Unlocking Radiant Skin: The Complete Guide to the Chemical Peel Process at Khrom Dermatology

Cleansing and preparation. 

Before beginning the chemical peel, the skin must be thoroughly cleansed to remove any skin surface oils, dirt, or makeup. This step is essential to ensure that the peel can penetrate deeply into the skin and provide optimal results. The aesthetician may also use a pre-peel solution to prepare the skin for treatment.

Application of chemical solution. 

Once the skin is prepped correctly, the chemical solution is applied using a brush or gauze pad. The type and strength of the solution used will depend greatly on your specific skin concerns and the desired depth of the peel. Common chemicals used in peels include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol.

Monitoring and timing. 

During this step, our experienced aesthetician will closely monitor your skin to ensure the solution works as intended. The time it takes for the solution to work will depend on the type and strength of the chemical used. The aesthetician must carefully time this process to avoid overexposure or potential damage to the skin.

Neutralization and aftercare. 

Once the desired depth of the peel has been reached, our providers will neutralize the chemical solution to stop its effects on the skin. This is typically done with a neutralizing solution or by thoroughly rinsing the skin with water. After the peel, special aftercare instructions may be given to help minimize any potential side effects such as redness, flaking, or dryness. Proper aftercare can also help enhance and prolong the results of your chemical peel.

Post-peel treatments.

Some aestheticians may recommend additional post-peel treatments such as gentle exfoliation, hydrating masks, or serums to maximize results and address specific skin concerns.

Sun protection. 

After a chemical peel treatment, your skin is much more sensitive to the sun’s rays. It is critical to protect your skin with sunscreen and limit exposure to direct sunlight for at least a week after the treatment.

Multiple sessions. 

Depending on your unique skin concerns and desired results, you might require multiple sessions of chemical peels spaced several weeks apart. This allows for proper healing between treatments, resulting in even better results over time.