Chemical Peel

CHEMICAL PEEL CLINIC SINGAPORE

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?

Chemical Peels are cosmetic treatments done on the face, hands and/or neck, to improve the appearance and feel of the skin in the region. 

During the procedure, chemical solutions will be applied to the target region, causing the skin there to exfoliate on its own and eventually peel off. The new skin that will be revealed underneath will then be smoother, less wrinkled and less damaged. 

Chemical peels can be done to treat a myriad of different things, including:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Sun damage
• Acne scars
• Hyperpigmentation
• Other injury related scars
• Melasma
• Redness and uneven skin tone

TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEELS

Depending on what you wish to target, there are various types of chemical peel treatments available, each with a specific function:

1. Superficial/Light peels: Using mild acids, this chemical peel targets the outermost layer, gently exfoliating it.
2. Medium peels: Using slightly stronger solutions, this peel target the outer as well as middle layers of the skin, and helps cleanse and remove damaged/dead cells.
3. Deep peels: This peel tends to target the middle layer of the skin completely, and helps with the removal of dead skin cells, while also rejuvenating it from within.

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF CHEMICAL PEELS

There are several benefits to a chemical peel treatment:

1. Treats acne
2. Minimises pores
3. Erases wrinkles and fine lines
4. Fades any discolouration on skin
5. Lifts the skin
6. Soothes any scars
7. Balancing and evens out skin texture
8. Smoothens the skin
9. Is a non-invasive treatment

However, it also has its fair share of risks or drawbacks. Side effects such as redness, dryness, stinging or burning, and slight swelling are temporary, and will fade away soon after. The more permanent risks it poses are as follows:

• Skin darkening/lightening: Although more commonly observed in those with a darker complexion, chemical peels could either darken or lighten the skin noticeably.
• Scarring: Chemical peels may leave behind scars that are permanent.
• Infections: It is a very rare possibility, but chemical peels could give you a fungal or bacterial infection. For instance, people with herpes simplex may experience flares post treatment.
• Heart, Liver or Kidney damage: The phenol used in deep peels could potentially pose a risk of heart, liver or kidney damage, and could also cause irregular heartbeat.

PRE-TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS

Before the procedure, you will have a consultation upon which the specialised chemical peel for your skin needs will be fixed. During the consultation, it is advisable for you to let the specialists know about any medication that you may have consumed beforehand, which could interfere with the treatment. 

Once the chemical peel treatment has been decided, you will be asked to follow a few instructions:

1. Avoid using any type of retinol or retin-A topical medicine at least 48 hours before the procedure.
2. Avoid taking Accutane for at least 6 months prior to the treatment.
3. Avoid waxing, epilating or using any depilatory hair removal products at least a week before the treatment.
4. Avoid using facial scrubs or exfoliants a week before the treatment.
5. Take an antiviral medicine before the treatment if you are prone to fever blisters or cold sores.
6. Use specialised lotions to improve the treatment, such as a glycolic acid lotion.
7. Use a retinoid cream to prevent any skin darkening.
8. Tie your hair back, and wear the eye goggles provided (if any).
9. Arrange for a ride back home if you are doing a medium or deep peel, as they make use of sedatives.

In the doctor prescribes any medicine to be taken before the treatment, make sure to only have what is prescribed. Do note that for deep peels, a topical anaesthetic, or even an IV, may be administered due to the nature of the treatment.

CHEMICAL PEEL TREATMENT  In SINGAPORE

The treatment varies depending on the type of chemical peel you are administered with:

Light peel

• A cotton ball is often used to apply the chemical solution to the target area. Once applied, you may feel a slight stinging sensation for a bit, after which it subsides. Once the chemical has had enough time to set in, it will be removed completely, or a neutralising solution will be applied.

Medium peel

• A special cotton pad or gauge will be used to apply the solution to the target region. As the skin begins to react to the solution, a cold compress will be placed on the skin to reduce the stinging sensation. After this, the peel is removed and you may be given a fan to dry your skin completely.

Deep peel

• For this type of chemical peel, you will be mildly sedated. A cotton-tipped applicator will then be used to apply the solution to the target region. The procedure will usually be done in 15 minute increments so as to limit the skin exposure to the acid. 

POST-TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS

The post-procedure recovery time varies depending on the type of chemical peel you underwent:

Light peel: 

• Recovery time lasts anywhere between 4 to 7 days. During this time, your skin may temporarily be lighter or darker. 

Medium peel: 

• Recovery time lasts between 5 to 7 days. However, you may observe a redness to the skin that may last for a few months. During the recovery period, you will notice initial swelling in the skin, which then transitions to crust formation, followed by brown blotches. Once they fade away, the newly rejuvenated skin will be revealed.                                                                                                                             

Deep peel: 

• After a deep peel, your skin will undergo severe swelling and will appear red, paired with a burning sensation. This will fade away in about 2 weeks. However, white spots and cysts may take longer to heal. The overall redness of the skin will also tend to last longer. Your eyelids may also tend to swell up and shut during this recovery period.
• Due to its complexity, deep peel aftercare will be specified to you by the doctor. You will be given specific instructions on how often to wash your face, and the products to use. You will also need to stay away from direct sunlight until the skin has completely recovered. Makeup and other cosmetics will also need to be avoided until you get the green light from the doctor.

For a Chemical Peel Clinic in Singapore consult with Dr. Ang, call  +65 6353 3851.