Random Questions About Chemical Peels

Who can perform a chemical peel?

Estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons can perform chemical peels. That doesn't mean you might not come across unlicensed individuals offering chemical peels, nor that it isn't possible to purchase kits for even the deepest peels on the internet for home use. Stay away from both those options, and only get treated by a licensed professional performing peels at a reputable clinic or medical spa.

Choosing a reputable clinic means that you will get the right advice regarding the type of peel you would most benefit from, as well as professional application and dedicated pre- and after-care instructions.

Do I need to do anything special before and after my peel?

Yes. Depending on the type and strength of peel you will be getting, you will be required to use a pre-peel regimen as well as following after-care instructions to the letter. Pre-peel regimens may include certain creams and lotions (frequently retinoids) as well as oral medications. Post-peel care centers around keeping your skin moisturized properly to enable it to heal evenly and comfortably, and using a sunscreen. Newly peeled skin is very vulnerable to sunburn.

The exact care instructions vary from peel to peel, and pre- and after-care represent yet other reasons to make very sure that your peel is performed by a licensed professional who will be able to tell you exactly what to do.

What are possible complications of chemical peels?

Ooph. Pigmentation changes, lingering redness, scarring and burning, activation of the herpes simplex virus, and infections. Your practitioner will discuss these risks, and how likely you are to suffer side effects, with you prior to the peel. Minimizing your risk of complications also depends on your compliance with their care instructions to a large extent. What happens after the peel matters as much as what happens during the peel; keep this in mind.

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Can chemical peels be used on areas of the body besides the face?

Some can! AHA peels and TCA peels are frequently used on the neck, hands, and arms, for instance. Phenol peels, on the other hand, can only be used on the face.

Can dark skinned people undergo chemical peels?

Yes, although the risk of post-peel pigmentation alterations is higher in people with dark skin than in light-skinned people. TCA peels are generally considered to the the best choice for dark-skinned people. People with darker skin should choose a practitioner with wide experience treating darker skin to minimize their risk of complications.