Chemical peels sound quite intimidating, but they can be very beneficial for many people. When used correctly, a chemical peel can be both incredibly safe and effective. They are defined by healthline as “a restorative cosmetic procedure that may help reduce the signs of aging on your face”, but chemical peels can help with many other common skin concerns as well.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The name “chemical peel” is quite self-explanatory. Simply put, during a chemical peel, your treatment provider will apply a chemical solution to your skin. This chemical solution will then peel away damaged skin cells, which allows healthy skin to grow instead.

There are different types of chemical peels, which may use different chemicals, have different strength levels, or target different conditions. Typically, they work in much the same way but the aftercare may be different. Some chemical peels can be repeated after a set amount of time, while others are only done once.

You may experience irritation and dryness, which can be treated with the aftercare creams and masks. Depending on the type of chemical peel you’ve had, it can take anything from a day to several weeks for your skin to recover.

How Can the Chemical Peel Help?

One of the most common reasons to get a chemical peel is to reduce the signs of aging. This works because, when the healthy skin grows back after the treatment, it triggers the production of collagen and elastic. Both of these proteins make your skin appear strong, supple, and young.

Chemical peels can also help with skin damage caused by the sun, as well as acne and acne scars. It can improve acne by breaking down plugged hair follicles, killing bacteria, and reducing inflammation. Acne scars may be reduced by the treatment exfoliating the top skin layer, which reduces the appearance of minor facial scarring.

Finally, chemical peels are effective at treating hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation refers to an overproduction of melanin in certain parts of the skin, forming darker patches. It can be caused by hormonal changes, acne, and skin injuries, but is most often caused by sun damage. 

One chemical peel that is especially designed for hyperpigmentation in particular is the cosmelan peel. This treatment works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that influences melanin formation and production. As well as the peel itself, the treatment involves maintainence steps.

Bear in mind that this treatment isn’t magical, and won’t get rid of severe wrinkles or scarring, nor will it tighten loose skin or reverse sun damage. 

What Else Do I Need to Know?

While a chemical peel is a low risk treatment with few side effects, you should always research any kind of treatment to make sure that it’s right for your situation and your skin. People who suffer from certain skin conditions might not be good candidates for this treatment. 

A responsible treatment provider will ensure that you’re a good candidate for a chemical peel, although it may be wise to consult a medical professional if you have any concerns.