Understanding How Chemical Peels Work

Understanding How Chemical Peels Work

While chemical peels don’t have the most illustrious-sounding name, they certainly work to give your skin a radiant glow. In fact, chemical peels are the third most popular noninvasive cosmetic treatment performed.  

VI chemical peels boost collagen production and reduce the signs of aging, acne scars, sun damage, and even keratosis pilaris 一 and they’re available here at VCI Med Spa, located inside our Tinley Park, Illinois, vascular surgery practice.

But how exactly do chemical peels achieve these results? That’s the question our team answers here.

What is a chemical peel, and how does it work?

These skin-resurfacing treatments — sometimes called chemexfoliation — are a type of exfoliation treatment designed to enhance the appearance of your skin and address specific skin conditions. Chemical peels treat certain types of acne, age, spots, melasma, rough skin, and fine lines.

You’re probably already familiar with physical exfoliating treatments, such as sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, pumice stones, and dermaplaning. Physical exfoliating requires manual effort to remove the top layer of dead, dull skin.

Chemical peels apply specific chemical solutions to your skin, and there’s no manual effort required to exfoliate your skin. The topical chemical solution does all of the work, penetrating much deeper than a physical scrub-type exfoliator. The acidic solutions strip away the top layer of dull, damaged skin to reveal fresher skin underneath. 

This chemically induced process also triggers your body’s healing response, which is to increase collagen production. This has the added benefit of reducing the appearance of fine lines and restoring suppleness to your skin.

What to expect after your peel

The intensity of the treatment you choose can range from a superficial (mild) peel to a medium peel to a deep peel. The chemical solutions in your VI chemical peel slough away dirt, dry skin, and dead skin cells. Because those dry, dead skin cells contribute to a dull complexion, your skin’s appearance is more radiant once they’re removed. 

As the dead cells slough off, you might notice that your skin looks like it’s peeling (like after a sunburn), and that’s how chemical peels earned their name. As the dead skin peels away, you notice an improved skin texture, reduced appearance of fine lines, softer skin, and reduced signs of aging.

During your consultation at VCI Med Spa, our team recommends the appropriate peel for you and provides specific prep and post-care instructions. 

Is a chemical peel right for you?

At VCI Med Spa, it’s our mission to help you achieve beautiful, healthy skin. Our team of aesthetic nurses 一 under the leadership of our medical director, board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Eugene Tanquilut 一 guides you through every step of your journey from choosing the right treatment to supporting your skin with the right skin care products

Not sure where to start? You can contact VCI Med Spa at 815-799-4455 or use our online form to schedule your free chemical peel consultation.

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