The Benefits of a Chemical Peel

Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your sun-kissed glow. Chemical peels are a type of exfoliation that remove dead, dull skin and reveal new, radiant skin. While mild, over-the-counter chemical peels exist, they won’t meet the quality and potency of a chemical peel administered by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Alfred Sofer, MD.

Is a chemical peel right for you? Continue reading to learn more about what a chemical peel can do and how you can benefit from one.

Learning about the three types of chemical peels

The terms “chemical peels” and “spa facial masks” are sometimes used interchangeably, but these two treatments are not identical. Chemical peels require applications of specific chemical solutions to your skin. These solutions exfoliate your skin, removing the dead cells and creating a healthy glow. The intensity of your results (and the range of benefits you experience) depends on whether you receive a:

  1. Superficial peel (sometimes called “micropeels”)
  2. Medium peel
  3. Deep peel

For example, you may experience minimal downtime with a superficial chemical peel, but you may see more dramatic results with a medium peel. Your specific aesthetic goals determine which benefits you gravitate toward (i.e., recovery timeline or intensity of results).

A thorough exam and the results of the VISIA complexion analysis play a big role in shaping your treatment plan. Regardless of which type of chemical peel you select, Dr. Sofer provides all the necessary preparation steps and post-care instructions you need.

Benefits of chemical peels

 At the Plastic Surgery Center of Fairfield, we’re proud to offer the following chemical peels:

  • SkinCeuticals Superficial MicroPeels (this line of superficial peels includes Pigment Balancing, Micro 30 Glycolic, Micro 20 Glycolic, and Micro Sensitive peels)
  • The Perfect Derma™ Peel (a medium peel)
  • Replenix Intermediate 10 Peel (a medium peel)

All chemical peels provide many benefits, including:

  • Reduced photodamage
  • Decreased pore size
  • Increased skin stimulation
  • Oil regulation (less oily skin)
  • Reduced appearance of fine lines
  • More radiant, softer skin
  • Smoother skin texture 
  • Improvement of mild acne 
  • Improvement of melasma

In addition to the above benefits, micropeels provide the additional benefits of no social downtime. Deep peels may cause blistering or peeling (like a snake shedding skin), which can limit your social events in the days following your treatment. Micropeels don’t create this disturbance in your social life.

Additionally, deep chemical peels may not be ideal for all skin types (such as those with Fitzpatrick skin type IV–VI). Individuals with this type of skin have an increased risk of developing post-peel hyperpigmentation after a deep chemical peel. Superficial peels can be used with all skin types.

On the other hand, medium-depth peels can provide benefits that a superficial peel can’t. These peels utilize stronger chemical solutions, which enables them to treat deeper wrinkles, skin laxity, and discoloration. 

Ready for a healthy glow? We customize each treatment schedule to help you reach your aesthetic goals. To find out which type of chemical peel is right for you, schedule your 30-minute consultation today. Call our Fairfield, Connecticut office at 203-336-9862, or request an appointment online.

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