Modern chemical peels can dramatically improve the appearance of your face, neck, décolleté and hands. This in-office treatment is designed to stimulate collagen production. Many peels also contain antioxidants that are especially effective at revitalizing skin. Compared with laser resurfacing, peels are also a safe choice for darker skin tones.
What is a Chemical Peel?
Dr. Cornell McCullom is highly trained at determining the type of peels that work best for each patient. He brushes on a chemical solution that exfoliates layers of skin, a process that encourages skin cell turnover. Damaged dermal layers peel off (hence the term chemical peel). The new skin revealed is smoother, more evenly pigmented, and less wrinkled.
What Chemical Peels Can Treat
Chemical peels can address a wide range of skin-related ailments including deeper wrinkles, crepiness, and scarring. They can also diminish the appearance of age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma (mask of pregnancy), and sun damage.
The Three Main Types of Chemical Peels
Skin peels can be broken down into three categories, each more powerful than the next.
Mild peels use alpha-hydroxy acid or another weak compound to penetrate the outer layer of skin. It improves superficial skin discolorations, refreshing the appearance of the face, neck, chest and hands. Mild chemical peels require anywhere from one to seven days to heal.
In the middle category are medium peels. Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid penetrates both the outermost and middle dermal layers to lift away damaged cells. Primarily used to improve age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, this treatment may also be used to smooth skin and treat some types of precancerous skin growths. Healing time ranges from seven to 14 days.
Deep peels are the most intense treatments. They deeply penetrate the middle layers of skin to address lines, age spots, and shallow acne scars. Patients can expect dramatic results to skin appearance. Because this procedure is intense, it can only be performed once in a lifetime. Healing can take up to 21 days, depending on the patient. Several follow-up appointments are usually required to monitor progress.
To choose the right chemical peel for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cornell McCullom. Together, you can decide on a treatment plan that works best for your beauty goals. Make your appointment today and discover your best self by contacting our Chicago IL Facial Aesthetics team.
