Many things affect your skin, from the sun’s rays and pollutants in the air to the passage of time and your genetics. And while a good at-home skin care routine helps, those habits only go so far.
If your skin isn’t as radiant as you’d like, light chemical peels may be your next best decision. The minimally invasive treatment removes your skin’s top layer to reveal newer, healthier skin, without the intensity and risks associated with deep peels or surgery.
At our offices in Scarsdale and the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Robert Schwarcz, MD, and his team offer tailored chemical peels to suit your specific skin needs and goals. Here, we address light chemical peels, including how regular treatments can level-up your complexion.
While all chemical peels do away with the top layer of your skin, they do so to varying degrees and with different chemicals. Unlike deep chemical peels, which use the deep peel agent phenol, light chemical peels contain milder ingredients, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, which gently exfoliate your skin, bringing on a healthy glow.
As an added benefit, you can have light chemical peels at regular intervals to achieve the results you desire — and maintain them.
Skin issues that light chemical peels treat include:
In general, you can have light chemical peels at intervals of 1-4 weeks, whereas you can get medium-deep peels only once or twice per year.
Each light chemical peel involves several steps. First, your provider cleanses your skin. Then, they brush on a specially formulated chemical solution, which remains on your skin for a few minutes. During that time, you may notice a mild stinging sensation. After the specified time, your provider washes off the peel solution.
Side effects — such as redness, irritation, and skin flaking — tend to gradually lessen with subsequent peels. In other words, your treatments will likely feel milder and milder as you go along. Light peel results tend to become prominent within a few days of each treatment.
Taking especially good care of your skin after a chemical peel can help ensure a smooth recovery and the best results.
For several days or more following a light chemical peel, wash your face with cool water versus warm or hot water for added comfort. Stay well-hydrated, and apply a quality moisturizer to your skin.
Also, while UV protection is important year-round, your skin may be extra sun-sensitive after your peel, so be sure to wear sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats when you’re outdoors during those initial days.
To learn more about how regular light chemical peels can take your skin care regimen to the next level or to get started on your personalized skin revitalization plan, book a consultation with the team at Robert Schwarcz, MD, today. Call the office convenient to you or request an appointment online.
