Chemical peels are an option for people who want to rid their skin of sun damage, some types of scars, roughened skin and areas of uneven pigmentation. They can choose from superficial, mild, medium or deep peels, but there are some things to know before they undergo any type of chemical peel.
Choosing a Practitioner
A person who wants a chemical peel must choose a dermatologist or a cosmetician who has experience in doing all types of chemical peels. The deeper the peel, the more skilled the practitioner needs to be. The patient needs to know how the chemical peel is done, how long a session takes and what results they can expect.
Before the treatment, the practitioner should take the client’s medical history and learn what they want from the chemical peel. They should learn what sort of medications the patient is taking, whether they are a smoker and whether they have had prior treatments or surgeries to their face.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
A person who is a good candidate for a chemical peel is in good physical or mental health and is not a smoker. A person who has had acne that’s been treated with powerful retinoids or other medications within the past year may need to avoid chemical peels, as should a person with very sensitive skin. The deep peel that uses phenol is also contraindicated for patients with heart problems.
The Recovery Period
A person who opts for a superficial peel may not need a recovery period. They can leave the dermatologist’s office soon after the treatment and even put on makeup. However, they should avoid sunlight and hot and humid environments for a few days after their treatment. A person with a light peel should recuperate at home for a few days, for their face will be a bit swollen, and the skin will start to peel. However, the result is a clearer and brighter complexion.
A person who opts for a medium peel may need to recover for as long as a week. After five days they can put on some makeup, but the healing will continue for a a few days more.
Patients who opt for a deep peel not only have a longer recovery time, but they must undergo a pre-treatment that lasts six weeks. The deep peel is for people who have considerable damage to the skin caused by the sun, pollution or toxins. It is also a good choice to remove precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses.
Contact Atomic Dermatology today to schedule your consultation! We are conveniently located in Pasco, WA.
