darker skin tones, as chemical peels can cause lightening of the skin
• individuals with a history of cold sores or other herpes simplex infections
• individuals with active eczema or psoriasis
• individuals who are taking certain medications, such as Accutane or blood thinners
• individuals who have recently had surgery or laser treatment on the skin

To learn more about chemical peels and whether or not you are a good candidate for treatment, please schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified providers.

What to expect

Before your treatment:

• Your doctor will help you decide which chemical peel is best for you based on your skin type, the areas to be treated and desired results.
• You will be given instructions on how to prepare your skin for the peel.
• Your skin will be thoroughly cleaned.

During your treatment:

• A chemical solution will be applied to your skin for a few minutes. You may feel a slight stinging sensation while the solution is on your skin.
• Depending on how large an area is being treated, the entire process can take 60 to 90 minutes.

After your treatment:

• Healing time after a chemical peel depends on the depth of the peel.
• You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your skin after the peel, such as cleaning the skin often, changing the dressing or ointment on the wound, moisturizing the skin daily and avoiding sun exposure.
• You may experience some redness, stinging, skin flaking and irritation.
• The skin may turn reddish brown with symptoms similar to a sunburn.
• You can reduce discomfort by keeping your skin well moisturized during the peeling process.
• Most people can go back to their normal activities right away after a light peel or within a week after a medium peel.
• Deep peels may require up to two weeks of recovery time before returning to work. Complete healing of the skin after a deep peel may take several months.
• Proper skin care after the peel is crucial for speeding up healing, ensuring longer-lasting results, preventing infection and avoiding sun damage.

Benefits of chemical peels

• Younger-looking skin. Chemical peels can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sun damage, leading to smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
• Improved skin texture. Chemical peels can help to improve the texture of your skin, making it feel softer and smoother.
• Better mental health. With a more youthful appearance, you may feel better about yourself and have more self-confidence.