What’s your skincare goal? If you want to reduce fine lines, brighten your skin, and minimize dark spots, then you may want to explore chemical peels. As one of the oldest and most effective treatments in the world, a peel can resurface and rejuvenate your skin so you can have a healthy, brighter, younger-looking glow. But how often can you have this treatment? At Veda Medical in Live Oak, TX we know that building your ideal skincare routine is easier when you can understand how to mix and match your treatments.
How Often Can You Get Chemical Peels?
So, how often can you schedule chemical peels? Truth be told, the frequency of your treatment will depend on the exact peel you are using, your skin type, your skin sensitivity, and even factors such as your age. Chemical peels are exfoliating treatments that come in a variety of depths and that can be used to treat various skin goals. To determine your frequency, you will likely need to understand the depth level of your peel.
Light Peels
Light peels are the most common type of chemical peel, as well as the type that can be part of your aesthetic treatment every four to six weeks. Monthly light peels are ideal to encourage better skin regulation, including cellular turnover and oil production. This peel depth will only remove the first few layers of dead skin cells to renew and brighten the appearance of the skin.
Light peels are generally a good option for all skin tones and types. If you have very sensitive skin that can’t tolerate heavy chemicals, then a light peel is likely your best treatment option. Light peels are also good for those who have mild superficial concerns and those who use certain skincare products at home to resurface the skin, such as retinoids.
Medium Peels
Medium peels use a medical-grade chemical so the exfoliation is a few layers deeper. Medium peels are fairly universal but are generally most appropriate for those who want to reduce scarring and visible signs of aging. As to the frequency, your skin type is most useful for determining how often you can have this treatment. People who have normal skin types may be able to have this treatment once every few months.
Deep Peels
Deep peels are generally considered purely medical treatments as the depth of the peel will exfoliate almost all layers of surface skin cells. A deep peel can usually only be performed a few times over your entire life, so it’s typically only a consideration if you have a precancerous lesion on the face that can’t be removed with another method.
How Peels Work
Most of the time, people will use light peels at varying strengths at least once a month to restore and rejuvenate the skin. All chemical peels work in the same way; topical acids are applied to the skin to chemically remove the surface layer of dead skin cells, which then reveals the new cells underneath and corrects various skin regulation concerns, including tonal and textural issues. Some steps to your treatment will include:
Preparation
Preparing your skin correctly for a chemical peel is the best way to get the results you want. Because this treatment will remove the surface layer of skin, it’s important to avoid all exfoliating skincare products at least three to five days before your treatment; these products can include at-home toners, retinoids, or other acids.
You should also avoid unprotected exposure to sunlight to avoid sunburn or skin irritation that may delay or complicate your treatment. If you have an active skin condition on the day of your treatment (aside from certain types of acne), then you will need to reschedule your treatment until your skin condition is better.
Peel Treatment
In general, chemical peels can be completed in about 20 to 30 minutes regardless of the type of peel being used. The first step of your treatment will be cleansing your skin to prepare your skin for the acid treatment. Your choice of peel treatment will then be applied to your skin and left to sit for several minutes. A neutralizing cleanser will remove the chemical and your facial treatment will likely be completed with a hydrating serum or SPF.
Aftercare
You should not wear make-up or expose your skin to hot water, steam, or excessive sweat for the first 24 hours after your treatment. You should also avoid direct exposure to sunlight and wear SPF 30 or 40 when you are outside for at least one to two weeks after your treatment. You should not have any laser treatments or waxing treatments for two weeks, and you will need to temporarily discontinue exfoliating products for up to 10 days.
What Are Your Peel Options?
At Veda Medical, you will have several chemical peels to choose from. Our peels fall under two categories: TCA Peels and VI Peels. Each of these types of peels offers different aesthetic solutions, so you will need to attend a consultation to determine which peel option is most appropriate for your skincare needs. During your consultation, we will assess your skin type and your skin needs to make the best recommendation for your aesthetic concerns.
TCA
TCA peels are formulated with trichloroacetic acid and are commonly used as medium depth peels, which means that your treatment will remove several layers of dead skin cells. TCA peels can tackle concerns such as dark spots, sun damage, melasma, acne scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles.
VI Peel
VI Peels are light to medium peels that can be used to reduce hyperpigmentation, shallow acne scarring, enlarged pores, oily skin, dry skin, uneven skin, blemishes, acne, fine lines, and much more. VI Peels have a wide range of formulations to be customized to your exact skin needs. The chemicals used for VI peels can include AHAs and BHAs such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. Some of your treatment options include:
- VI Precision for dark spots and fine lines
- VI Precision Plus for sun damage
- VI Purify for acne
- VI Purify with Precision Plus for acne scarring
- Illuminize Peel for brightening skin
How Soon Will You See Results?
Most people will start to see the results of a chemical peel within only a few days. For light peels, you will likely notice results about one to three days after your treatment, while medium peels may require seven to 10 days to start showing results. Your results will look better as your skin sheds dead skin cells and unveils healthy, unblemished, glowing skin underneath.
If you are treating a specific skin concern, such as acne, then you will likely need several treatments before you notice any significant results. While an acne-fighting peel can immediately kill acne-causing bacteria, it will take some time for oil regulation and cellular turnover to prevent future breakouts. Consistent treatments are the best way to see quick results for the treatment of acne.
How Long Will Results Last?
The results of your peel will usually last for a few weeks for light peels or a few months for medium peels. Deep peels can produce results that last for several years. That said, there are some things you can do to maintain your results, such as protect your skin from sun exposure to prevent sun damage like dark spots. Using good skincare products consistently will also help your results last longer.
Who Are Good Candidates?
In general, most people are good candidates for peel treatments because there are peel options for every skin concern and skin type. That said, some people will not be able to use peel treatments, including those who have used Accutane in the last six months, those who are pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding. Skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema may also disqualify you from treatment.
Refine and Restore Your Skin
The key to improving the appearance of your skin may be as simple as incorporating a regular aesthetic treatment into your routine. Chemical peels are universal treatments that can address a wide range of superficial concerns and that can be used on a regular basis. We offer both TCA and VI Peels so you can customize your treatment to your precise skincare needs. If you think this facial treatment is a good choice for your skin concerns, contact us at Veda Medical in Live Oak, TX to schedule your consultation today.
