8 Myths and Facts About Chemical Peels Debunked
Chemical peels are a popular treatment for achieving glowing, youthful skin, but there are plenty of myths surrounding them that can make people hesitant to try one—from fears of excessive peeling to misconceptions about their effectiveness—it's essential to distinguish fact from misinformation.
In this article, we’ll debunk the top myths about chemical peels and provide you with the real facts to help you make informed decisions.
Keep reading to uncover the truth and learn how chemical peels can benefit your skin!
Myth 1: Chemical Peels Are Unsafe
Chemical peels are safe when performed by a professional with extensive medical experience and knowledge who can recommend the right peel for your skin type to minimize complications. While temporary redness and irritation are common, they usually subside within a few days.
However, using unregulated products or improper techniques can lead to burns, infections, or changes in skin pigmentation, and the FDA has warned against using unsupervised chemical peel products due to their potential health risks.
Myth 2: Peeling Equals Effectiveness
Chemical peels don’t need to cause intense peeling to be effective, as many work at a cellular level without visible flaking. While skin reactions vary, most modern peels have minimal side effects, such as temporary redness or sensitivity that typically resolves quickly.
There are different types of chemical peels like superficial, medium, and deep types, each targeting specific concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, or dark spots. While one session may show improvement, optimal results often require multiple treatments tailored to your skin’s unique needs.
Myth 3: Only for Oily Skin
Chemical peels are effective for all skin types, not just oily skin. For example, salicylic acid peels work deep in the skin to control oil and unclog pores, while glycolic acid peels exfoliate the surface by removing dead skin cells.
Together, they promote a more balanced complexion, reducing shine and breakouts, while regular treatments improve texture, tone, and signs of aging by stimulating collagen production.
Myth 4: Results Are Instant
It’s easy to expect instant results from a chemical peel, but visible changes take time. While redness, sensitivity, and mild swelling may appear immediately, these effects typically subside within 24 hours.
Although a temporary glow may occur after treatment, true improvements in texture and tone emerge gradually. As collagen production increases, significant changes become noticeable over the weeks following your peel.
Myth 5: One Size Fits All
Chemical peels are versatile solutions tailored to various skin concerns, from acne and hyperpigmentation to signs of aging. The depth of the peel—light, medium, or deep—is customized to suit your skin's unique texture and tone, ensuring effective and safe peeling treatment.
Peels can also be adapted for all skin types, including sensitive and darker skin tones. Combining treatments like micro-needling or fillers with regular peels enhances results, while options like VI Peels cater specifically to diverse skin tones for optimal outcomes.
Myth 6: Chemical Peels Cause Scarring
Deeper chemical peels can sometimes lead to scarring, either as raised hypertrophic scars or sunken atrophic scars. They can also cause changes in skin color, like hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, which are more common in people with darker skin tones.
To minimize the chance of scarring, talk to a board-certified dermatologist who can customize the peel to suit your skin type and history. Taking care of your skin afterward is key—don’t forget sunscreen! If scarring does happen, treatments like antibiotics or steroids can help, and regular check-ins will keep an eye on long-term progress.
Myth 7: Treatment Frequency Is Fixed
The frequency of chemical peels varies depending on the peel type and your skin's unique needs. Light peels can be done every two weeks, while medium peels require treatments every three to four months, and deep peels are generally spaced out every six to 12 weeks.
A personalized treatment plan is essential, starting with lower frequencies and gradually adjusting as your skin adapts. Achieving long-term results often involves a series of treatments tailored to your skin's goals, and professional-grade peels can further influence your treatment frequency.
Myth 8: Aftercare Isn’t Necessary
Proper aftercare is crucial following a chemical peel treatment to ensure optimal results and promote healing. Wash your face with cool water, hydrate your skin with moisturizers, and avoid harsh cleansers, hot water, and sun exposure by using broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
In the days following your peel, refrain from strenuous activities, saunas, or steam rooms to reduce discomfort. Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can worsen redness and sensitivity while giving your skin time to recover.
Now that we've debunked common myths about chemical peels, it's important to understand the different types available and how they can be tailored to your specific skin needs.
Different Types of Chemical Peels
The different types of chemical peels cater to various skin types and conditions. Below is a breakdown of some of the most effective peels available today.
Glycolic Chemical Peel: Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from natural sources like sugar cane, is an effective peeling treatment for mild acne, sun damage, and fine lines, with varying intensities that make it ideal for rejuvenating aging skin.
Lactic Peel: A lactic peel, derived from milk, is a gentle peeling treatment for sensitive skin, offering mild exfoliation while moisturizing dry skin to enhance hydration and texture.
Pigment Balancing Peel: The pigment balancing peel is an effective peeling treatment using a blend of acids to reduce pigmentation and dark spots, with optimal results achieved through regular sessions and sunscreen use.
Retinol Peel: A retinol peel, a vitamin A derivative, stimulates cell renewal and collagen production in this peeling treatment to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and acne, leaving the skin rejuvenated, hydrated, and glowing.
Mandelic Peel: Mandelic acid, a popular choice for aging skin, is used in this peeling treatment to accelerate cell turnover, strengthen collagen, soften fine lines, and improve skin texture for a youthful, smooth complexion.
Jessner's Peel: Jessner's peel is a versatile peeling treatment for hyperpigmentation, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and melasma, making it ideal for darker skin tones.
TCA Peel: A trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is a versatile peeling treatment for sun damage, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, targeting both superficial and deeper skin concerns.
VI Peel: The Vi Peel is a peeling treatment that uses a proprietary blend of acids to exfoliate the skin, revealing clearer, smoother, and younger-looking skin after peeling.
Conclusion
Chemical peels can be a powerful and effective treatment for achieving healthier, more radiant skin when done correctly.
By understanding the facts behind these popular treatments, you can feel confident in your skincare choices and enjoy all the benefits that come with them.
If you’re ready to experience the rejuvenating effects of a chemical peel, reach out to us at Provenance Aesthetics & Wellness for safe, personalized skincare solutions tailored to your needs.
Take the first step toward glowing, youthful skin today!