Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a facial treatment that uses chemicals for a deep exfoliation, peeling away the dead layers of skin cells, exposing the bright and fresh layers underneath. The chemicals are applied directly to the skin, usually of the face. Chemicals used in chemical peels can also help to improve the skin’s moisture levels, and can also have other positive benefits, like helping to speed up cellular turnover, lighten dark spots, and boost collagen production. Chemical peel burn is uncommon, as newer chemical peels are formulated to be effective, yet protect the skin from too much chemical exposure.

Chemical peels really work to help deeply exfoliate the skin. The chemicals are gently laid on the skin, then they do their magic, breaking down the outermost layer of skin and helping to expose the fresh layers underneath. As they ‘eat’ through the dead skin, they also help to open up the pores and destroy debris and oil trapped inside. As the chemicals absorb into the skin, they can help make the deep layer – the dermis – more healthy by improving the rate of cellular turnover and encouraging the production of collagen.

The chemical peel process is quite simple. But in some cases, your treatment may include other technologies alongside a chemical peel. Continue reading to learn what happens during the chemical peel portion of a treatment.

All our chemical peels are performed by our skincare professionals; aestheticians who know exactly how to make sure they use our chemical peels safely and effectively. You’re in great hands at Novuskin.

Before your chemical peel, you will have had a complete skin analysis and consultation, and we will have developed a treatment plan for you. So, your aesthetician will be familiar with your needs and goals beforehand, but they will still talk to you about the procedure, and what will happen throughout. We encourage you to ask questions about your treatment if you have them.

At the start of your treatment, your aesthetician will thoroughly cleanse your skin, gently wiping away makeup and other residue. When your skin is ready, we will gather any necessary supplies and begin gently applying the chemicals. Normally, they are applied with a soft brush that helps us apply it in just the right places. 

The chemical peel will go on much like a face mask. It will be light and may feel a little like a cool cream, but will likely warm up quickly. It won’t be massaged into the skin. It’s possible you may feel a little uncomfortable during your chemical feel. While chemical peels don’t typically cause pain, they may cause an itchy sensation and may feel like mild burning. After the allotted time, the chemicals will be removed with a cool, soft cloth. 

You may experience redness after your chemical peel. It should fade within a few hours. Your aesthetician will give you complete after-care instructions following your treatment. 

While chemical peels don’t typically cause pain, they may cause an itchy sensation and may feel like mild burning. Most people find our chemical peels tolerable. If at any time you aren’t able to tolerate your peel, your aesthetician can remove it. If you remove your peel early, you won’t get the full effect of the treatment, but you will receive the benefit of what the chemicals were able to do in the time they were on your skin.

Before your chemical peel, discontinue uses of retinol or other chemicals and harsh products for 10 days. You’ll want to avoid direct sun exposure for 10 days as well. This will make sure your skin isn’t too sensitive for the chemicals, so they can be used safely. 

You can arrive without makeup on your skin, but if you have makeup on, we will remove it for you. The day of your peel, please try to apply as little as possible to your skin.

This depends on the treatment you book. Some chemical peel sessions can take 30-45 minutes. When chemical peels are part of another treatment, they typically take approximately 15 minutes of your treatment time.

Our chemical peels are performed by our aestheticians. They will make sure they understand your skin concerns and goals before your session begins. Your skin will be cleansed so that it is free of makeup and excess residue and oil. Then, we’ll apply the chemicals to your skin. 

The chemicals will begin to dissolve the top layers of your skin, allowing new fresh layers underneath to be exposed. Your results will be seen almost immediately, and will depend on the chemical peel you receive.

Chemical peels are generally divided into three categories: Light, medium, and deep.

• A light chemical peel provides a gentle peel with subtle changes in the look and texture of the skin over time. With a light peel, the outer layers of skin are removed. A light peel feels mildly uncomfortable and itchy, but is well tolerated. You may need a few hours to recover from mild redness, and downtime is generally not needed.

• A medium chemical peel is a stronger peel that removes the outer layers of skin and part of the upper middle layers as well. This peel feels more itchy and might feel like something is irritating your skin. Sometimes, this peel takes a few days to recover from. Due to dry, peeling skin, you may need to take a few days to rest at home.
  
• A deep chemical peel is the strongest peel available and provides the most dramatic results. It removes the outer layers of skin and the lower middle layer as well. These types of peels are not performed regularly. Usually, they are used only for a very specific medical purpose since recovery time may be significant — you may need a few weeks to recover from a deep peel.

