The Basics of Chemical Peels: What You Need to Know Before Your Treatment

When you need renewal for damaged skin, a chemical peel may be the solution recommended by your dermatologist. A report by Grand View Research estimates that over 1.3 million chemical peel procedures happen yearly. Learn the basics of chemical peels in Burlingame, CA, then visit a skin doctor at Peninsula Dermatology.

What Is A Chemical Peel?

When the skin looks wrinkled, scarred, discolored, and worn out, it’s usually because the outer layers are damaged. By removing them, your doctor reveals the layers of younger, newer skin beneath.

During a chemical peel, the dermatologist applies a solution to remove those older skin cells. Chemical peels can help patients who have a variety of aesthetic concerns, including acne, light wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and scars.

Chemical Peel Basics

Your doctor must complete a skin exam to determine whether a chemical peel will help you and which type of peel to perform. Understand the basics of chemical peels in Burlingame, CA, in advance of your appointment with a dermatologist:

• Light or superficial peel uses alpha-hydroxy acid to exfoliate the topmost layer of skin. The patient can usually go home or back to work after the appointment.
• Medium peel uses glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to remove the top and middle layers of damaged skin.
• Deep peel uses phenol or trichloroacetic acid to penetrate well into the middle layers of the skin and requires more extensive time to heal.

You must follow the doctor’s aftercare advice closely to avoid issues with a skin infection and may need to take some time off from work.

Chemical Peel Benefits

Removing the outer layers of skin cells gives newer skin cells a chance to shine through. These are a few of the benefits of chemical peels:

• Less costly compared to other procedures, like plastic surgery.
• No need for deep anesthesia.
• Relatively fast recovery time and visible results (about a week to 14 days, or more for deep peels).

A Non-Invasive Skin Solution

If you prefer to avoid invasive plastic surgery while improving your skin's appearance, chemical peels in Burlingame, CA may be the right first step for you. Call (650) 692-0182 today to schedule a visit with a dermatologist at Peninsula Dermatology.