Chemical peels are a facial treatment that can elevate your appearance for facial bliss that everyone can see. If you’re new to the realm of chemical peels, you may not know what to expect. Chemical peels aren’t suitable for everyone, but they’re extremely effective for those who would benefit from them. Your results will vary depending on your skin type, skin concerns, and the type of peel you have done.

That said, here’s a basic overview of what to expect from your first chemical peel. Before you can schedule your chemical peel, you’ll need to have a consultation in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment, as well as the best type of peel for you.

What Chemical Peels Do

Chemical peels should only be done by professionals. While there are at-home options out there, for optimal safety and results, you want to schedule with the pros.

When you get a chemical peel, chemical solutions are applied to your skin in order to remove the topmost layers. They help your skin grow back smoother, treat a variety of skin concerns, and can be combined with other procedures, depending on your needs. They range from superficial to deep.

Superficial peels are used for skin issues on the top layer of your skin. They are the gentlest and heal the quickest. Medium peels are for more in-depth issues, like sun damage and fine wrinkles. These take a week or two to heal. Deep peels are done at outpatient surgical centers and are for severe sun damage/hyperpigmentation. These ones take 2-3 weeks to heal.

Benefits Of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can help with all sorts of things, such as:

Reduction of lines and wrinkles
Firmer, tighter, more toned face
Deep facial cleansing
Elimination of dead skin/smoother skin
Relaxation of facial muscles and tissues
Skin healing and promoting new skin cell growth

The best results are obtained with multiple treatments over time, however, you may notice results after one. The same as it takes time for skin damage to happen, it takes time to reverse and heal it.

When You Might Not Be Eligible For A Chemical Peel

Wonderful as chemical peels are, they may not be a good facial treatment option for you. Certain medical treatments could cause you to not be eligible for chemical peels

These include:

Pregnancy
Trying to get pregnant
Being on retin-A
Getting excessive sun exposure

Fortunately, when you get an assessment prior to your peel, your provider will advise you as to whether or not this is a good option for you.

Prior To The Chemical Peel

Before you schedule your first chemical peel, you’ll have an assessment. As mentioned before, this is also where your provider will advise you on the ideal type of peel for you or whether you should not get a peel.

Be prepared to review your medical history and to answer any questions about current/past medical conditions, medications, and cosmetic procedures.

Then, there will be a physical examination of your skin in order to determine the type of peel you would most benefit from and how your skin and specific conditions may affect results.

You’ll go over expectations, why you’re doing this treatment, how many treatments you’ll realistically need, what realistic results look like, healing time, and potential risks.

Getting Ready For The Peel

Once you’ve scheduled your first chemical peel, there are some things you need to do to get ready for your first chemical peel. You may need to take antiviral medication to prevent viral infection. Other recommendations may include:

Using a retinoid cream
Using a bleaching agent to reduce the risk of side effects
Avoiding unprotected sun exposure
Avoiding certain treatments/types of hair removal
Arranging for the ride home if sedated during the procedure

Your First Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are usually done in-office. Your doctor will clean your face, protect your hair, and cover your eyes. You may or may not need painkillers depending on the type of peel.

The procedure itself varies depending on the type of peel you are having done.

For light peels

The doctor applies a chemical solution. You may feel a mild stinging. Then, a neutralizing solution or wash is used to remove the solution from your skin.

For medium peels

This is essentially the same as light peels. However, you may experience stinging/burning sensations for up to 20 minutes. Cool compresses are used to soothe the skin.

For deep peels

These are done in out-patient surgical centers. Your heart is monitored and you may be on IVs. The doctor may do the procedure in portions.

After The Peel

After your first chemical peel, you can expect red, tight, and irritated or swollen skin. Your doctor will give directions for sun protection, cleansing, moisturizing, and protective ointments. Your experience after your first chemical peel will vary depending on the type of chemical peel you had. Downtime varies from a few days to a few weeks.

