Sweater weather is just around the corner, and many of us are already relishing in the season of the pumpkin spice latte. Cooler weather isn’t just about richly-scented candles, lattes, and sweaters, though, it’s also a great time to give your skin a refresher after months of heat and humidity. Here at Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute, patients have several options for skin-rejuvenating treatments. Chemical peels have always been a popular modality for expediting cellular turnover and replenishing the skin. Here, we discuss why you may want to contact us today to get your treatment on the books.
What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels sound like a no-brainer kind of treatment. Based on the name alone, you might guess that the procedure involves the application of some type of chemical to the skin to cause it to peel. This is the concept, yes, but the reality is not as literal as that. Chemical peel treatment is customized to each person’s skin type, tone, and desired outcome. Each is formulated with the right chemical solution according to needs and preferences. Contrary to how it sounds, not every chemical peel will cause noticeable peeling. All, though, will cause dead and damaged skin to slough off.
A chemical peel is a type of skin resurfacing. It is unlike other resurfacing methods, like microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing, in that the chemical peel is not mechanical; it is chemical. The solution applied to the skin causes a specific response that allows the epidermis to release a layer of nonviable skin cells. We want these dull and damaged cells released because they diminish the complexion and also block skincare products from doing their jobs.
Chemical peels are categorized in three general strengths, light, medium, and deep.
- Light chemical peels usually don’t cause peeling. They cause flaking. These are mild enough to have done on a monthly basis, and can be an excellent idea for those who don’t have noticeable signs of sun damage or aging just yet. Light chemical peels may be suitable for teens fighting the acne fight and for adults who want to support their skin’s regenerative processes.
- Medium chemical peels are more corrective in nature. Their stronger ingredients may cause some redness and more pronounced flaking or peeling that last a week to 10 days. Because the medium chemical peel reaches multiple superficial layers of skin, this treatment may be done once or twice a year for sustained tissue regeneration.
- Deep chemical peels are not performed very often anymore. One reason is because medium peels offer corrective benefits without significant side effects and downtime, and another is that there are more conservative treatment options that get similar results.
Our experienced med spa staff helps patients discover the best skin resurfacing treatment to bring out the best in their skin. To schedule a consultation to learn more about chemical peels and our other resurfacing services, contact us at 440-459-0007.