MamasHealth.com Home Skincare Information Accutane Acne Myths Acne Treatments Avoid Wrinkles Body Cream vs. Lotion Botox Chemical Peels Dermabrasion Exfoliating Eye Cream Fake a Tan Ingrown Hairs Microdermabrasion Prevent Acne Senior skin care Shed Dead Skin Skin Care 101 Skin Types Smooth Cellulite Tan Lotion Sunscreen Tan Lotion Tan your Skin Waxing Winter Skin Younger skin Links Email Mama Nose reshaping Hair care	What is a Chemical Peel?   A chemical peel is a technique designed to remove the dead skin cells from the skin's surface layer and re-stimulate the regenerative process.   During a chemical peel treatment, a variety of chemicals are applied to the skin. The chemicals are derived from fruit, vinegar and sugar cane. High doses of vitamins can also be added during the treatment.   Chemical Peels removes excessive buildup of dead skin cells, smoothes and tighten the skin, lightens brown spots, diminish puffiness and circles around the eyes and treats sun damaged skin. For maximum affects, most doctors recommend a series of 3 chemical peels in one-month intervals. Peels should be repeated every 6 - 12 months. The number of layers and the intensity of the chemical peel solution are individualized according to your skin type, skin color and the condition being treated. Types of Chemical Peels There are 3 main types of chemical peels Superficial peels Superficial chemical peels are the mildest type of chemical peel and can be used on all skin types. Superficial chemical peels usually use liquid containing a dilute acid, most often glycolic acid. Dry ice solid carbon dioxide is sometimes used. Medium peels Medium chemical peels penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. Trichloroacetic acid is the main peeling agent used for medium peels. Medium chemical peels may be done in several steps using a different chemical solution followed by Trichloroacetic acid. Deep peels Deep chemical peels penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin. They are the strongest kind of chemical peel and are used only on the face. Deep chemical peels are reserved for individuals with deep wrinkles from sun exposure or is used to treat skin wrinkling around the lips and chin area. Deep peels tend to bleach darker skin . A deep peel can be done only once in most cases How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel? During the week leading up to the peel: avoid sun exposure do not use scrubs or masks do not apply a tanning solution to your skin do not wax, bleach or pluck What to Expect During a Chemical Peel The entire chemical peel procedure takes about 45 minutes. During the chemical peel, you will probably feel a burning or stinging sensation. This stinging sensation is felt after each layer is applied to the skin. Stinging should not last more than a minute. The "stinging" is cooled down with a fan. You should not experience any pain once you leave the office or during the peeling process. What Happens the days Immediately Following a Chemical Peel? During the three to four days immediately following a chemical peel, most people have the following experiences: Increased Sensitivity Redness - blotchiness Tightness and Dryness Swelling and scabbing Deeper peels usually scab and swell. Peeling Follow-up Care After a chemical peel, your doctor may recommend follow up care. Followed up treatments are usually designed to enhance the skin's regenerative process. The most common follow up treatments are: cryotherapy and a hydrating facial. The cryotherapy treatment is a dry ice treatment that helps remove flaking and enhances healing. Cryotherapy treatment should be done four days after your peel. A hydrating facial is recommended four days after the cryotherapy to protect and moisten your new skin. Can Dark or Sensitive Skin be Peeled? Yes. All skin types can benefit from a chemical peel.	Advertise on MamasHealth.com Sign up for our Email Newsletter For Email Marketing you can trust
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