Facial impurities are no match for a good chemical peel. Are you looking to see the impact it can have on your skin? Check out these chemical peel before and after pictures to see how it works and the results.
What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back is smoother. You may need to undergo the procedure more than once with a light or medium peel to get the desired results.
Chemical peels treat various facial impurities — usually on the face, but they can also be applied to the face, hands, and neck to improve the overall appearance or feel of the skin. They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures.
There are many reasons people may get chemical peels, such as the following:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scars
- Melasma
- Uneven skin tone
- Redness
How A Chemical Peel Is Performed
Chemical peels are typically done in-office; deep peels may be done in an outpatient surgical facility. Before the procedure, they will likely have you tie back your hair. The dermatologist will clean your face and provide goggles or gauze to protect the eyes.
Dermatologists usually numb the area with a topical anesthetic, and they may also use a regional anesthetic for deep peels, which will numb large areas. They are particularly likely to do this if your face and neck are treated. Those who opt for deep peels will be given an IV drip, and their heart rate will be closely monitored.
Afterward, chemical solutions will be applied to the areas to be treated, causing the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once this happens, the new skin underneath is often smoother, appears less wrinkled, and may have less damage.
There are three types of chemical peels that can be done at different depths, depending on the skin’s condition.
- Light chemical peel – A light (superficial) chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis). It treats fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and dryness. This procedure is usually repeated every two to five weeks.
- Medium chemical peel – A medium chemical peel removes skin cells from the epidermis and parts of the dermis or the upper part of the middle layer of the skin. It treats wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. You might need to repeat this procedure to achieve or maintain the desired result.
- Deep chemical peel – As its name suggests, the deep chemical peel removes skin cells in depth. Dermatologists often recommend this for people with deeper wrinkles, scars, or precancerous growths.
Chemical Peel Before And After Photos & Videos
Fofie (@fofie080)
Fofie decided to get VI chemical peel after struggling with her acne scars. Days after the procedure, she started to peel off in many parts of the face, though she put up with it for a week.
So far, she says the peel has made a huge difference on her skin, and she’s considering making it a part of a monthly beauty regimen.
Blake Healey (@blakehealey1)
Unlike most people, Blake didn’t really have a lot of acne scars, but she still decided to get a VI chemical peel to reveal healthier skin. She didn’t feel anything painful during the procedure, and it took only a relatively shorter time for her face to peel.
By the 6th day, her skin was already noticeably brighter and smoother than before.
The Financial Goat (@valentciaaa)
Airbnb coach @valentciaaa had suffered from severe acne and acne scars all over her face, which were quite painful and would’ve hindered her self-confidence.
Opting for a chemical peel wasn’t without its inconveniences. She had to put up with the severe peeling, which eventually did wonders – her acne had considerably diminished, leaving her skin in a much better condition.
Chris Joshue (@chris.joshue)
Chemical peels aren’t just for the ladies; some gents get them for a glow-up too.
CJ got a chemical peel to fix the hyperpigmentation on his face. At first, the face peeling hurt for a while but eventually subsided after a few days, saying it peeled off “like a mask.” He also rested frequently to let the process go through without stress.
After 6 days, CJ’s skin became noticeably clearer and brighter, further complementing his facial features.
Side Effects
Sometimes, chemical peels can cause some side effects such as:
- Redness
- Scabbing,
- Swelling
- Scarring on the lower part of the face.
- Changes in skin color – A chemical peel can sometimes cause the skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or lighter than normal (hypopigmentation).
In some cases, the effects are more severe:
- Infection – Although very rarely, a chemical peel could cause bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
- Heart, kidney, or liver damage.
In case of scarring, antibiotics and steroid medications can be used to soften their appearance.
➡️ Kybella Before And After Photos
➡️ Filler Under Eyes Before And After Photos
Recovery Period
The recovery period for your chemical peel depends on the type you had. Light and medium chemical peels usually take up to 7 days for the skin to recover, while deep chemical peels can take weeks.
During recovery, follow all of your dermatologist’s post-op instructions. They’ll give you specific instructions on how often to wash your face and moisturize and which products you should use. Stay out of the sun until your skin has healed, and steer clear from makeup or other cosmetics until your dermatologist says so.
To relieve discomfort, use ice packs for 20 minutes at a time or a cool fan.
Takeaway
Chemical peels are a great way to shed off acne scars and discolored skin and bring out healthier brighter skin. It may have its inconveniences, but the results make them all worth it.
Before getting a chemical peel, consult your dermatologist to discuss your goals, expectations, and potential risks. Make sure you understand how many treatments you might need, how long it’ll take to heal, and what your results might be.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