Results vary based on the type of peel and skin type/concerns. Generally, though, after your first chemical peel, you should:

Expect some skin peeling
You may break out
Avoid overexertion/heat
Give proper aftercare
Avoid makeup
Stay hydrated
Wear sunscreen

Intermountain Aesthetics MD Spa Ogden UT Chemical Peel

Do You Want To Schedule Your First Chemical Peel?

Contact Intermountain Aesthetics for an assessment! We will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment. If you are, we’ll recommend the ideal type of peel for you. Count on us to ensure your first chemical peel is done safely and properly.

While acid may conjure up images of laboratories and make you worry about chemical burns, certain acids can actually be incredibly beneficial for your skin. Facial acids are found in natural sources, such as milk and fruit. They can help with a wide range of skincare concerns, from acne to texture to pigmentation and more. Most facial acids are safe to use at home, while others are better applied by a professional.

The world of facial acids can be a confusing one, especially to the uninitiated. Even to those who regularly use acids in their daily routine, trying out new acids or figuring out which ones are best for you can be tricky.

Here’s a basic overview of popular types of facial acids and what you use them for. If you need help determining what acids are best for your skin type, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist. That way, you can avoid wasting money on products with acids that aren’t well-suited to your skincare needs.

Acids: Not A Newfangled Skincare Trend

With how quickly trends come and go, it would be easy to assume that acids are just that: a trend. However, people all over the world have been using acids to beautify their skin. Cleopatra took milk baths, which have lactic acid.

Dermatologists use facial acids and can recommend the right types of acids for your skin. There’s nothing to reassure you that something is legitimate like the fact that licensed professionals and extensive research back it up.

The Two Main Groups Of Acids In Skincare

There are two main groups of acids: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). Popular types of face acids fall under either category.

AHAs are water-soluble acids. This means that they work best for the outer layer of your skin. These types of acids typically help with skin tone and texture.

BHAs penetrate deeper into your skin than AHAs. These bind to oil, which helps with clogged pores.

Common Types Of Facial Acids And What To Use Them For

There are many different types of acids out there. Depending on your skin type and needs, certain acids will work better for you than others. Here, we’ll go over some of the most common types of acids and what skincare concerns they’re best suited for.

Salicylic Acid

If you’ve ever purchased an acne treatment, you’ve likely already used salicylic acid before. This is a BHA that works wonders for breakouts, as well as for minimizing large pores. This is because it has anti-inflammatory properties that exfoliate dead skin cells that can clog your pores.

Hyaluronic Acid

Another BHA, hyaluronic acid is famed for its moisturizing abilities. Rather than dissolving dead skin cells, hyaluronic acid lubricates the skin. It’s the type of acid that we’re born with and that gradually decreases as we age – hence why it’s found in so many moisturizers and fillers, like Juvederm.

Lactic Acid

You know how we mentioned lactic acid and Cleopatra? Lactic acid is a type of AHA that helps to moisturize your skin and improve its texture. This is a type of exfoliating acid that can be gentle enough for people with sensitive skin, depending on the percentage. This is excellent for anti-aging.

Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, ascorbic acid is wonderful for brightening your skin tone and for anti-aging purposes. It can also help with pigmentation and to protect your skin from irritants, like pollution in the air.

PHAs (polyhydroxy acids)

These are a second-generation version of AHAs. PHAs are chemical exfoliants, which help with skin smoothness and texture. Many PHAs are gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin. The difference between PHAs and AHAs is that PHAs have a larger molecule, which means that they don’t penetrate as deeply as an AHA does.

How Do You Know What Facial Acids Are Right For You?

Ask a dermatologist! Many people end up wasting a significant amount of money trying out all these different skincare products with all of these different acids. Many of these acids may not be suited to your specific needs and end up irritating your skin. A dermatologist will be able to advise you on the ideal types of acids and what strength you should choose for your skin.

Not all facial acids are suitable for home use. If you’ve looked at chemical peels online, you can see just that, as many people report having gotten a chemical burn from trying to DIY a chemical peel. If you would like a more intensive treatment, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a professional to keep your skin protected.

Intermountain Aesthetics can provide you with advice on the best types of facial acids for your skin. We also offer skincare services, such as chemical peels and facials, to beautify your skin. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment!

