A light chemical peel is a non-invasive procedure that encourages skin-cell regeneration. It uses light acids to remove the dead cells from the upper layers of the damaged skin, making way for new cells.
AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) chemical peels, salicylic acid chemical peels, and glycolic acid peels are examples of light peels. The ingredients used to make the peel depend on the skin condition and the needs of the patient. These peels are used to gently treat mild imperfections of the skin such as acne, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, chronic dry skin, and the effects of sun damage.
The Solutions Used
Light chemical peels may contain a mixture of Alpha Hydroxy acids and other acids. These are derived from natural sources such as fruits, sour milk, sugar, and so on. Sugarcane has glycolic acid; pears and apples have malic acid; milk has lactic acid; grapes have tartaric acid; and oranges and lemons have citric acid.
These acids are extremely gentle on your ski and are used in homemade skincare products. Glycolic acid is the most commonly used acid for the light chemical peel. To find out which peels we offer and which one is right for you, get in touch with our office.
What Happens During a Light Chemical Peel?
The whole light peel procedure will typically take less than an hour to complete. First, the skin of the treatment area is gently cleansed in order to maximize effectiveness. The selected chemical solution is applied to the treatment area. Anesthesia is generally not needed. You may feel a gentle tingling or prickling sensation when the solution is applied.
The chemical solution is left on the skin for a predetermined period of time. The peel removes the outer layer of the skin to reveal the healthier skin. The solution also accelerates the production of collagen and elastin, two components necessary for making the skin look young and healthy.
After the required time has passed, the doctor will wash off the solution with water and apply a lotion to the region. The treatment will then be complete.
Successive treatments will be needed to get the best results. Between five and eight sessions are usually required to get the desired results. The length and number of sessions depends on the needs and the condition of the skin of the particular patient.
Treatment Aftercare
Almost no recovery time will be needed after the peel, since it is so light. You can return to your normal activities almost immediately. Once recovery is complete, the skin of the treated area will feel smooth and soft and will have improved pigmentation and tone.
The side effects of the procedure are mild. You may or may not experience a little redness on the skin after the chemical peel has been washed off, and there may be a minor degree of skin irritation from the procedure. Your skin will flake a bit.
The doctor will suggest some precautionary measures to help protect and take care of your treated skin. You will have to use a gentle cleansing and moisturizing lotion. The skin should not be exposed to the direct rays of the sun, as this can harm the tissues.
Contact Us
Excited to find out more about the light chemical peel? We’re just as excited to give you the results you’ve been searching for! Dr. Leo Keegan is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Keegan, contact us today.
