Chemical peels are an incredibly popular way to exfoliate the skin because many people find it more comfortable than mechanical exfoliation. There are a number of benefits provided by peels at the office of Mimi Lee, MD in Little Rock, AR, including acne outbreak prevention, acne scar elimination, and skin tone improvement. Today, we’re looking at how often you can and should get this type of treatment to help you determine whether it fits your skincare goals.
How Often Can You Get Chemical Peels?
You can get superficial (light) chemical peels monthly. However, you may not need to come in once per month to maintain your desired results. Assuming you only need one treatment session to achieve your desired results, at first, you can expect your results to remain for up to two months.
However, with repeated treatments, you may one day find that your ideal results last for up to six months. If you are happy with your skin, there is no need to come in for a maintenance session.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Type of Treatment?
To find out whether you are a good superficial peel candidate, you need to attend an initial evaluation. However, due to the gentle, non-invasive nature of this treatment and its customizability, there is a good chance you will be considered a good fit. Generally, you will be considered a good fit for a light chemical peel if you are worried about:
- Fine lines
- Shallow wrinkles
- Skin discoloration
- Dull skin
- Shallow acne scars
- Whitehead or blackhead outbreaks
- Clogged pores
- Enlarged pores
- Dry skin
Will I Qualify for This Treatment if I Have Dark Skin?
Yes, it is possible to qualify for a light chemical peel if you have dark skin. Due to the gentle nature of the acids used in superficial peels, there is no risk of bleaching, scarring, or other possible side effects.
Who Isn’t a Good Fit for a Chemical Peel?
During your initial consultation, we will thoroughly review your medical history, including the drugs you have taken recently, to verify that a light peel will be safe for you. While this treatment is safe for most people, it is not appropriate for everyone. For instance, you should hold off on getting a chemical peel if you are pregnant.
You should also not seek this type of treatment if, in the past six months, you have taken isotretinoin, an oral acne medication. Furthermore, you may be disqualified from this treatment if you have a family or personal history of keloids or a history of severe or frequent oral herpes outbreaks. If your skin is irritated at the time of your scheduled appointment, it will need to be rescheduled.
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session?
There are a number of very important preparation steps you must take to ensure your session goes as smoothly as possible. For example, if you have a history of cold sore outbreaks and you plan to treat your mouth, you should take preventative medication diligently for a couple of weeks prior to your session. If you don’t, there is a chance that we will need to reschedule your appointment.
It is also very important to mitigate the risk of skin irritation at the time of your appointment by wearing sunscreen diligently. Moreover, it is advisable to minimize your exposure to sunlight between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Another vital step you must take prior to your appointment is discontinuing the use of certain oral and topical medications, like isotretinoin.
What Should I Expect During My Treatment Session?
Since the acids used in superficial peels are so gentle, you shouldn’t expect to feel any burning or other discomfort during your treatment session. You may, however, feel your skin tingle a little. This just means that the acids in the peel are working hard to get the exfoliation process going. Before your session begins, we will inspect your areas of concern thoroughly for signs of irritation.
Then, we will sanitize them thoroughly. We will also ensure that your eyes and hair remain protected throughout the treatment process. After that, we will apply the acidic solution to your skin using a soft cotton ball. Once the solution has been applied, we will remove the chemical solution from your skin.
What Should I Expect After My Treatment Session?
Once your light chemical peel is complete, we will review your post-treatment instructions. Then, you will be free to return to work. Among the most important post-treatment instructions to follow are:
- Moisturizing daily
- Minimizing UV exposure
- Staying hydrated
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
It is perfectly safe to get a light chemical peel once per month. However, you may find that your results last for up to two months at first. Note, if you get regular treatments, eventually, your results may last for up to six months. Therefore, you may not need to come in monthly to maintain your desired results. To find out if light chemical peels are right for you, schedule an appointment with us today at the office of Mimi Lee, MD in Little Rock, AR.