When people hear about chemical peels, they often get concerned and wonder whether or not chemical peels are good for your face or if they’ll damage your skin. After all, they’re chemicals that are being applied to your face that then peel it… It sounds suspicious, and like a recipe for disaster. You’ll be relieved to learn that chemical peels can indeed be quite beneficial and improve your skin in many different ways. As with everything, though, they do have their risks, especially for those with darker skin tones.

Here’s what you need to know about chemical peels, how they can be good for your face, the different types of peels, and their benefits and risks. Let’s jump into it!

What Are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are dermatological procedures during which chemical solutions are applied to your skin in order to remove the topmost layers. The purpose of them is to help your skin grow back smoother and treat a variety of skin concerns, such as scars, discoloration, wrinkles, and more. There are several different levels of peels that you can get, and they can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures.

Types Of Chemical Peels

There are three different levels of chemical peels. The type of peel that you receive will depend on your skin type, skin tone, and your specific skin concerns that you’re wanting to address. Superficial peels don’t exfoliate your skin as deeply as medium or deep peels do.

The three basic types of chemical peels are:

Superficial. These peels are used for skin issues that only impact the top layer of your skin. They heal faster than the other two types, as they are the gentlest. You can expect to heal from a superficial peel within a week, and expect a lower risk of side effects. Because these are the gentlest type, you may need multiple sessions in order to obtain your desired results. You may have a superficial peel done every 2-5 weeks.
Medium. Medium peels are used for more in-depth skin issues, such as sun-damage, minor acne scarring, and fine wrinkles. These take anywhere from a week to 2 weeks to heal. You can typically expect some initial swelling that will dissipate as you heal. Your dermatologist may prescribe a solution and medication for you to take while you heal. You may need to have multiple peels in order to achieve your desired results.
Deep. These chemical peels are usually done at outpatient surgical centers, and usually, your dermatologist will recommend you try laser therapy. However, if you have issues such as severe sun damage or severe hyperpigmentation, a deep peel can treat them. They take anywhere from 2-3 weeks to heal and necessitate more intensive aftercare than the other two types of chemical peels. You typically only have a deep peel done once a decade.

Are Chemical Peels Good For Your Face?

The truth is, it depends! Chemical peels aren’t suitable for everyone. However, they can be extremely effective and help you achieve the smooth, clear skin of your dreams. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits and risks of these peels.

Benefits Of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are typically used to reduce signs of aging on your face. They can help with many different skin concerns. The results vary depending on your skin and the type of peel that you receive.

Chemical peels can help:

Wrinkles and fine lines
Acne scars
Scars
Sun damage
Hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin tone
Skin texture
Redness
Melasma
Acne
Dullness
Precancerous growths

These peels are most beneficial to those who have generally healthy skin, a lighter skin tone, and mild scarring/wrinkles.

Risks Of Chemical Peels

Typically, side effects of these peels are mild, but they do have risks associated with them and are not good for everyone.

Some risks of chemical peels include:

Redness
Scarring
Lightened skin patches
Darkened skin patches
Infection
Heart, kidney, or liver damage (for deep peels)

Your doctor will likely advise you against getting a peel or a specific type of peel if you:

Have heart disease
Have a dark skin tone (although superficial peels can be done by experienced dermatologists with lessened risk of hyperpigmentation)
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have recently undergone surgery or radiation therapy
Have sagging skin
Have deep scars or wrinkles
Have recently taken oral acne treatments, like Accutane
Have psoriasis

It’s best to consult with your dermatologist in order to determine whether or not these peels are right for you.

Are You Ready To Try A Chemical Peel?

Intermountain Aesthetics Med Spa provides chemical peel treatments that can help you achieve a smoother, tighter face. Contact us today to receive a free consultation to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for a chemical peel.

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Wednesday	8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday	8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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What Chemical Peels Do

Benefits Of Chemical Peels

When You Might Not Be Eligible For A Chemical Peel

Prior To The Chemical Peel

Getting Ready For The Peel