Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Chemical Peel

acne treatment in Salem

At Valley View Dermatology, we provide our patients with the services they need to look and feel their best. For patients looking for acne treatment in Salem, chemical peels offer an effective and affordable solution that can leave their skin looking refreshed and dramatically improved.

In case you’re unfamiliar with chemical peels, how they help improve skin complexion, and what types of problems the procedure can treat, here’s what you need to know about what this acne treatment in Salem can do for you.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a type of skin care technique that’s used to improve the appearance of skin located on the hands, neck, and face. To facilitate the peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, freshly regenerated skin that emerges from beneath the now removed layer typically appears smoother and less wrinkled than before.

Are There Different Types of Chemical Peels?

Yes. Generally speaking, there are three types of chemical peels:

  • Superficial peel. A superficial peel, also referred to as a lunchtime peel, involves the use of alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild type of acid that will only penetrate the top layer of skin. This mild effect will allow for the easy exfoliation of the top layer of skin while leaving the layers of skin further down untouched. Typically, this type of peel is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration, as well as to give the neck, hands, and face a fresh, renewed look.
  • Medium peel. In this procedure, trichloroacetic or glycolic acid is used to penetrate both the outer and middle layers of skin. By affecting layers of skin that lie further down, this type of peel makes an excellent option for removing damaged skin cells. This peel often treats age spots, wrinkles and fine lines, freckles, and moderate skin discoloration.
  • Deep peel. This type of peel uses the strongest acids possible to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. This type of treatment is commonly used to remove age spot, shallow scars, freckles, and moderate age lines. Patients who undergo this type of procedure will enjoy a dramatic improvement to the overall appearance of their skin. However, this procedure is only performed on the face, and can only be done once.

What can You Expect After Each Type of Peel?

While perfectly safe, the abrasive compounds used to perform each type of chemical peel requires some follow-up care:

  • Superficial peel. Even as the gentlest type of peel, recovery requires between one to seven days to fully heal. Following treatment, patients’ skin will initially appear red and may start to scale. Until the skin has fully healed, patients will need to apply a lotion or cream to the treated areas daily. In most cases, patients can resume wearing makeup the day following their procedure.
  • Medium peel. By affecting a deep layer of tissue, medium peels require between seven to 14 days to fully heal. Following treatment, patients’ skin will initially appear red and swollen, with the swelling become worse over the next 48 hours. Blisters may form and eyelids may swell shut. Skin will begin to peel within seven to 14 days. Patients will need to soak the treated skin daily for a specified amount of time. Antiviral medications may be prescribed and taken for 10 to 14 days. Patients may apply a mild cream or lotion to the affected areas. However, they must wait five to seven days before they can start to wear makeup. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor a patient’s progress.
  • Deep peel. As the strongest and most effective type of peel, recovery lasts between 14 to 21 days before a patient is fully healed. It’s necessary to bandage the treated area to ensure the skin can properly heal. Patients must soak their skins between four to six times daily. Antiviral medications may be prescribed and taken for 10 to 14 days. Patients may apply a mild cream or lotion to the affected areas. Patients must avoid all sun exposure for three to six months, and not wear makeup for at least 14 days. Multiple follow-ups will be scheduled to monitor a patient’s progress.

What can a Chemical Peel Treat?

Chemical peels offer a great and cost-effective solution for treating common skin care problems, including:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots
  • Crow’s feet
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Melasma
  • Scars
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Wrinkles

To find out more about whether a chemical peel is the right solution for your acne treatment in Salem, contact Valley View Dermatology to schedule your chemical peel consultation today!