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A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that hides the aging signs on your face.
During the process, your dermatologist will apply a chemical solution to your skin. This chemical will exfoliate (peel off) the dead skin cells and allow the healthy skin to develop in their place.
A chemical peel improves skin conditions, such as:
The result depends on several factors, including the type of chemical peel and the severity of your skin condition.
We will examine the different chemical peels, their importance, and what should be your expectations during recovery.

The different types of chemical peels
With the assistance of your dermatologist, you can determine which type of chemical peel is best for your skin. The type of chemical peel chosen depends on your skin, and the conditions you’re looking to treat. That said, there are three types of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep chemical peel.
Light chemical peel: This is also known as a superficial chemical peel. It exfoliates your skin lightly. A light chemical peel removes only the epidermis, which is your skin’s topmost layer.
A light chemical peel treats the following skin issues:
The dermatologist uses very mild chemicals during a light chemical peel procedure, so you can get it every 2-5 weeks without any problem.
Medium chemical peel: A medium chemical peel is a bit stronger than a light chemical peel. It exfoliates both your epidermis and the top layer of your dermis. A medium peel treats conditions such as:
To get optimum results, one may need several treatment sessions.
Deep chemical peel: This is a very strong procedure. A deep chemical peel can remove your epidermis, as well as the upper and middle parts of your dermis. A local anesthetic is usually administered before this procedure. This will prevent discomfort and pain.
Deep chemical peel treats:
The effect of a deep chemical peel is long-lasting…up to 10 years precisely, so you can only do this once. A deep chemical peel does not require repeated treatments.
Benefits of chemical peel for your skin
Chemical peels are effective against many skin conditions. We’ll examine the most common skin conditions that can be treated with chemical peels.
Acne
Acne is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin. Acnes are mostly treated with oral medications or topical products. However, chemical peels are also helpful.
Chemical peels can:
Acne may be improved with light and medium chemical peels.
Acne scars
When acne heals, the new collagen fibers may produce hypertrophic scars. These scars are usually bumpy or raised and may create depressions on your skin.
With a chemical peel, your dermatologist can exfoliate the topmost layer of your skin, thus removing the excess collagen. Acne scars are best treated with a medium chemical peel.
Rosacea
Rosacea is another inflammatory skin condition. It causes red bumps, swelling, and redness of the skin. If your rosacea triggers the occurrence of breakouts that look like acne, then what you have is known as acne rosacea.
These symptoms may be relieved by a chemical peel. A chemical peel is recommended fr mild or moderate rosacea.
Aging skin
Chemical peel hides or removes aging signs, such as:
The skin usually regrows after a chemical peel. This will trigger the production of elastin and collagen which will help your skin to be strong and supple, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.
This new skin will be smoother, which decreases dryness and roughness.
Hyperpigmentation
Chemical peels do not only treat age spots and scars. They also improve different forms of hyperpigmentation, including:
Dullness
If your complexion is a dull one, then you may find chemical peels beneficial. A chemical peel allows the resurfacing of new skin, which brightens your complexion and gives your skin a healthier look.
The recovery processes
During the healing phase, you will have to apply some protective ointment. You may also have to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh light of the sun.
The recovery process differs for each peel.
You may experience some dryness and mild irritation after a light chemical peel. All you need to do is wear your makeup and continue with your regular skincare routine. Full healing of your skin may take between 1-7 days.
A medium chemical peel may cause a few side effects, such as stinging, redness, and swelling. The recovery lasts between 7-14 days.
The side effects of a deep chemical peel include severe redness, crusting, and swelling. The redness may last for up to 3 months, while the swelling may not go beyond 14 days.
Your skin may grow back within 14 days. However, you’ll have to treat the pain with medication, and put on surgical dressing during the recovery process.
Article sources
Al-Talib, Hassanain, Al-khateeb, Alyaa, Hameed, Ayad, & Murugaiah, Chandrika. (2017). Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 92(2), 212-216. https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175273
Castillo, D. E., & Keri, J. E. (2018). Chemical peels in the treatment of acne: patient selection and perspectives. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 11, 365–372. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S137788
Samargandy S, Raggio BS (2020). Skin Resurfacing Chemical Peels. [Updated 2020 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547752/
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