These days, you can find all sorts of treatments to help you achieve better-looking skin. Some of these are fairly common and well-known – like facials. But, there are also many treatments that you’ve probably never heard of before. Well, you have heard of them, but you’re unsure how they work or if they’re actually safe.
One of these treatments is a chemical peel. It’s something that’s grown in popularity lately, but what exactly is it and should you consider getting one?
What is a chemical peel?
As the name suggests, chemical peels will use chemicals to help treat your skin. A chemical solution is mixed up and applied to your face – or whatever is being treated – where it sits there and solidifies. In a way, it’s kind of like a more advanced face mask.
Once the solution has been on the face for a period of time, the skin starts to peel off. There are different levels of peels too:
- Light peels
- Medium peels
- Deep peels
Each level gives you a more intense treatment and is suitable for different people. If you only have minor skin problems you want to treat, a light or medium peel will be all that’s required.
What do chemical peels actually do?
Cool, you know what they are, but what’s their purpose?
Effectively, a chemical peel is a different way of exfoliating your skin. The idea is to peel away the outer layer and reveal a fresh, new layer beneath. This new layer should be brighter, clearer, smoother, softer, and healthier.
As a result, you can get a chemical peel to treat any of the following concerns:
- Wrinkles
- Scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Fine lines
- Sun damage
Are they safe?
This is the big question. Whenever you see the word “chemical”, you instantly feel a bit uneasy. Is it safe to apply chemicals to your skin and essentially burn a layer off your face? Well, chemical peels are one of the many dermatology services offered by qualified dermatologists these days. So, they are FDA-approved, and they are technically safe.
You see, the chemicals that make up the solution are typically acids found in your body anyway. We’re talking about salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and so on. These things are usually seen in other cosmetic products anyway – like creams or topical serums. They are safe, especially when given to you by a qualified professional.
However, it is important to note you may see some side effects after the treatment, and there can be a recovery period. Most notably, your skin will be red and raw for a few days after. The recovery time is short for light chemical peels, while deep ones may cause more extreme side effects – like swelling or burning – which take longer to subside.
Whether or not you choose to undergo a chemical peel treatment is entirely up to you. If you suffer from some of the problems mentioned earlier, then it could be a good treatment possibility. Of course, look at all the other options out there before making a decision. Who knows, you may be better off just using a face mask or some common cosmetic products!
(Image credit HERE)
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