Wrinkles are a common aspect of aging, but sometimes they can be minimized or managed to maintain a more youthful appearance. Well, fortunately, there are various ways to reduce their appearance. One of these ways is through chemical peels. ​​Chemical peels are a tried-and-true, very popular way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how chemical peels can help with wrinkles and what to expect during the procedure.

What are chemical peels?

First of all, chemical peels have been around for a long time. There are rumors that Cleopatra herself used sour milk (which contains lactic acid) as a treatment. The idea is to apply a chemical solution to the skin, which then causes the outer layer of the skin to peel off, revealing new, smoother skin underneath. Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands, and they can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, and age spots.

How do chemical peels help with wrinkles?

It’s best to start with an explanation of the skin layers. The outermost layer of the skin, the one that you see, is called the “epidermis”. It’s your body’s first layer of defense against the elements and contains the “melanocytes”, which produce pigment and are responsible for dark spots on your skin. 

Underneath the epidermis is the “dermis”. Here you have collagen, hair follicles, blood vessels, oil and sweat glands. It has a thin upper layer called the “papillary” dermis and a thick lower layer called the “reticular” dermis. 

Dead skin cells accumulate in the top layer of the epidermis. This makes your skin look dull and aged. When you apply the chemical peel, it helps you shed all those dead skin layers. Then, depending on the type of the peel, it can advance past the epidermis into the dermis. There, it works to stimulate the production of all-important collagen, a protein that helps keep the skin firm and elastic. Collagen production decreases as we age, which is why our skin loses elasticity and develops wrinkles.

There are different types of chemical peels, each with varying levels of intensity. Superficial peels are the mildest type of peel and can be used to treat fine lines and mild discoloration. Medium peels are stronger and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Deep peels are the strongest type of peel and can be used to treat deep wrinkles and severe sun damage.

What to expect during a chemical peel?

Even before the procedure starts, there may be special pre-treatments that your skincare professional recommends to improve your treatment and reduce side effects. It’s definitely in your best interest to follow these recommendations. Then, at the procedure itself, they will start by cleansing your skin. They may also apply a numbing cream to help reduce any discomfort. The chemical solution will then be applied to your skin, and you may feel a slight burning or tingling sensation. The intensity and length of the burning feeling varies on the strength of the peel so it might be useful to ask your skin care professional in advance so you know what to expect. The length of the treatment will depend on the type of peel you are receiving, but most chemical peels take around 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

After the peel, you may experience some redness and peeling for a few days. Again, the length of peeling varies by the depth of the peel. The higher strength peels will require more days of swelling, redness and peeling but it will also give more dramatic results. For all peels, though, it is absolutely critical to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen to protect your skin. Your skincare professional may recommend a specific skincare routine to follow after the procedure to help your skin heal and maintain its new appearance.

In conclusion, chemical peels can be an effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. They work by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production. With so many chemical peels out there with different pro’s and con’s of each, it’s important to consult with a skincare professional to determine which type of peel is right for you and what to expect during the procedure. With proper care and maintenance, the results of a chemical peel can last for several months. For best results, you should plan a series of peels done every few months to keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant.