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Chemical Peel Specialists in NYC
- What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a procedure wherein the top layers of the skin are removed by applying a chemical solution. There are 3 types of chemical peels: superficial, medium-depth, and deep. Each provides unique benefits.
Types of Chemical Peels
Superficial peels
Superficial peels are the mildest of the bunch. These peels often use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acid.
During a superficial peel, a patient may experience mild discomfort. It is often described as a slight stinging or burning sensation.
Superficial peels are usually used to treat:
Acne, Dehydrated skin, Dry skin, Fine lines, Mild skin, Pigment irregularities
Medium-depth peels
Medium-depth peels are a bit harsher than superficial peels. These peels often use trichloroacetic (TCA) or glycolic acid.
During a medium-depth peel, stinging and burning sensations are potentially stronger and may require the application of a cool compress and the help of a hand-held fan to soothe the skin. However, an anesthetic is usually not needed.
Medium-depth peels are usually used to treat:
Acne scars, Advanced pigment irregularities, Deeper wrinkles, Sun damage
Deep chemical peels
Deep chemical peels are the most powerful type of peel. These peels often use phenol or trichloroacetic (TCA) acid.
Deep chemical peels can cause severe (but temporary) redness and swelling, often accompanied by burning and throbbing sensations.
Deep chemical peels are usually used to treat:
Deep wrinkles, Deep scars, Skin brightening
Chemical Peel Q&A
A chemical peel can benefit the skin in various ways:
Improving the skin’s color, clarity, tone, and texture
Stimulating new collagen and healthy skin cell growth, resulting in a radiant complexion
Reducing discoloration caused by sun damage
Helping to clear up breakouts
Smoothing away the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Superficial peels, the most common type, are great for treating fine lines and wrinkles, large pores and dark spots, and tightening the skin.
Chemical peels work by using acids to raise the acidity level of the skin.
Normally, the pH level of human skin is around 5.5. With the help of the acids used in chemical peels, pH rises to about 3.8.
This process “chemically loosens” the cells that bind dead skin cells and gives way to new, healthy skin.
The sensation one can expect to feel during a chemical peel will depend on what type of peel you are getting.
Superficial peels are very mild, with only an itchy or stingy sensation when applied to the skin. Most patients find this tolerable, experiencing only mild discomfort.
Medium-depth peels are harsher than superficial peels. The patient may feel up to 20 minutes of stinging and burning. To help alleviate these sensations, the physician may apply cool compresses to soothe the skin. The physician might also provide the patient with a hand-held fan.
Deep chemical peels are the most potent type. After a deep chemical peel, there can be severe redness and swelling accompanied by burning and throbbing. The physician might prescribe medications to alleviate pain.
The peeling usually lasts 3 to 5 days. During this period, we generally recommend using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen to enhance the healing process. For lighter, more superficial peels like glycolic acid peels (which are the most common), the skin should recover within a few days with only mild dryness present. We recommend a chemical peel every 6 weeks or so.
It depends on what type of chemical peel you’re receiving:
Superficial peels are okay to have every 2-4 weeks until you reach your desired results.
Medium-depth peels are a bit more invasive and should be once every 6-8 weeks.
Deep chemical peels, which are rarely recommended by physicians may be done once annually.
