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Facial Peels

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Introduction

Facial peels, also called Chemical Peels, are nonsurgical cosmetic treatments used to improve the appearance of facial skin (skin resurfacing).  Aging, sun exposure, acne, mild scarring, wrinkles, and discoloration can cause facial skin to appear old, rough, leathery, and unattractive.  Facial peels use chemical solutions to remove the top layers of skin.  This promotes the growth of new skin.  The new skin has a better texture and smoother appearance.  Facial peels can result in radiant and healthier looking skin.

There are several types of facial peels from which to choose.  Light or superficial facial peels can treat sun damage, fine wrinkles, and unevenly pigmented skin.  Deeper facial peels remove more layers of skin for use with deep or coarse wrinkles.  The benefits of deep facial peels may be apparent for many years.

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Treatment

You should talk with your doctor about your concerns and expectations.  Your doctor can examine your skin and help select the right type and depth of facial peel for you.  Light or superficial facial peels are applied in a short amount of time.  They are sometimes referred to as “lunch hour peels.”  You may experience a mild tingling or stinging sensation.  Initially, the skin may appear sunburned.  It will peel in a few days following your treatment.   

Deep facial peels may take a few hours to apply.  You may feel a slight burning sensation or discomfort.  Following the procedure, a layer of petroleum jelly or a tape mask is worn over the affected area for a few days.  The new skin will emerge in just a few days.

You should avoid sun exposure and wear a sunblock following a facial peel.  Depending on the type of chemical solution used, you may need multiple treatments.  Your doctor can also recommend skin care products to help maintain your skin’s appearance.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.