Chemical Peels
Another form of skin treatment offered by Dr. Agullo in the med spa is chemical peels. Chemical peeling is a type of exfoliation that is used for the treatment of various conditions including fine line, wrinkles, aging and dull skin, plus hyper-pigmentation, severe acne and scarring. Chemical peels can also be used to get rid of dead skin cells and to stimulate the growth of new skin.
Chemical peels have a wide range, from the very superficial, to the moderate and deep peels. The depth of the peel depends on a number of factors. Three of these important factors are the acid level of the chemical mixture created which peels the skin off, i.e. the PH level of the mixture, the strength of the mixture and the duration for which it stays on the skin.
The outermost layer of your skin is called the epidermis. This layer is the most prone to damage as it is exposed to pollution sunlight, radiation and artificial substances, in the form of makeup and chemicals. What the lighter peels do, is peel of this outer layer of skin. Moderate peels and deep peels have a deeper range; they reach down to the dermis, which is below the epidermis, and work on the living tissue of skin. This deeper form of peeling has more visible and lasting effects but it also involves more pain, risk, discomfort and calls for a longer healing period than the light peel.
If you require just minimal enhancement of your skin to regain your beauty without going through too much trouble, a light or superficial peel is perfect for you. These light peels can be ideal for un-clogging pores and getting rid of acne and pimples. The procedure is quick and has a fast healing time. On the other hand, if your case is severe and you need an intensive treatment for aging skin then you should opt for the deep chemical peel which has better and longer lasting effects. The deep peel uses a phenol solution which gives you the most dramatic results. Keep in mind that deep peels have a very high risk factor and should only be performed by professionals like Dr. Agullo and his team. They also require a longer healing time.
Chemical peels can literally remove layers of skin, making way for newer and healthier skin to surface. Skin imperfections can be peeled off and thrown away in the literal sense! Skin peeling through the use of chemicals might not completely eliminate all skin imperfections but can improve the way you look to a great extent, depending on the intensity of damage.
How chemical peels work
Chemical peels work to improve the appearance of your skin. A chemical solution is applied to the damaged part of the skin which causes the skin to peel off. The new skin is now, fresher, smoother and relatively wrinkle-free.
Effects of chemical peels
Chemical peels are equally effective on your hands, neck and feet as they are on the face. You might experience many changes in your skin after the chemical peel such as:
- A reduction in fine lines
- A treatment of the wrinkles and deep lines
- A treatment of acne and pimples and their marks which might completely fade away
- A reduction in freckles, age spots, black heads and dark patches
- An improvement in areas damaged by the sun
- A fading of scars and injury marks
- An improvement in the appearance of the skin
- An improvement in the texture of the skin
- An improvement in skin tone and complexion
The process of recovery
The process of recovery will be slow and gradual. You will need some time to return to normal, both physically and mentally. You might face excessive swelling and bruising as well, which might make you wonder whether all the money and pain was worth it, but don’t you worry at all; once you have fully recovered you will realize that the results have paid off, big time. Your skin will be fit, flexible, lightweight and beautiful. You won’t be able to stop yourself from looking in the mirror.
However, take special care and follow the doctor’s instruction when you are in recovery. Failure to do so can cause adverse reactions and can greatly slow down the process of healing. Where there are innumerable benefits of the chemical skin peels, there might be a few side effects too.
The chemical peel might leave your skin tender, sore and mildly bruised, for which you will need to take special care. Dr. Agullo will provide you with an ointment that has to be applied for a quick recovery and to protect you from any damage. Try to avoid the sun at all costs for at least four to five days. If you do need to go out, make sure that you wear sun protection at all times and wear a protective hat. Direct sunlight is devastating for your skin, especially when it is in recovery. Always go for a sun block that protects you from UVA and UVB rays. Apply two coats of sun block, that too, if you really need to go out, otherwise stay indoors for at least two weeks.
Am I a suitable candidate for a chemical peel?
You might wonder and rightly so, if a chemical peel will work out for you. If you have wrinkled and sagging skin that has been damaged by aging, sunlight or pregnancy, then a chemical peel is the ideal solution for you. You can go for a light or deep peel according to the intensity of damage. However, if you are facing extreme skin bulges and if your wrinkles are severe, then you should opt for a face lift or laser resurfacing.
Consult a doctor before you make a decision. Dr. Agullo will give you the right advice and guide you as to what you need to make your skin appear youthful and transformed. He will advise you based on your skin type, complexion and intensity damage. Tell him clearly what you are expecting from the procedure and what your budget is. However, keep in mind that the final decision has to be yours and do not, in any way, be pressured into undergoing any cosmetic enhancement.
