A chemical peel is a treatment that is done to eliminate skin damage that has occurred because of the natural aging process and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. At Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, we can explain this process to you and help you decide if this would be the right approach to the needs of your skin.
As your skin ages, it becomes more vulnerable to damage from the sun and elements or conditions like heavy winds and pollutants. It also begins to decrease its production of collagen. Together, this creates a situation where wrinkles and lines can develop.
Your chemical peel will remove the layer of skin that has been damaged and stimulate the skin to produce collagen that will add volume to the skin and plump the wrinkles.
As your skin renews itself after your peel, the new skin will come back with an even tone. This is because any discoloration from aging or from the sun will be removed with the superficial layer of skin. The new skin underneath will be free from these marks and discoloration.
Your skin tone will also be brighter when new skin replaces the older, dull skin you had before.
Any superficial scars that are present on your skin will be dramatically decreased or removed because of the new skin that is brought to the surface. This may affect scars from a previous injury or acne scars.
If you struggle with a skin texture that is crepey or uneven, a peel will help to remove that skin and replace it with skin that has a smooth, supple texture. This gives you a more youthful appearance.
Acne that exists on the top layers of the skin, including blackheads and whiteheads, can be eliminated or reduced through the peeling process. The new, revitalized skin that is brought to the surface after the peel will be free of dirt and oil that causes acne.
Dry skin can be a condition of aging for several reasons. One is that the skin slows its production of hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture. A peel will stimulate the skin to begin creating this substance at a faster rate. This will bring hydration to your skin, helping it become brighter and more supple.
After your peel, your pores will be open and clear. Your skin will have a better ability to absorb skincare products like moisturizers and serums. This will help keep your skin looking young for a longer period of time.
The medical team will start the process by making sure that your face is clean. This is to remove any dirt, oil, or other particles that can interfere with the results of your peel.
You will need something to cover and protect your eyes during your peel. This can be bandages, eye patches, tape, or goggles. This will keep the delicate skin of your eyes away from the peeling solution.
Depending on the extent of your needs, you may get a sedative to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. Sometimes light peels do not require any type of sedation. When you are being treated for deep wrinkles or extensive skin damage, an oral or intravenous may be used.
A topical anesthesia may be applied to the skin to keep you from feeling the peel. Again, this may or may not be necessary depending on the extent of the skin damage being treated. Deeper and more intense peels may require more anesthesia.
Once the skin has been prepared, the doctor will use a cotton tip or special applicator to apply the peel to your face. This solution may include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or carbolic acid, The job of the solution is to remove the top layer of the skin and stimulate it to rebuild and heal itself. Once the skin has healed, the new skin will be unblemished, brighter, and more useful.
After the chemicals have been applied, the area may be cooled with a compress, a fan, or a neutralizing solution to stop the effects of the chemicals. The entire process will take anywhere from about 20 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the intensity of the treatment and the results you desire.
You can expect to see your new skin begin to develop after three or four days. Within about a week, you should have significant healing, and your skin should be completely healed within a week or two. If you’d like your results to be more dramatic, you can have additional treatments.
The length of time the results from your chemical peel will vary based on the intensity of the treatment. A light peel may give you results for up to three months, and results from a medium peel may last for up to six months. A deeper peel can last for years.
A chemical peel is an effective choice for rejuvenating skin that has declined due to age and exposure to outside elements. If you would like to explore the benefits of this treatment, contact Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio TX to schedule an evaluation. We will discuss this treatment option with you and answer any questions you may have about getting a fresh, new appearance.
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