Skincare is a huge industry with a lot to offer. There is always some new product or service that can greatly improve your skin, which can be overwhelming for newcomers to navigate.
Now, in addition to daily washing, moisturizing, and SPF-application, chemical peels are becoming a frontrunner of some people’s skincare regime. You may want to get in on this new trend if you’re worried about acne scars, dark spots, aging, etc.
Like everything related to the body and health, you should talk to your dermatologist or a skin care professional when trying to deliberate whether this treatment is right for you. However, we’re going to prep you for a skin peel so you know what you’re getting into.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are topical skin treatments that can soothe and remove dead skin and blemishes on your face’s top layer. They are exfoliants with a pH balance of about 2.0 for an additional bit of strength that refreshes skin.
While they often act as “peels,” sometimes they are too thin to peel off and should not be over-applied in an attempt to achieve the “peel” factor.
Some chemical peels, like trichloroacetic acid peels, are not treatments that you should use carelessly. However, if you really want the best TCA peel and your skin type is suitable for this treatment, it could show a massive improvement.
These can be used at home and are ideal for those looking for a medium-depth peel.
How Do Chemical Peels Help?
There is a wide assortment of problems that chemical peels can improve or alleviate. This includes but is not limited to:
• Dark spots
• Acne
• Scars
• Dry skin
• Minor evidence of aging
• Redness
Depending on the peel, your skin type, and the severity of the problem at hand, these blemishes can fade after just one use or multiple over a long period. Chemical peels are rather short processes, making them more popular, but it can take several days or even weeks to recover completely.
Be aware that chemical peels are commonly recommended to people with lighter skin, as people with darker skin may experience discoloration depending on the treatment’s pH balance.
Where, When, and How Should Chemical Peels Be Done?
Not all skincare is designed for at-home use, but thankfully, some chemical peels are. That said, you should still exercise caution by utilizing the following:
• Gloves
• Baking soda
• Petroleum jelly
• Cool saline compress
These additional tools should ensure you aren’t overexposed to the chemical peel and that it doesn’t get anywhere it shouldn’t.
As for peels that you shouldn’t do at home: phenol peels are one variety of skincare that should be exclusively done by professionals.
Additionally, because chemical peels remove the topmost layer of your skin to work, they make users more susceptible to sun damage for the following two weeks. Users should also not wash their face, wear makeup, or apply other topical solutions for the next 24 hours or more, depending on the peel’s severity.
The Takeaway
These chemical treatments are accessible, at-home ways to clear your skin and freshen up your face. You can do them safely in your bathroom as long as you exercise caution and seek professional assistance if you find it necessary.
There are many peels to choose from, so you should inspect every new product and service before starting the peel process. Remember to be patient, as you may need to wait weeks for results.
If you have questions or concerns, contact a dermatologist. Otherwise, go forth and (safely) delve into the world of chemical peels!
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