Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Chemical peels are among the most popular aesthetic treatments in the United States, in part because they’re effective and completely customizable based on each person’s specific needs. As part of a regular skin care routine, chemical peels can rejuvenate aging skin, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, manage acne, and help your skin stay healthy and fresh. 

At Luminary Dermatology, our team offers chemical peels to help our patients experience beautiful, healthy skin. In this post, we help you understand the basics of peels, including whether they’re a safe choice for your skin.

How chemical peels work

Chemical peels use special solutions that loosen and lift away the upper layers of skin, revealing healthier skin beneath. Our team offers a variety of peels in varying strengths, allowing us to customize every treatment based on your skin’s needs, your skin type, your aesthetic concerns, and other factors. 

Peels offer lots of benefits for your skin, addressing issues like:

• Scars, including acne scars
• Lines and wrinkles
• Uneven or rough skin texture
• Enlarged pores
• Sun damaged
• Dark spots or age spots
• Uneven skin tone
• Acne blemishes

Peels can be used to focus on one specific concern or address multiple concerns at once.

The peel process

Prior to applying your peel, our team gently cleanses your skin to remove makeup, skin care products, and oils. Next, your practitioner applies the peel to your skin. As it activates, you may feel mild burning or stinging. For deeper peels, we may use a topical anesthetic to improve your comfort.

The peel solution remains on your skin for a specific period of time before being neutralized and carefully washed off. There’s no downtime following a peel, but you do have to take some extra precautions, like avoiding direct sun exposure, to protect it while it heals.

The safety of chemical peels

One reason why chemical peels are so popular is that they’re time-tested, and that means they have a well-established safety profile, too. Our team is skilled in all types of chemical peels for all types of skin, which means we can recommend the right peel regimen just for you.

Prior to your peel, we take time to evaluate your skin and your concerns, along with your skin care routine and your medical history when appropriate. Be sure to let us know about any medications or supplements you’re taking, since some may interfere with your peel results. Each peel is applied according to established protocol, and peels are monitored throughout the process for your peace of mind.

Before leaving the office, we provide you with complete aftercare instructions to help your skin heal and recover. Depending on the type of peel, you may have some mild redness or discomfort, similar to a sunburn. Many peels cause flaking or peeling within the first week or so. These are common and expected effects and part of the skin rejuvenation process.

Bottom line: Chemical peels can be a safe, effective option for caring for your skin, providing an advanced level of care that’s tailored to your unique needs. Plus, since peels get rid of upper layers of dull, dead skin, they can help moisturizers and anti-aging serums to penetrate more effectively for better results.

Learn how peels can help you

Chemical peels are a great way to combat sun damage and other signs of wear and tear and aging. To learn how peels can help your skin look its best, book an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Luminary Dermatology — with offices in Arcadia, Miami, Bradenton, Homestead, Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Bradenton, and Northport, Florida, and Midwest City, Oklahoma.