Chemical peels are a well-tested and effective means of correcting wrinkled, blemished, and sun-damaged skin without surgery. However, just because they are popular doesn’t mean that everyone understands the benefits of this procedure.

At Dundee Dermatology, we get questions about chemical peels from potential patients every day. How comfortable is the procedure? What do chemical peels do? Can you get chemical peels for dark skin? And most importantly, how long do chemical peels last?

What Do Chemical Peels Do?

In our experience, there is a lot of confusion about this procedure, how it works, and what it is used for. Before you can understand how long the benefits of chemical peels last, you should learn what chemical peels do. 

First, a chemical peel is not any form of surgery, nor does it involve injections like Botox or dermal fillers. Additionally, chemical peels are one of the more cost-effective facial rejuvenation procedures. They don’t require any kind of expensive specialized equipment, and they don’t take long to complete. The average chemical peel takes only about 30 minutes.

This procedure is primarily used to remove or reduce skin concerns such as:

• Wrinkles
• Lines
• Skin discoloration
• Scars

We begin by placing a chemical solution on your skin. This solution is acidic and gently strips away the top layers of your skin, encouraging your body to restore those layers with new cells. The new cells are undamaged, more flexible, and the same color as your natural skin tone.

How Long Do Chemical Peels Last?

How long the benefits from a chemical peel last will depend on what type of chemical peel you get. We offer two types of chemical peels in West Dundee, IL:

Light Chemical Peels

Light chemical peels begin to show benefits after a few days to a week, once your skin has fully healed. Typically, the results of light chemical peels are most prominent for roughly a month, after which you may need another chemical peel to continue enjoying these benefits and improving your results. The optimal results from light chemical peels usually appear after anywhere from three to five total treatments.

The effects of any chemical peel are long-lasting but not permanent. As you get older, the natural aging process will add new lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and scars. But typically, you should expect years of benefits from a full series of peels. And even if you don’t get another peel, the aging process will take longer to be visible due to past peels.

Medium Chemical Peels

A medium chemical peel has a longer recovery time but also typically has more noticeable benefits that last longer. The benefits of a medium chemical peel will usually become visible after one to two weeks when your skin has fully healed.

You may eventually require additional treatments, but you should expect smoother and healthier skin for months. And this type of chemical peel may delay some of the signs of aging for up to a few years.

Reasons to Get a Chemical Peel

Like any type of skin treatment, chemical peels are better for some patients than for others. Before choosing a chemical peel, you should consult with us to determine whether it is a good choice for your health and beauty concerns. In general, though, you should know the following facts about chemical peels.

Chemical Peels Can Diminish Acne Scars

Many clients, especially younger clients, ask about chemical peels for acne scars. Typically, acne scars can be addressed with light chemical peels, which are less intense and begin to show effects quickly. Chemical peels for acne scars are very effective for their time and cost. 

Chemical Peels Can Hide Wrinkles

Wrinkles appear over time because your skin loses elasticity and firmness as it ages. This means that it doesn’t snap back to smoothness after creasing. Because chemical peels cause your body to replace the top layers of your skin with new cells, those layers are firmer and have greater elasticity.

Your new skin layers will hide or reduce crease lines, at least for a time. And even when those skin layers eventually begin to lose elasticity, they will crease more slowly because they were reset by the chemical peel.

Speak to Us if You Have Darker Skin

Every skin type reacts differently to chemicals. While we offer chemical peels for dark skin, the procedure may be different than for lighter skin tones. If you are considering a chemical peel, we will discuss your options and determine the best treatment for your unique skin.

In and Out Services

One of the biggest advantages of chemical peels is that they take significantly less time than most alternatives. You can schedule a chemical peel in the morning and return to work before lunch. Our convenient services are non-invasive and subtle. 

In most circumstances, even the people who are most often around you won’t realize you had anything done until the benefits start to show. That’s why a peel is a great option for anyone who wants to maintain their privacy while receiving effective beauty treatments.

Schedule Your Chemical Peel Today in West Dundee, IL

At Dundee Dermatology, we make beauty and healthcare easy and accessible. A chemical peel will give you smoother and brighter skin in days, at a lower cost than many other facial treatments. And you won’t have to give up a whole day (or more) to enjoy the benefits.

If this sounds like what you need, call us or contact us online today to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.