Chemical Peeling: What to Expect Before, During, and After

LightenNLift · 11-12-2009, 03:32 PM

A lot of you are embarking on the chemical peeling journey. It is essential for you to do at least one chemical peel after you have used the HQ/RA or other skin bleaching cream for a while. The chemical peel will furthur enhance your lightening creams and provide greater clarity to your skin. Here is all you need to know about Chemical Peels.

Chemical Peeling: What to Expect Before, During, and After

If you want to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, a dull complexion, or rough skin, your dermatologist may recommend a cosmetic procedure called a chemical peel. The following explains what happens before, during, and after this procedure.

What to Expect Before a Chemical Peel

A consultation is essential. Your dermatologist will take a complete medical history. Be sure to tell your dermatologist if you are prone to cold sores, have had a cosmetic procedure in the past, scar easily or have ever had a type of raised scar known as a keloid, or took isotretinoin (a prescription medication used to treat severe acne). These can have a tremendous effect on what you see after a chemical peel.

After the consultation and a physical exam that includes a close look at your skin, your dermatologist will tell you if a chemical peel will help diminish the signs of aging that concern you and if a chemical peel is right for you.

If a chemical peel is appropriate, one of the following types of peels will be recommended:

Most medium and deep chemical peels require pre-peel skin care. Usually prescribed for 2 to 4 weeks before the peel, this skin-care plan helps the peel deliver the best results and reduce potential side effects. The plan should be carefully followed.

What to Expect During a Chemical Peel

Superficial and medium-depth peels are performed in a dermatologist’s office. A deep peel may be performed in a dermatologist’s office or outpatient surgical center. General (puts the patient to sleep) anesthesia and monitoring equipment for the heart and lungs may be necessary for a deep peel.

Before applying the peel, the skin is prepped. Once the skin is ready, the dermatologist quickly and evenly applies the peel. If a deep peel is being performed, the skin will be treated one small section at a time to limit effects on the heart and lungs. Typically, a 20-minute interval between each application of the peel solution is necessary with a deep peel.

As the peel works, the dermatologist watches the skin carefully so that the peel can be stopped and removed at the appropriate time. After the peel is removed, cool compresses may be applied to help soothe the skin. These are usually not necessary for a superficial peel.

A mild lotion or cream may be applied after a superficial or medium-depth peel to help soothe the skin. After a deep peel, surgical dressing will be used to protect the treated skin.

What to Expect After a Chemical Peel

The chemical used in this cosmetic procedure causes the skin to peel off. Over the next 1 to 14 days, new skin will appear.

All peels require some follow-up care. You will be given specific instructions to follow, which will include everything from how to wash your skin to sun protection. It is important to keep in mind that sun exposure and smoking after a chemical peel can cause unwanted side effects, including infection and scarring.

The following table shows what to expect after each type of peel.

Angel Hair · 11-12-2009, 04:39 PM

Thanks LNL this is perfect. Now if I mess things up I will only have myself to blame!!

4eyes · 11-12-2009, 05:02 PM

Ohmygosh...thank you!!! I'm not doing one anytime soon but it's still very useful for me. Cleared up a lot of uncertainty I had concerning what to expect ^_^

karenannev · 11-12-2009, 06:03 PM

Awesome post, LNL. Thanks!

EggoMini · 11-12-2009, 08:45 PM

Excellent!!

mytwocents · 11-12-2009, 08:55 PM

Nice info!

Eternal · 11-12-2009, 10:09 PM

This is good info, I'll stick with the retin-a for now. but as I adjust I'll move up and try these too. thanks

LightenNLift · 11-23-2009, 03:46 PM

BUMP for Mony: the Lactic Acid peel - look for superficial type in the chart. For TCA depending on the strength look for Medium to Deep Peel in the chart.

mony · 11-24-2009, 05:21 AM

Awwwwww Nuts! And I thought I had done mine right!I read the instructions- tehy say to apply ointment if you really need to or something to that effect.... So I didn't..... I suffered the itches- after 3-4 days I used my microfibre cloth to try and coax someof those ugly scabs off my face.... (i still look better) but I'd probably look even better if I hadn't! Ding-Dang it! Leave to the girl way up North way out in the boonys to mess this one up!

Now I got one question for ya LNL

Depending if I get the job in question or not, I may be off during Xmas...so I wanna do it RIGHT this time! DO I NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN WHEN OR IF I HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE THE DAYS AFTER .... WHEN MY FACE IS ALL SCABBY?
Cause yes If I have the time I do plan on doing it again!
And Ireally would like to gt it right!

msavoy07 · 11-24-2009, 07:00 AM

FINALLY! Got the 15% on last night. Seems every time I am "ready" there is somewhere to go/do. LOL

Thank you LnL for the information. I was wondering if there are concerns for anyone about cold sores coming about with peels? I recall getting a script of Valtrex, I believe, during prep for a laser peel on the peri-oral area.
Is this something some should be concerned with?

Also, is there a better method of application? I first use cotton round all over, wait 5 minutes then do a soaked cotton swab over areas that need a little more ooomph. But I feel as if I have missed spots. HELP!

ETA: After healing of two weeks I will do another 15%. After the next two week healing I will do an 18%. I am also going to be wearing alot of green I think just for the holidays. It will look sooo nice with the very red face.

