Barbie adores it. Why wouldn’t you? All our divas love the youthful radiance, thanks to chemical peels. From Jennifer Aniston, Priyanka Chopra, our very own Barbie – Margot Robbie to Victoria Beckham! Not one has a quibble against chemical peels. With more pros than cons – it’s Hollywood’s go-to non-invasive beauty procedure. Some say Brad Pitt loves it, too!  

Well, the idea of applying a layer of ingredients that revitalizes the skin isn’t a modern-day innovation. History makes note of Cleopatra using sedimentary clay from the Nile River mixed with natural antioxidants like milk and honey.  

As technology advanced, aestheticians and researchers came up with treatments that are far more effective. And today, celebrities thank chemical peels before getting for an event! 

Knowing Chemical Peels 

A non-invasive beauty procedure that involves application of layers of chemical solutions. It acts as chemexfoliation, making the skin look dewy and youthful. It removes dead cells and increases cell production. It is performed only under expert supervision because of the delicate nature and effects of the treatment. 

Chemical peels are of three different intensities. They are termed as:  

Light Peel 

The procedure is done with the help of solutions like lactic acid and salicylic acid. Wherein a cotton ball is used to brush the solution on the surface of the skin. Your cheeks may burn a tad, for a little while. Upon completion, the solution will be taken off. If not, the expert may apply a neutral solution to numb the burning sensation.  

Medium Peel 

This is mainly done with TCA. Some may also use glycolic acid. A blue dye is added to the TCA – these are called blue peels. It’s applied using a Q-Tip applicator or cosmetic sponges. The skin, first, turns white, then begins the burning sensation. The stinging may last a while, almost half an hour. You can use a portable fan to calm your skin.  

Deep Peel 

In this procedure, phenol and TCA is applied on the skin. But with very high concentrations (<50%). The expert will apply it, and it’ll turn whitish after application. 15-minute breaks will be taken after application in one zone. Or the skin may show adversities with such acid exposure.  

However, patients who suffer from rosacea should stay away from chemical peels. If approved by dermatologist, only very low concentration solutions can be applied on rosacea-affected skin.  

Where To Go for Chemical Peels? 

For light peels, over the counter solutions are available. You can buy them from cosmetic shops and perform the peeling at home.  

For medium and deep peels, you should see a highly skilled and qualified specialist because the more intense the chemical peel, the darker it’ll make your skin. Thus, adversities are numerous. So, visit a reliable and trustworthy medspa to get medium and deep peels. 

Chemical Peel Before and After 

Here’s what to do before and after the treatment:  

Before 

• Provide your skincare expert with your medical history.  

• Then, your skin expert will provide you a customized skincare routine for a month prior to the treatment. Follow it like the bible.  

• Don’t apply retinol unless it’s advised.  

• No exfoliators before the session. 

• Avoid hair removal and bleaching.  

• If you opt for medium & deep peels, book a ride home. Chances are you’ll be sedated after the treatment. 

After 

• Avoid sun exposure.  

• Follow the regimen prescribed by your aesthetician.  

• Avoid all types of makeup products.  

• If the burning sensation is severe, you can use ice packs to cool your skin.  

Post- Chemical Peel Side Effects 

Light Peel

You’ll be fine in a week. During that time your skin may appear a tone darker. Don’t worry about it.  

Medium Peel

Redness may remain on your skin for more than a month, but the recovery period is not more than a week. In the initial stage of recovery, your skin will swell. This will be followed by brown patches.  

Once this process is over, your new skin will be unveiled.  

Deep Peels 

The initial stage of recovery is painful. Your skin may feel like it’s throbbing and there’s a burning sensation. Your skin may swell so much that your eyes are closed shut. For two weeks, this will persist. Along with a few cysts on the skin. After two weeks, the new skin will surface. But the redness won’t wear away for a couple of months.  

Chemical Peels Risks and Benefits 

 Chemical peels’ benefits include: 

• Brightens skin 

• Brings back youthful glow 

• Controls sebum production 

• Exfoliates skin to boost cell production 

• …and more.  

To know more about the benefits of chemical peels, read our blog that deals primarily with chemical peels’ benefits.  

Keeping aside burning sensation and swelling of skin, chemical peels’ risks aren’t many. But here are some:  

• Lightening or darkening of skin complexion is seen in darker-skinned individuals. 

• Phenol can cause organ damage (heart, kidney, liver, etc). Thus, deep peels should be chosen very carefully. 

• Irregular heart rates have often been noticed among clients.  

• Infections and flareups.  

Chemical Peel: Price 

Nature of Peel	Price Range
Light Peel	$100-300
Medium Peel	Up to $1000
Deep Peels	$2,000 – $6,000

Read More:
Top Benefits of Chemical Peels for Radiant & Youthful Skin
5 Key Benefits of Microneedling Treatment for Rejuvenated Skin

Before You Go 

Chemical peels are often more preferred because of their non-invasive nature. And the fact that it comes along with rapid and effective results – makes it even more worth the hype. Visit a medical spa where chemical peel treatment is performed by experienced professionals and let them decide what’s best for your skin. Follow their instructions meticulously before and after the treatment to receive the best results.

Lastly, don’t be a miser when it comes to your face. Only opt for authentic medpspas that have excellent reviews. You don’t want to sit at home looking like you’ve been stung by the entire bee family!