Do Chemical Peels Hurt?

Do Chemical Peels Hurt?

Chemical peels help to rejuvenate your skin and give you that youthful glow. If your skin is dull and you are looking to reveal younger skin, then a chemical peel may be the perfect solution. Choosing the right chemical peel is important, and there are many chemical peels on the market. Chemical peels are applied topically to your skin and cause your skin to shed cells, exposing new layers of skin. This creates a fresh and smooth texture, making you look young and glowing.

Chemical peels can remove sun damage, scarring, or pigmentation issues. Peels can also help battle the signs of aging, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. There are different levels of chemical peels and they differ by their strength and the duration of treatment. The level of PH and active ingredients in the peel determines how strong the peel will be when placed on the skin.

What Peel Is Right for Me?

Light Peel or Superficial Peel

Light peels are the gentlest peel available and are typically made up of alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Other acids this type of peel may contain are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. This type of peel only removes the top layer of the skin or epidermis. Results are slight, and this peel can treat minimal scarring or sun damage. This peel is not painful, and your skin may be red afterward. The redness should subside after a day or two.

Medium Strength Peels

Medium strength peels help produce more dramatic results. Most medium-level peels contain trichloroacetic acid or TCA. This penetrates the skin layers below the epidermis and can help to treat moderate wrinkles, pigmentation, and sun damage. This type of peel will cause minor burning or stinging but should subside between 30 minutes to an hour after the treatment. Afterward, your skin will peel and you may have redness or swelling. The healing time for this type of peel is about a week.

Deep Level Peels

Deep level peels can help patients that have heavy lines or wrinkles, and moderate sun damage. This type of peel also treats moderate pigmentation and can help smooth your skin. Deep-level peels are the strongest type of peel available and provide amazing results. Deep peels contain carbolic acid or TCA, and both of these acids penetrate the deep layers of the dermis.

This peel will cause moderate pain, and the recovery period is around two months. After this type of peel, your skin will be red and swollen and may feel tight and itchy. Scabs may develop as the skin peels and your new layer of rejuvenated skin is revealed underneath. 

What Can I Expect During a Peel Treatment?

When you come in for a peel treatment you should have clean skin. We ask that patients stop using any skincare products at least a week before their peel treatment. Chemical peel appointments take between 30-60 minutes, and this depends on the type of peel you choose. Skin will be prepped and cleaned, and then the peel is applied topically using a brush or sponge. Patients will feel a burning or tingling sensation while the peel works on their skin. Each peel has different lengths of time it must be left on the skin. Our technicians will help reduce any pain or discomfort by using a topical numbing agent, and by blowing air on your face during the treatment. Afterward, we will apply a cold compress to help soothe your skin.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

The length of recovery depends on the strength of the peel you choose. Mild peels only require a few days or a week of recovery time. Medium to strong peels cause your skin to peel and scab, and the recovery time can be up to a month. During the recovery period, skin ointment can be applied to help soothe your skin. We recommend staying out of the sun and avoiding any makeup products during your recovery time.

Interested in Scheduling a Consultation To Find Out More?

If you are ready to restore your confidence and reveal smooth and youthful skin, contact The Vanity Bar to schedule your free consultation. Our team will take a look at your skin and discuss which peel will be best for your skin. A customized treatment plan will be created, and we will discuss how to prepare for your peel appointment. Let our team help you get that glowing and youthful skin you have always wanted with one of our peel treatments. 

To schedule an appointment, contact The Vanity Bar, and one of our team members will assist you.