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Chemical Peels Birmingham and Greystone, AL Residents Trust

A chemical peel is a popular cosmetic treatment that offers a variety of benefits for those looking to improve the appearance and health of their skin without cosmetic surgical procedures. To remove damaged skin cells and get the healthy glow you're looking for, contact Skin Wellness Dermatology today! Make an appointment online or by calling 205-871-7332.

What Is A Chemical Peel? How Does A Chemical Peel Work?

Chemical peels are an underutilized and often misunderstood dermatologic treatment. A chemical peel is the application of a chemical substance directly to the skin that causes rapid skin cell turnover. This turnover is evident in the peeling and scaling that occurs for days after the procedure is performed.

Chemical peels work by removing the outer layers of dead and damaged skin cells on the surface of the treated skin, revealing fresh, new skin underneath. During your appointment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin. It will cause the outermost layers to slough off. The skin will be red, tight, sensitive, and slightly swollen for several days after treatment. Do not pick or rub your skin; the outer layer will eventually peel on its own as it heals and regenerates.

When healing after a chemical peel, patients should avoid sun exposure and should not wear makeup. Chemical peels may not be suitable for patients with darker skin or a history of cold sores. Schedule a consultation with Skill Wellness Dermatology to determine if chemical peels are right for you.

What Issues Can Chemical Peels Treat?

Benefits of chemical peels include:

  • Unclog pores
  • Prevent breakouts
  • Improve rough skin texture and uneven skin tone
  • Fade age spots, sun spots, and other hyperpigmentation
  • Reduce the appearance of acne scars, deep facial lines, and wrinkles

In addition to these cosmetic benefits, chemical peels also improve the overall health of the skin. By removing dead skin cells and encouraging cell turnover, chemical peels help strengthen the skin's natural barrier. This protects it from environmental stressors and improves its ability to retain moisture in the future.

Chemical peels are generally classified by their depth of penetration. They can be divided into superficial, medium-depth, and deep peels. The goals of chemical peels are as varied as the products used in the chemical peel procedure. Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL offers a range of chemical peels tailored to individual needs, including a light chemical peel, medium chemical peel, and deep chemical peel. The right chemical peel for you will depend on your individual skin type and concerns.

Superficial Chemical Facial Peels

Superficial or light chemical peels are the gentlest option. Also known as a lunchtime peel, a light peel works well to quickly improve the texture, tone, and overall appearance of the skin with minimal interruption to one’s life. They are ideal for patients with mild skin concerns such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and acne. These peels use a mild solution (such as glycolic acid) and require minimal downtime.

Superficial peels penetrate to or through the very top layer of skin and offer surface improvements. Sunspots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne, and sun damage can be treated and improved cosmetically through the use of chemical peels. Since improvement is gradual, best results are achieved after a series of treatments.

Before and After: Chemical Peel

Medium Depth Chemical Facial Peels

Medium depth chemical peels reach the middle layer of your skin and are used to treat deeper lines and more persistent color irregularities. They also remodel collagen, which can improve the appearance of acne scarring. Since these peels use a stronger solution, discomfort may be greater than that associated with superficial chemical peels, but the rewards are also greater. The results of a medium peel are long-lasting as well! Depending upon the damage that the peel seeks to correct, a series of peels are sometimes necessary for medium depth chemical peels.

Deep Chemical Facial Peels

A deep peel is the most intensive option, reserved for patients with deep scars and other severe skin concerns. These peels use a strong solution (such as phenol) and require up to eight weeks of pretreatment prep as well as several weeks of downtime as the skin heals.

Deep chemical peels are falling out of favor as many laser devices are now much more efficient at safely resurfacing the skin. Laser dermatology techniques are also a better choice because they do not require the general anesthesia that traditionally accompanies a deep facial peel.

At Skin Wellness Dermatology, our medical professionals provide a detailed consultation with each patient prior to the procedure to get a sense of exactly what he or she would like to improve regarding their skin’s color, tone, and texture. From there, the appropriate chemical peeling agent is selected with respect to skin types, risks, and benefits. Some of the peels performed at the office are Illuminize, Vitalize, Rejuvenize, Salicylic acid, Jessner’s solution, Trichloroacetic acid, and V.I Peel.

Skin Wellness Dermatology Offers A Chemical Solution for Uneven Skin Tone and Texture

Find out how chemical peels fit into your skincare journey and stop wasting money on facial scrubs at home!

At Skin Wellness Dermatology, our team of experienced dermatologists will work with you to determine the best chemical peel option for your individual needs and concerns. Our highly-trained board-certified dermatologists use only the highest-quality products and equipment, and we take great care to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the entire process. 

Skin Wellness Dermatology offers the largest variety of cosmetic dermatology services in the Birmingham and Homewood areas. From Botox and dermal fillers to laser treatments and microdermabrasion—no matter what piques your interest, our team has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.

To learn more about the benefits of chemical peels and other cosmetic treatments, contact Skin Wellness Dermatology today. We love to help you look and feel your best!

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