First introduced in the mid-1880s by Ferdinand Hobra, who was an Austrian dermatologist, chemical peels back then were caustic and induced extreme skin irritation. These peels were mostly used clandestinely on the wealthy socialites and early Hollywood stars up to the mid 20th century. During the mid-1970s dermatologists and plastic surgeons started to use peels in their practice which didn’t require heavy sedation or general anaesthesia. They were modified to become the peels which are now the norm of the day are much safer to use and highly effective.
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How does it work?
The current chemical peels have made a huge comeback as they can be done easily during an hour and have very little to no downtime. Offered at most clinics, chemical peels exfoliate the skin deeply. This controlled skin injury peels and flakes off to reveal a smooth, clearer and younger-looking complexion. These chemical peels are usually used to target pigmentation concern, irregularities in the skin, acne-prone skin and a variety of other skin problems, which help to clear the skin and leaving it to refresh overall.
How to prepare for the skin treatment?
Skin needs to be cleaned to prepare for the treatment. The chemical peel treatment is the most effective when you have a good skincare routine. You will be asked not to use any type of exfoliants like tretinoin or any other skin irritants for a couple of days before the treatment. You will also be asked to avoid stepping out in the sun or tanning beds a week before the treatment and also for some weeks after the treatment.
Are there any side effects?
After undergoing the chemical peel treatment you can expect to have mild to moderate redness. Depending on the strength and the depth of the treatment chosen by you, you may experience peeling along with slight crusting within 3 to 5 days. Once that has happened, the skin will then start to repair itself over the next 2 to 4 weeks. It is a very crucial time, hence, ensure that you use your sunscreen daily. The sunscreen will also be provided to you as a part of the post-care kit.
What is the approximate cost of the treatment?
A classic chemical peel treatment addresses most of the major skin concerns. It costs around $300 plus HST. If you are planning to go for more advanced chemical peels, then the cost of it could cross $500. Most of the chemical peel treatment packages have been discounted. It is highly recommended that you go ahead with multiple treatments which have been spaced out over a period of 2-4 weeks.