What is a chemical peel?

Just what is a chemical peel? It sounds kind of scary, right? Well, it shouldn’t. Chemical peels have been around for a long time, and if you have thought of trying one, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Everyday sun exposure can affect the quality of your skin and, of course, there’s always that aging thing happening. A fifteen-minute chemical peel over your lunch break can improve your skin’s color and texture. “It’s a chemical exfoliation that removes dead, damaged skin to reveal a new refreshed glow. And, it only takes fifteen minutes!’” explains an RN within the dermatology department.

Peels can help reduce:

• Lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Dark spots
• Roughness

The top layer of skin technically does ‘peel’ off, but your skin will not turn red. In some cases, there may be a pink tint for a time as the new skin gets used to the air, but overall, there is no downtime with a light peel.

Believe it or not, chemical peels have been around since the mid-1800s. Growing in popularity in the late ’90s to today, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported in 2017 alone, 1.4 million chemical peels were administered in the US.

FAQ’s on Chemical Peels

Will my face look blistered or red?

No. There may be a light pink glow for a few hours but no. These peels will not blister your face or turn it red.

Are skin peels expensive?

No. A chemical peel is $125, much more affordable than other cosmetic procedures.

Do at-home peels work?

Work? Well, sort of. You will not see drastic results with over-the-counter products.

How long should I wait to repeat a peel?

Monthly peels are ideal, but some prefer to space them out more.

Is a chemical peel painful?

No, but there may be some slight stinging or tingling.

Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?

Lunchtime peels, as they are often referred to, at Hennepin Healthcare are light, but because your new skin needs a little time to heal, it’s best to wait on makeup for the next day.

Call Wendee for an appointment at 612-873-5822.