What You Need to Know About Chemical Peels

advanced dermatology in Keizer

At Valley View Dermatology, we provide advanced dermatology in Keizer for our patients, including the availability of chemical peels. Through the application of a chemical solution to the skin, a chemical peel offers patients the opportunity to dramatically improve the health and appearance of their skin.

During the process, the chemical solution applied by our dermatologist works to make a patient’s existing surface layer of skin peel and break apart. This reveals the younger, healthier looking skin beneath.

Typically, chemical peels can be performed on the hands, neck, and face of our patients. Chemical peels offer our team the ability to provide advanced dermatology in Keizer for patients that want to:

  • Reduce fine lines from around the mouth and under their eyes.
  • Treat wrinkles that develop due to sun damage.
  • Improve the appearance of minor scars and blemishes.
  • Treat certain types of acne.
  • Eliminate age spots, dark patches, and freckles
  • Improve the overall look and health of a patient’s skin.

While chemical peels offer our dermatologists the ability to treat sun damaged skin, it’s important to remember that your skin will become more sensitive to sun damage temporarily after undergoing a peel. Patients need to make sure they wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 whenever they leave the home. You should also make it a point to limit the time you spend outdoors during the brightest parts of the day.

Am I a good candidate for a skin peel?

Typically, patients with fair-skin and lighter hair receive the best results from chemical peels. However, patients with darker skin may also receive good results, depending on the type of issue that’s being treated. Patients with darker skin are more likely to develop an uneven skin tone as a result of a chemical peel.

Chemical peels can make your skin look healthier, but the procedure can’t reverse the aging process. Severe wrinkles, sagging skin, and bulges do not respond well to chemical peels. These types of issues may require other types of cosmetic treatments, such as a facelift or collagen filler, to correct. Our dermatologists will help you to better understand all available treatment options during your next appointment.

What should I know before getting a peel?

Before scheduling a chemical peel, our dermatologists will need to conduct an exam to make sure your skin healthy enough for the process. Make sure to tell your dermatologist if you have any history of reoccurring cold sores, scarring, or facial x-rays.

Our dermatologist may ask that you stop taking certain types of medication prior to your chemical peel or that you prepare your skin by using other types of medications, such as glycolic acid or Renova. You may even receive a prescription for an antibiotic or antiviral drug, depending on the current state of your health.

Our dermatologists will work with you to determine the appropriate depth of your peel. This may depend on the current health of your skin and your treatment goals.

What is the chemical peel process?

An outpatient procedure, we can conduct your chemical peel at the nearest Valley View Dermatology office. As an outpatient procedure, you won’t need to spend the night at our clinic.

To prepare your skin, we will first clean it thoroughly. Then, a technician will apply the chemical solution directly to the surface of your skin. Once the chemical agent as taken effect, the top layer of skin will be gently peeled backed and removed.

Many patients report feeling a slight burning sensation that latest for about five to 10 minutes. You may also experience a stinging sensation that lasts throughout the rest of the day. To ease any discomfort you may experience, you can apply a cool compress to the treated areas. Deeper peels may require the use of pain medication to alleviate more significant discomfort.

What should I expect following my treatment?

Depending on the type of chemical treatment you receive, you should expect a reaction similar to a sunburn to develop. You may also notice redness of the skin followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days following the procedure. Mild peels may be repeated every one to four weeks until you achieve your desired results.

Peels taken to a medium depth may cause swelling to developed in addition to blisters that may crust, peel, turn brown, and break apart over a one to two-week period. These types of peels may be repeated once every six to 12 months.

After this type of treatment, you may need to cover treated areas with bandages for several days and to avoid all sun exposure for several months following treatment.

What types of complications could develop?

Patients with darker skin types have a higher risk of developing temporary or permanent color change to their skin following a peel.

Patients also face a low risk of scarring in certain areas of the face. Some patients are more prone to scaring than others, but any scarring that develops can usually be treated to good results.

Patients with a history of herpes outbreaks have a small risk of reactivating cold sores. Your doctor can prescribe medication to treat this issue should it develop.