A chemical peel can be an effective skin resurfacing technique for facial blemishes like age spots, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation.

If you’re chasing the holy grail of younger looking skin and you want immediate impact then you may be thinking about a chemical peel. 

But don’t rush into this - peeling off the top layer of your skin will hurt and has consequences. Find out all you need to know right here

The first thing to bear in mind is that chemical peels are not all the same - they come in three different strengths each using a different type of chemical: 

Light Peels: Alphahydroxy Acids or AHA’s – gycolic, lactic or fruit acids, the mildest of the peel formulas useful for improving skin texture, assisting with acne issues and correcting pigmentation problems like age spots.

Medium Peels: Trichloroacetic Acids or TCA’s – most commonly used as an anti-aging treatment to treat finer lines and wrinkles. TCA’s also work on correcting minor pigment issues, and less prominent skin blemishes.

Deep Peels: Phenol - Phenols are only used on the face to treat deep or coarse wrinkles, blotchy, sun-damaged or pre-cancerous skin. Results from phenol peels are most dramatic and long lasting.  Permanent changes to the skin will occur which will probably include skin lightening and intense sensitivity to sunlight.

Light to medium peels are the ones most commonly offered and Phenol peels are quite rare.  But you need to talk to a qualified doctor at the clinic to make sure the peel chosen is right for you and works best for your skin type.

Here’s some starter questions to get you thinking about the things you need to ask:

Can chemical peels be done on any skin type? Most skin types are suitable. However, if you have sensitive skin or have a darker complexion, aks your doc about the results that you can expect. The exact formula of a chemical peel can be adjusted by your doctor to make sure the treatment matches your skin type and your skin problem.

What do I need to do to prepare? Depending on the type of peel you are having you may be asked to apply a high strength retinol or an AHA cream to your skin prior to the procedure. For blotchy skin or pigmentation issues like age spots, you may be asked to apply a bleaching agent prior to treatment. Pre-treatment preparation may take as long as one month depending on the advice of your clinic. Ask your doctor exactly what you need to do.

Does it hurt? The doctor is likely to tell you it won’t. But use a bit of common sense. Applying a high strength chemical solution to your face is not a comfortable procedure to go through. If you have a low pain threshold ask about anesthetics and if you get nervous find out whether sedatives are offered.

What about afterwards? Be prepared for considerable discomfort. Skin will feel tender and painful to the touch and you can expect swelling, dryness, flakiness, scaling, peeling and scabbing. Reactions will vary depending on the depth and strength of the peel. Ask to look at photos of treatments from past patients - or talk to someone who has had the same process.

What’s the downtime? AHAs are the simplest of the chemical peels and can be done over a lunch hour, since there is no need for extended recovery time. TCAs may require a little more rest and recouperation at home and Phenols will require the most extended recovery time which will probably include time off work.

Will my skin be more sensitive to sun damage? Yes - any of these peels will mean your skin is much more sensitve to the sun. For TCA and Phenol peels you will be advised to avoid sun exposure completely for a period of time. Phenol peels rob the skin of its ability to make pigment and this will be a permanent change. As a result, your skin will be highly susceptible to skin damage for the rest of your life with the need to wear high SPF at all times.

What are the risks? The deeper the peel, the higher the risk of complications. Even though TCA is a lighter peel than a phenol peel, unintended color changes can occur in your skin. Phenol can cause uneven pigment changes. There are gentler phenol peels available if the risk of this is a concern. Phenol peels can also pose a special risk for anyone with a history of heart disease and it is important that your physician or technician is aware of any such problems before treatment is started.

Is it dangerous? Overall, a chemical peel should not be dangerous and the light to medium peels can be repeated over time. However any radical treatment may be highly risky if not performed by a competent, qualified and experienced technician in the proper clinical surroundings.

Am I legally protected? If you are considering treatment in the US, you should be aware that protective laws vary depending on the state, with some states allowing anyone to perform even the strongest chemical peels without a medical degree. Some states regulate the level of peels that technicians as opposed to doctors can perform. Check what applies before you commit to a treatment.

What will it cost? Depending on the level of your skin damage, the cost of a chemical peel can range from $200 (for light peels) up to $6000 (for deeper and extended treatments). When you work out whether you can afford it build in the costs of repeated treatments over the year.

There’s a lot to think about before you opt for a any radical procedure.

And don’t forget that a chemical peel can’t magically give you younger looking skin - forever.  The best and most long term results will always come with lifestyle changes and great skin care.

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