Published:
November 4, 2022
Chemical peels improve the skin’s appearance through the application of mild acids that remove the top layer(s) of skin and induce regeneration of smooth, new skin. Aestheticians use different types of chemicals in peels, depending on the patient’s skin type and area of the body being treated.
Why Consider a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel can safely rejuvenate your skin and create a more youthful appearance. As we get older, certain areas are more vulnerable to signs of aging, including the skin around the eyes, lips, neck, throat and hands.
The skin surrounding eyes and lips is thinner and more fragile than other areas. Every time you blink, squint, smile, or make facial expressions, wrinkles can form that become more pronounced over time. Darker blood vessels may also get larger and more visible with age. Eye and lip peels will help firm the skin in those areas, improve the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet, decrease dark spots and under-eye circles, and enhance the tone and texture of skin.
On the neck and décolletage, the skin is thinner and has less fatty tissue to support the dermis (middle layer of skin). These areas are more prone to dryness due to fewer sebaceous (oil) glands, and subject to redness from the high number of blood vessels. Sun damage is also common on the neck and chest from a lifetime of exposure. A neck peel can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (including those horizontal lines known as “tech neck”) and help improve the skin’s elasticity.
Finally, our hands reveal advanced aging from decades of sun exposure, resulting in age spots, hyperpigmentation (dark patches) and dryness. As we get older, we lose volume in our soft tissue, making veins more prominent. A hand peel can visibly brighten the skin, reduce the appearance of lines and small scars, and reduce dark spots.
What to Expect With a Chemical Peel
When the aesthetician applies the peel to the skin, the body responds by flaking or peeling off to expose new, healthier skin. As dead skin is replaced, it can diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve acne, brighten discolorations, and stimulate collagen for improved texture and tone.
A chemical peel is an in-office treatment. Most patients experience only 2–3 days of downtime and light to moderate flaking after a “superficial” chemical peel (where only the outermost layers of skin are affected). You might feel mild stinging during a superficial peel. Medium and deep chemical peels offer more dramatic results but involve a longer recovery time. These require preconditioning of the skin and strict patient compliance with pre-procedure and aftercare instructions. Typically, patients need a series of peels to achieve desired results.
A Newer Generation of Chemical Eye Peels
Until recently, aestheticians had to avoid the orbital region (around the eye) when using chemical peels. Today’s eye peels are safe and effective at brightening under-eye circles, reducing puffiness beneath the eyes, and removing fine lines and brown spots. Small amounts of lactic acid and trichloroacetic acid are used to exfoliate, stimulate natural collagen production, plump the skin, and even out discolorations.
We recommend a series of four treatments done approximately seven days apart to see the best results. Typically other areas of the body treated with chemicals require four weeks between treatments. Complimentary consultations are required for any type of aesthetic treatment.
LG Health Physicians Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery is one of a small group of medical providers in the Lancaster, PA area that offers this treatment. Schedule an appointment or learn more about this procedure by calling 717-544-1300.