Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Your skin is continually regenerating. Even as the cells on the outer layer of your skin get damaged and die, your skin is creating new, healthy cells underneath. That means you have more radiant, less blemished skin waiting just below the surface. 

With chemical peels, Adaobi Obasi, MD, and our team of cosmetic dermatology experts at Cutis Wellness Dermatology & Dermatopathology in Laredo, Texas, help you peel away the damaged and dead skin cells to get your best, most beautiful skin. 

But because these peels are chemical-based, we also know that some people have concerns about their safety. Here’s what you should know about chemical peels. 

Understanding how chemical peels work

As their name suggests, chemical peels use a specially formulated chemical solution to trigger change in your skin. Specifically, when Dr. Obasi applies the peel to your skin, it stimulates a reaction that causes the outer layer of your skin to literally peel away in the days after your treatment. 

If you’ve ever had dry skin on your face flake away, you’ve experienced something similar — but the chemical peel will deliver much deeper exfoliation.

As the damaged outer layer of skin sloughs off, it reveals the newer, healthier, less blemished skin underneath. As a result, chemical peels can treat:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin discoloration
• Sun damage
• Acne
• Uneven skin tone and texture

In other words, chemical peels can be an extremely effective way to rejuvenate your skin and improve its appearance. 

Finding the safest chemical peel for your skin

To deliver the right level of peeling for your skin and your cosmetic goals, Dr. Obasi offers three levels of peel:

• Superficial peels for minimal peeling and downtime
• Medium peels for more noticeable results with about a week of downtime
• Deep peels for remarkable skin transformation with up to a month of downtime

To deliver the safest peel possible, she starts the process by talking with you about potential risk factors. A family history of skin discoloration or unusual scarring, use of hormone medications, and past cold sores could heighten your risk for an adverse reaction to a chemical peel. 

Dr. Obasi also talks with you about your comfort level. If you’re concerned about the peeling process, you can always start with a superficial peel and explore deeper peels when you’re ready for more dramatic results.

To ensure you get the safest peel possible, with the best results, we use professional-grade PCA Skin® peels here at Cutis Wellness Dermatology & Dermatopathology. 

If you’re curious about what a chemical peel could do for your skin, don’t hesitate to call our office or schedule your appointment online today.