Of all the skin-rejuvenating and full-face complexion-improvement treatments available in your aesthetician’s toolbox, there is no better treatment for dramatic results than a chemical peel. Whether dull skin, breakouts, acne scars, a lack of that healthy glow, or fine lines and wrinkles are a concern, a series of chemical peels may be the skincare treatment your skin needs to press rewind and send it back to a healthy state. As good as chemical peels are for the skin, how long their results last is another topic. On average, most chemical peels, notably lighter ones, last for the short term, but particular lifestyle and skin care factors can influence how long a chemical peel lasts. Here’s everything you need to know about these fast and effective treatments and how long chemical peel results last .
The Immediate Effects You’ll See
The skin boasts an immediate benefit with a chemical peel, no matter how light or deep. Lighter chemical peels, which make use of lower-strength although still effective acids like glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, and trichloroacetic (TCA) acids, can help rebalance and renew the skin so it looks healthier and more radiant. Taking a customized approach to these chemical peels, other issues like uneven skin tone and texture can diminish common signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and other forms of stubborn discoloration. The lighter the peel, usually, the less redness and peeling there is, but again, it’s dependent on your skin type and the type of exfoliating acids used in the peel. Medium-strength peels are one level up in strength and concentration, and while they are reserved for more moderate skin concerns, they can provide a substantial result quickly.
At AdvancedMD Atlanta, we offer the RevePeel Enlighten. This medium-depth skin-lightening peel system consists of an intensive mask treatment and a home care regimen to reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration. We also offer the PRX Peel, which revitalizes and tightens the skin without noticeable exfoliation thanks to an advanced formula of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), hydrogen peroxide, and kojic acid. It improves the look of scars, stretch marks, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and dull-looking skin.
The Duration of Your Results
No matter the type of chemical peel you choose, there are both short-term and long-term skin benefits. Initially, with a chemical peel, you’ll see an initial improvement in the skin’s overall—the tone is brighter with less discoloration, the texture is softer and more resilient, the pores emerge smaller, and the skin appears healthier overall. The benefits of chemical peels can last about one to two months with lighter peels and a few months with more medium-strength peels.
However, with repeat treatments, the skin becomes stronger and healthier as more collagen is created within the skin, leading to long-term results that can last upwards of six months.
Since chemical peels are exfoliators, some physically peel away dead, discolored skin on the surface and speed up the rate of skin cell turnover. The peeling process can start a few days after your chemical and persist for upwards of one week, if not longer. Exfoliating the skin in a safe and controlled manner allows for improvement both immediately and over time. Practicing healthy skincare habits at home and avoiding unnecessary sun and pollution exposure will allow the effects of your chemical peel to take hold faster and better for more visible changes within the skin that will last for longer. Talk with your aesthetician about multiple sessions for cumulative benefits and increased collagen production.
On average, the new baby skin revealed from your chemical peel can last up to one month or longer, depending on the strength of the peel used. The stronger the peel, the longer-lasting the results. The only type of peel with permanent results is a deep peel, which should only be performed once in your life.
