As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity, and we become increasingly prone to developing lines, wrinkles and spots. In addition to the effects of the aging process, other conditions that can alter the appearance of our skin are persistent exposure to the sun, acne and scars. Often, the result is an uneven skin tone that appears discolored and bland. For people who suffer from any of these conditions, they are likely to complain of less than healthy and radiant looking skin that no amount of lotions or creams can restore. Thus, many people have turned to chemical peels as an effective solution to regain a healthy complexion.
Chemical Peels 101
Chemexfoliation, or more commonly known as a chemical peel, is a technique that uses, as its name suggests, chemicals to treat a variety of skin problems. Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of skin using a combination of acids. Dead skin cells are removed, and the skin underneath becomes the top layer. For those who would benefit from a chemical peel, it is recommended to not get one more than once or twice a year. It is a harsh procedure, so it is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Chemical peels are usually done at a doctor’s office, and the entire procedure usually does not last longer than ½ hour. It could take longer, and it all depends on the severity of your skin condition(s).
Your doctor will begin by applying the chemical solution to your face, which would not be left on longer than 5-10 minutes. Since chemicals are being used, you will experience a tingling sensation. Following the procedure, it is common to feel discomfort, and you might find it difficult to turn your head. Cold compresses are recommended to reduce the swelling and redness. After a few days, the effects of the chemical peel will become more obvious, as the top layer of your skin will start to peel off to reveal the layer of skin underneath.
How Does A Chemical Peel Improve The Appearance Of Your Skin
A chemical peel can do wonders to improve the appearance of your skin, as well as alleviate the visible signs of many skin problems, ranging from sunburn to scars. Your doctor will usually discuss your skin problems with you, and will tell you whether you would benefit from a chemical peel. There are typically three types of chemical peels, known as light, surface and deep peels. The type of peel that you get depends on the condition of your skin.
There are many things that a chemical peel can do for your skin. By removing damaged skin cells that are obstructing your skin from improving its appearance, chemical peels will improve your skin’s texture. You will look younger, and your skin will have that dewy and glowing look often seen in magazines. In addition, you will get softer and smoother skin that is able to retain more moisture.
It is important to keep in mind that a chemical peel should not be viewed as a quick fix to your skin problems. Since chemical peels remove the top layer of damaged skin, it does help to restore the elasticity and glowing complexion that is associated with healthy skin. However, following your chemical peel, you should take good care of your skin so that it retains its radiance. Patience is required, both for the recovery period and for the long-term health of your skin.
How To Prepare For Your Chemical Peel
It is advised that before you undertake any anti aging treatment including a chemical peel, you should stringently follow a set of rituals that will be recommended by your doctor in order to prepare your skin for the procedure. The reason for this is so that the best possible results are achieved. Approximately one week before your scheduled chemical peel, you should make it a habit to frequently cleanse and moisturize your skin. This is crucial, since failing to do so can increase your chance of contracting an infection and delay the healing process. Even though you are getting a chemical peel to improve the condition of your skin, it is crucial that you undergo the procedure with the best possible skin you can obtain up to that point. If you are prone to cold sores, it is possible that your doctor will provide you with antibiotics.
Are There Any Risks?
As with any medical procedure, regardless of how commonplace it is, there are always some risks that every patient needs to consider before arriving at a decision. The chemicals used in a chemical peel are considered to be safe. However, they are still chemicals and will cause an effect that takes time to heal. Risks that are associated with chemical peels include scarring, protracted redness, and change in or loss of skin pigmentation. If you take the proper precautions prior to and following your treatment, the risk of developing these conditions decreases. After your chemical peel, you should not pick at your skin, since doing so can cause permanent scarring.
I’d love to try out chemical peel but I have to be honest, I’m afraid of the possible outcome. I wish, I could do something else, something more natural to make my skin look supple and fresh, just like when I was a teenager. I heard there were lots of food that can help me care for my skin and retain its youngness. I’d probably just try those before I resort to something as harsh as a chemical peel.
As this helpful article points out, a chemical peel should not be done more than once or twice a year. That means, we all should be mindful of taking good care of our skin and not allow our hopes rest with the miracle that science can provide. It is not bad to try out some procedures that could help stop the agony but we could always choose to live healthy so it radiates into our skin. What we eat and what we do in the daily grind of our lives will affect how young or old we look. So be choosy about the food you eat, the drinks you intake, and the habits that you form. Make sure that they are purely healthy and will promote a livelier you all throughout.