Healing Process of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that assist in reversing damaged skin due to such factors as aging, sun-exposure, and acne. Chemical peels consist of an exfoliating solution to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers, to reveal the rejuvenated underlying layers. It has proven to be extremely effective for, but not limited to, those individuals who suffer from facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.

Recovery time after a chemical peel depends on what kind of peel was done and how deep it was. With all types of peels, proper care of the skin after the peel is very important to speed healing, help results last longer, prevent infection, and avoid color changes in the treated area caused by sun exposure.

There are different types of chemical peels, ranging from mild (alpha hydroxy acids; AHA) to medium (trichloroacetic acid; TCA) to deep (phenol) intensities. As a general rule, the deeper the chemical peel, the more dramatic the result, and as a consequence, the more severe the effects will be. Common side effects with all these treatments are redness, flaking and scaling, and increased sun sensitivity. The healing time being shorter for mild treatments compared to medium and deep chemical peels.

After TCA treatment, your skin may experience some swelling temporary changes in skin pigmentation. Phenol treatment is the most invasive kind of chemical peel and they generally require local anesthetic and mild sedation when applied. Consequently, the side effects are more severe - with permanent pigment discoloration being the most obvious side effect.

Consultation with a doctor or dermatologist is necessary to select the most favorable treatment for your individual needs. There will also supply a recovery plan that should be followed to accelerate the healing process. Proper skin care after a peel is very similar to the care used to prepare for a peel and typically involves:

• Washing your face often (at least 4 times daily) during the first seven to ten days following the treatment to diminish crust formation
• Taking medication to ease any post-operative discomfort for one to four days. This is usually the case for individuals undergoing TCA and phenol chemical peel.
• Avoiding scratching with one's fingernails too soon after the treatment since this may cause scarring.
• After treatment, drink lots of water and apply moisturizer often to keep the skin hydrated.
• Changing the dressing or ointment on the wound (for medium and deep peels).
• Sun sensitivity is amplified after chemical peel treatment, therefore it is of utmost importance to protect your skin from the sun by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. In most cases, it is best to avoid the sun for the first few days after treatment.
• A positive attitude and emotional stability is key to address the realistic expectation of considerable crusting and swelling, which occurs after a few days following treatment (generally for TCA and phenol chemical peels). This may cause a "frightening" appearance, which the patient must be mature enough to handle.