Ashes · 11-24-2009, 07:21 AM

Has anyone got experience with obagi blue peel? I have yet to get started on certain products ya'll discuss for pigmentation due to being crazy busy at work, now I want to jumpstart with a mild peel.
Then maintain with either fair and flawless, or tonique...but now after reading the recent threads ,I need cliff notes on the conclusion to that debate

live1 · 11-24-2009, 08:25 AM

i used 100%tca peel it was amazing,i had a grade 4 frost and peeled like a snake at day 14,got scared i would never peel .also did a 20%tca last week on my forehead just starting to peel now,these peels have removed every line off my face ,like im 19 lol

msavoy07 · 11-24-2009, 08:57 AM

I am wondering live1, where do you purchase your tca product?
I can barely tolerate the 15%, worried about the 18% soon, and just knowing someone out there puts over 18% on their skin terrifies me.
I know each manufacturer makes their solutions differently - so I am wondering if there is one out there that has a stronger peel effect but less stingy quality. Thanks.

live1 · 11-24-2009, 09:08 AM

ebay.i know u should not use 100%tca but i did a test first it stung but i can tolerate it.i wouldn't advise uyou do what i did but weaker tca did not completely remove the lines only reduced them,plus they were mild lines anyway.i also watered down some to 50% 20% and 12%.just be careful and u will be fine

msavoy07 · 11-24-2009, 09:16 AM

You can water it down? How much do you know how to add?
I am looking at MONTHS of several light peels and am wondering if jumping in and doing something a bit more MEDIUM might be better.
I seem to always be in a reddened peeling state. It is SUCH a commitment too.
But 100%? Yikers.

live1 · 11-24-2009, 11:12 AM

instructions came with the 100%tca peel its very easy ,i used tap water but u should use distilled bottled water either way

LightenNLift · 11-24-2009, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by mony

Awwwwww Nuts! And I thought I had done mine right!I read the instructions- tehy say to apply ointment if you really need to or something to that effect.... So I didn't..... I suffered the itches- after 3-4 days I used my microfibre cloth to try and coax someof those ugly scabs off my face.... (i still look better) but I'd probably look even better if I hadn't! Ding-Dang it! Leave to the girl way up North way out in the boonys to mess this one up!

Now I got one question for ya LNL

Depending if I get the job in question or not, I may be off during Xmas...so I wanna do it RIGHT this time! DO I NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN WHEN OR IF I HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE THE DAYS AFTER .... WHEN MY FACE IS ALL SCABBY?
Cause yes If I have the time I do plan on doing it again!
And Ireally would like to gt it right!

Absolutely wear sunscreen and carry it around with you for reapplication. It is generally recommended that you get as little sun as possible in the following days of performing a chemical peel. But if you must go out, wear sunscreen, wear UV reflecting sunglasses, wear a wide brimmed hat and protective clothing.

LightenNLift · 11-24-2009, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by msavoy07

FINALLY! Got the 15% on last night. Seems every time I am "ready" there is somewhere to go/do. LOL

Thank you LnL for the information. I was wondering if there are concerns for anyone about cold sores coming about with peels? I recall getting a script of Valtrex, I believe, during prep for a laser peel on the peri-oral area.
Is this something some should be concerned with?

Also, is there a better method of application? I first use cotton round all over, wait 5 minutes then do a soaked cotton swab over areas that need a little more ooomph. But I feel as if I have missed spots. HELP!

ETA: After healing of two weeks I will do another 15%. After the next two week healing I will do an 18%. I am also going to be wearing alot of green I think just for the holidays. It will look sooo nice with the very red face.

Go to the pharmacy and get the GAUZE PADS and use that to apply your chemical peel. Gauze Pads distribute the solution evenly and dematologists use it in their offices when they administer chemical peels.

LightenNLift · 11-24-2009, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Ashes

Has anyone got experience with obagi blue peel? I have yet to get started on certain products ya'll discuss for pigmentation due to being crazy busy at work, now I want to jumpstart with a mild peel.
Then maintain with either fair and flawless, or tonique...but now after reading the recent threads ,I need cliff notes on the conclusion to that debate

The Obagi Blue Peel

The Obagi Blue Peel is actually a cream that has no active ingredients other than the dye. It is mixed by the doctor or plastic surgeon with the desired concentration of trichloroacetic acid (which is obtained separately). The trichloroacetic acid or TCA becomes the actual active ingredient that gives a mild to medium chemical burn in the first several layers of skin. The TCA breaks and disrupts cellular bonds and results in peeling of the skin and a fresh, more youthful skin. TCA treats many skin problems or conditions usually associated with aging skin like wrinkles, sun spots, freckles, etc. It is interesting to also note that TCA has been found to be one of the most effective anti acne treatments known to doctors.

The Obagi Blue Peel has two slight limitations or inconveniences, though. Many people do not want to look green like a frog for several days as it is so severe a coloring that it cannot possibly be covered up with makeup. The other is that it tends to be weaker than a straight TCA peel and requires several applications to usually equal the results of one straight TCA peel. Now, it is important to note that a straight TCA peel does not have an indicator like dye, but it does have the ability to redden or white out on most skin types. This indicates that it has penetrated deep enough for a good peel and then needs to be neutralized.

The straight TCA Peel is currently used and favored by thousands of medical doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons for its ability to produce desired results in less than half the time of an Obagi Blue Peel. It also usually produces more profound results and requires fewer if any subsequent treatments. The Obagi Blue Peel is a good skin peel and does produce good results, but the straight TCA peel works quicker, is usually stronger and has better and longer lasting results making it the ultimate skin peel for any anti aging skin care regimen.

LightenNLift · 11-24-2009, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by msavoy07

I am wondering live1, where do you purchase your tca product?
I can barely tolerate the 15%, worried about the 18% soon, and just knowing someone out there puts over 18% on their skin terrifies me.
I know each manufacturer makes their solutions differently - so I am wondering if there is one out there that has a stronger peel effect but less stingy quality. Thanks.

MakeUpArtistsChoice.com
BeautyScientific.com