What To Expect When Your Get A Surface Peel To Brighten Your Complexion

If your skin has discolorations, fine wrinkles, and other surface imperfections, you may want to consider getting a chemical peel from your dermatologist. You can get a light peel during a short session that has a quick recovery time. A light peel evens your skin tone and removes mild damage caused by the sun. Your doctor can also give you a deep peel if it is necessary, but it requires a much longer recovery period since it removes the top and middle layers of your skin. If you just want to brighten your complexion and look younger and healthier, then a surface chemical peel might be what you're looking for. Here's what to expect with one of these treatments.

The Light Peel Procedure

The light, or surface, peel uses a mild chemical such as alpha-hydroxy acid to remove the surface layer of dead skin cells. The treatment is fairly quick and can be done on your lunch hour. The doctor or practitioner applies the acid to your entire face or just to your problem areas such as crow's feet around your eyes. The amount and strength of the acid applied, as well as the length of treatment, is adjusted for your particular skin so you get the best results with the least risk of side effects. You'll probably feel mild stinging as the acid works on your skin. When the treatment time is over, a neutralizer is applied to your skin to stop the effects of the acid. You won't need to cover your skin with a protective gel or padding when you just have a surface peel.

What To Expect After The Treatment

You should be able to resume your usual activities right after you have a surface peel. Your skin may be tender and it may feel a little tight for the first few days. You'll need to protect your face from the sun because it will be sensitive to heat and it will burn more easily. You may want to wear a hat and sunscreen when you go outdoors during your recovery period. After a few days, the top layer of your skin will begin to peel off and your fresh skin will appear beneath it. The results from your treatment won't be noticeable at first, but you'll gradually see improvement as the old, dead skin sloughs off. You can cover the dry skin with makeup and continue working as usual.

Your dermatologist will recommend the number of treatments you need to get the full effect. It depends on your age and the amount of wrinkles and sun damage you have. After your initial series of surface peels, you may need to have maintenance peels to keep your skin glowing and looking its best.

For more information on cosmetic dermatology practices, visit a site like http://ADCderm.com.

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