In this blog, we’ll discuss types of chemical peels, the benefits, as well as other important aspects of peels.

Chemical peels are a time-tested, proven treatment that people have used for generations to get fresh, glowing skin.

A chemical peel is a fast, simple treatment that produces tremendous results.

If you want radiant skin that lasts, make chemical peels part of your regular skincare routine.

Why You Should Consider a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel uses a combination of natural acids to provide deep exfoliation, prompt cell turnover and increase collagen production.

These actions add up to skin that is healthier and more resilient than it was before the peel.

The benefits of a chemical peel go well beyond the immediate results. Peels can stimulate your skin to continue building collagen for months. That gives you healthy, glowing skin that lasts.

Benefits of a Chemical Peel

• Reverse the signs of sun damage, age spots, and dark spots.
  
• Increase your skin’s production of collagen, the building blocks of strong, healthy skin.
  
• Remove wrinkles and fine lines.
  
• Heal years of sun damage and toxic pollution.
  
• Remove acne and reduce acne scarring.
  
• Dramatically reverse the signs of aging.
  
• Get even tone and smooth texture.
  
• Tighten pores.
  
• Restore skin’s youthful “bounce” and elasticity.

What Does a Chemical Peel Contain?

Most chemical peels use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), salicylic acids, phenols or trichloroacetic acid. When you get a peel, you get a concentrated dose of these beneficial acids. 

Different types of chemical peels produce different results. We offer those that have proven benefits for your skin.

Types of Chemical Peels

At Dermatology Center of Acadiana, we offer two types of chemical peels, superficial and medium depth chemical peels. You can choose a glycolic or salicylic peel or the advanced Vitality Institute (VI) peel.

Superficial Peels

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can penetrate the skin and reach deep inside the pores. This pore-purifying acid is especially good for anyone who’s suffering from acne.

The acid leaves your skin pure, clean and totally refreshed. It also works wonders to improve the tone and texture of your skin.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is more commonly used for treating sun damage or pigment concerns of the skin.

It comes in different strengths so that your treatment plan can be customized depending on your downtime, skin type and goals. 

Medium Depth Peels

The Vitality Institute specializes in creating pharmaceutical-grade compounds to remove the skin’s damaged, aging outer layers and reveal fresh, new skin.

The VI peel stimulates healing, collagen building and tissue regeneration deep inside your skin. 

You can also use the VI peel on your chest, neck, and hands. 

What Happens During a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a fast, easy treatment that you can get at our Lafayette location. And it only takes about 20 minutes.

Our staff member applies the peel of your choice. Then you wait a few minutes to let the peel do its work.

When the time is up, your technician rinses off the peel. The treatment finishes with a soothing ointment applied to your skin.

Types of Chemical Peels

When you select a peel, you can choose a mild, medium or deep treatment.

These types of chemical peels produce slightly different results.

They also have different recovery times. Talk with one of our experienced, knowledgeable professionals to choose the peel strength that suits your skincare goals.

Here’s a rundown of the three levels:

• Mild peel: This is an excellent choice if you have surface wrinkles, uneven skin tone, loss of elasticity and mild scarring. It’s also the right choice if you have sensitive, easily irritated skin.
  
• Medium peel: This provides deeper penetration of the skin layers. A medium peel tightens your pores, gives you deep exfoliation, builds collagen and restores elasticity. It also smooths away scars and wrinkles. 
  
• Strong peel: This penetrates the most deeply. Getting a strong peel is like getting a layer of fresh, new skin. You’ll have the most dramatic results with a strong peel. You’ll also have a longer recovery time. These peels are rarely used in dermatology anymore because they are so strong they can require anesthesia!

Recovery Times for Peel Levels

The recovery time for each peel level is different. With most peels, you’ll have aftercare to ensure that your skin is healing properly.

• Mild peel: In most cases, you can wear makeup and use your regular skincare products the next day. You may notice a slight flaking or redness. This usually fades in a few days.
  
• Medium peel: It takes about a week to recover from a medium peel. Your skin will flake and peel. You should use a heavy-duty moisturizer. In most cases, you can start wearing concealing makeup about three days after the peel. 
  
• Strong peel: Expect to spend two to four weeks in recovery after a strong peel. Your skin will be red, irritated and peeling heavily. You’ll use a soothing ointment on your skin every day. After two weeks, you can start wearing makeup. Your skin may be slightly red for several weeks following a deep peel.

When Will You See Results from a Chemical Peel?

Once your skin heals, you will notice your gorgeous, glowing results.

A chemical peel is good for your skin, but some may irritate your skin slightly to get those great results.

Once your skin heals and recovers, it will look firmer, smoother and glowing.

How often should you get a chemical peel?

The answer to this question varies based on the type of chemical peel a patient chooses.

• If you’re getting a mild peel, you can get them monthly. 
  
• If you’re getting a medium peel, you can do them quarterly. 
  
• The results of a strong peel can last several years. You should only need one every five to ten years.

Is a Chemical Peel Painful?

Getting a mild or medium peel is not painful. In most cases, you will only feel a mild tingling sensation. 

Are You a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

You are a good candidate for a chemical peel if you:

• Have uneven skin tone, sun damage, and age spots.
  
• Want a long-lasting solution for your aging skin concerns.
  
• Have mild scarring.
  
• Want noticeable, long-lasting results.

You should avoid a chemical peel if you:

• Have highly sensitive skin.
  
• Have skin that is naturally dark.
  
• Have skin that scars easily.

If a chemical peel isn’t right for you, don’t feel that you’re losing out. At Dermatology Center of Acadiana, we have several outstanding skincare treatments that will give you amazing results.

Are You Ready to Try a Chemical Peel?

If you want to enjoy bright, healthy, younger-looking skin, a chemical peel is an excellent option.

Turn back the effects of aging on your skin. Achieve a lasting, healthy glow.

Reach out to us at the Dermatology Center of Acadiana today and schedule a consultation for your chemical peel.