If you’re bothered by the appearance of sunspots, fine lines, scarring, or dryness in your skin, you may want to consider a chemical peel. The minimally invasive treatment makes way for new, healthier skin to appear while addressing numerous common skin complaints.
Many of our patients appreciate that this treatment isn’t as invasive or intense as options such as surgery. That said, chemical peels aren’t ideal for everyone.
Our team at Northstar Dermatology is dedicated to delivering superior clinical care for your skin through a range of other treatments, based on your unique needs and preferences. Read on to find out if you’re a good candidate for a chemical peel and what benefits this treatment may bring.
Chemical peel basics
During a chemical peel, we apply a chemical solution to your skin to remove the top layers. New skin that grows in the area appears smoother and more vibrant. Chemical peels can treat or minimize a variety of common skin concerns, including:
- Certain types of acne
- Discoloration
- Fine lines
- Scars
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles
Chemical peels can be used in tandem with other cosmetic treatments and procedures and vary in skin depths and intensity.
Light chemical peels are useful for milder fine lines, uneven skin tones, acne, and skin dryness. A medium or deep chemical peel may be ideal if you have more pronounced symptoms. Deep chemical peels require more healing time, but you probably won’t need additional treatments moving forward.
Good candidates for a chemical peel
Most anyone can have some type of chemical peel, but people with fair skin are usually the best candidates. If you have darker skin, you may get good results, but you may also have a higher risk of uneven skin tones after the treatment.
Issues that usually don’t respond well to chemical peels include rosacea, severe wrinkles, skin bulges, and sagging skin. For those concerns, you might fare better with a laser treatment.
We might advise against a chemical peel if you’ve taken certain oral acne medications in the past six months, have a personal or family history of keloids, are pregnant, or frequently experience cold sore outbreaks.
Before having a chemical peel, tell us about any history of cold sores, as well as any facial X-rays, or scarring you’ve had.
We might ask you to stop taking particular medications, such as Retin-A or glycolic acid, before your treatment. And depending on the depth of your peel, you might need someone else to drive you home.
If you seem to fit the bill for a chemical peel and wish to invite the benefits of vibrant new skin, call our Fort Worth, Texas, office or request an appointment through our website. We would welcome the opportunity to help you select the ideal skin care treatments for your needs.