After your chemical peel, you’ll likely notice positive changes in your skin after a few hours, and you’ll see those results continue to improve your skin in the coming days and weeks. Depending on the strength of your peel, you may see results sooner or later. Your aesthetician will explain your results based on the treatment you receive.

Adverse reactions are not usually serious, but most people experience mild symptoms on their face after their treatment. Some of these may include:

• Pink or red skin
• Red blotches on the skin
• Dry skin
• Itching
• Lightly peeling skin
• Mild burning sensation

Depending on whether you have a light, medium, or deep peel, your reaction may be more serious. These reactions don’t mean the chemicals caused harm or that they are bad for you. But if they cause more significant peeling, the reaction will be stronger as well.

With deeper peels, you may see prolonged redness and significant peeling. 

After a light chemical peel, you should recover in a few hours. After a medium peel, you may need a few days to a week to recover. Following a deep peel, you’ll likely need at least a few weeks to fully recover and healing time may be significant. Downtime for chemical peels is directly related to the strength of the peel

Post chemical peel instructions and skin care will be explained in full at your treatment. General at home instructions:

• Avoid washing your face for 24 hours or more to protect it. Don’t use any harsh chemicals and if you must wash, use a very soft cloth.
• Use the best moisturizer you can daily to help protect your face from excessive dryness
• Avoid using cosmetics on your face for the remainder of the day if at all possible
• Minimize sun exposure following your treatment and be sure to apply sunscreen every day
• Avoid coconut oil or other oils that can clog pores following your treatment

You can wear makeup after a chemical peel, but it’s not advisable. Your pores are fully cleansed and open, so you’ll want to keep them free of cosmetics for as long as possible to get the full effects of your treatment.

Please try to avoid direct sunlight after a peel. Your skin will be very sensitive and vulnerable, so you’ll want to protect it from sun damage. 

You should avoid workouts that cause sweat as it may irritate your skin or even cause an infection. You’ll also want to avoid increased circulation that might cause excessive heat. It may cause excessive tingling or itching, and may prolong post-treatment redness.

Don’t use retin A or retinols, abrasive products, at-home chemical peels, or other exfoliants until your aesthetician says you are free to. Your peel exfoliated your skin very well, so don’t feel the need to exfoliate further.

This depends on your goals and the strength of your peel. Most people see excellent results after just one peel. However, to reach your skincare goals, you may need more – even as many as 10 peels – to see your full results. How many treatments are needed to see results will be discussed at your consultation and included in a treatment plan.

This depends on your skincare goals and the strength of your peel. In some cases, results may only last a few weeks. In other cases, results may last years or even be permanent.

How often you should get a peel depends on the strength of the peel. Light peels can be applied every month. Stronger peels may be applied every few months, or even only once every year or two. How often you can get a chemical peel will also depend on your tolerance and how quickly you heal. 

Chemical peels are very safe when performed by qualified skincare specialists and dermatologists. While they technically damage your skin, they are carefully crafted to not cause unnecessary harm. When performed correctly, peels are good for your skin and provide a safe alternative to surgery.

Contraindications

We will make sure to discuss any contraindications, dangers, and risks to chemical peels at your consultation. If you feel you may have a contraindication, please feel free to ask your aesthetician. Some common reasons not to have a chemical peel:

• If you’ve been using Accutane or other products or medication that thins the skin
• If you’ve had recent cosmetic surgery or laser treatments
• If you have psoriasis, active rash or open wounds on the face
• If you have any infectious diseases
• If you have high blood pressure or heart disease
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have severe rosacea
• If you’re suffering from active herpes simplex
• If you have gotten a tattoo or permanent cosmetics in the past week
• If you have folliculitis 
• If you have skin cancer

Side Effects

A chemical peel can cause:

• Red skin or inflammation; most people experience redness after their chemical peel. This is a normal reaction. 
• After a medium or deep peel, the redness may last longer.
• Peeling and scabbing.
• Scaring
• Unwanted skin lightening – a chemical peel can cause skin to become lighter
• Infection – in some cases, the skin may become infected after your treatment
• Allergic reactions like blotchiness or hives
• Breakout after the treatment

Yes, your chemical peel can be added onto other procedures we offer. Talk to your esthetician for more information.