Will my skin peel visibly?

That depends on the type and strength of the peel and on your skin. Peeling may be light and barely noticeable, or more visible with stronger peels, and the doctor explains what to expect in each case.

Sensation differs from person to person; many people describe mild stinging or warmth while the solution is on the skin. Ways to reduce discomfort can be discussed with the doctor.

Is a peel suitable for darker skin?

In many cases it can be, with careful selection of the type and strength of peel, because darker skin is more prone to darkening after the procedure. The doctor decides after an assessment what suits each skin, and may suggest preparing the skin before the session.

Can I have a peel in summer?

In some cases, yes, with sun avoidance and regular sunscreen. The doctor may postpone the session if the skin has a recent tan, or if sun exposure afterwards would be hard to avoid.

Chemical Peel

What it is

A chemical peel is a procedure in which a solution is applied to the skin to remove its outer layers in a controlled way, after which the skin renews gradually. Peels differ in strength and in how deeply they act, and the doctor chooses the type according to the concern and the skin type. The doctor decides after an assessment whether the procedure is suitable, and which area may be treated.

Who may benefit, and why people ask about it

Uneven skin texture or dullness.
Some types of pigmentation and dark spots, once their type has been identified.
Mild acne, or the marks left after it, in some cases.
Fine surface lines.
Visible pores in some cases.

A chemical peel can help some people improve the look of their skin, but it is not suitable for everyone, and it does not treat deep lines or marked sagging.

What the consultation covers

A review of your health history, including skin conditions, medicines that make the skin more sensitive to light, and any known allergies.
Questions about the skincare products you use, and any previous treatments or peels and how your skin reacted.
Questions about recent use of some oral acne medicines.
An assessment of your skin type and tone, and how likely it is to darken after the procedure.
Questions about any history of cold sores or raised scars (keloids).
A discussion of realistic expectations, an explanation of the risks and the recovery period, followed by informed consent.

Questions you may want to ask the doctor:

Is a peel suitable for my skin type and tone?
What can I expect in the days after the session?
Which products should I stop before and after the session?
What sun protection will I need after the peel?

What a visit looks like

Registration, and review of the health-history and consent forms.
Clinical photos may be taken with your consent; they are kept in your medical file only and never published.
The skin is cleaned and degreased, and sensitive areas such as around the eyes and mouth are protected.
The peel solution is applied and left on the skin for a time the doctor sets, while the skin's response is monitored.
The solution is removed or neutralised, depending on its type, then the skin is soothed and sunscreen is applied.
Aftercare instructions, and a follow-up appointment if the doctor considers it necessary.

The session may be carried out by the doctor, or by a trained member of the medical team under the doctor's supervision, following clinic protocols. The number of sessions, their length and the interval between them vary from person to person and are set by the doctor based on the assessment.

Preparation

Please avoid the sun and tanning before the session, and use sunscreen every day.
You may be asked to stop some products, such as topical vitamin A derivatives and exfoliants, for a period the doctor specifies.
Please tell the doctor about all medicines, including those that make the skin more sensitive to light, and any recent use of some acne medicines.
Please tell the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy; peels are usually postponed in these situations as a precaution.
Please avoid waxing or threading in the treatment area for a period before the session that the doctor specifies.
If you have a history of cold sores, the doctor may discuss a preventive measure.
If you have an important event coming up, mention the date during the consultation, to allow enough time for recovery.

After the session and possible side effects

Common effects, usually temporary:

Redness, a tight feeling or mild stinging.
Dryness and peeling over the following days, more or less visible depending on the type of peel.
Temporary sensitivity to your usual skincare products.

Less common effects:

Darkening or lightening of the skin, especially in darker skin or with sun exposure.
Cold sores in people with a previous history of them.
Blisters, crusting or infection.

Rare effects:

Scarring, particularly with deeper peels or if the peeling skin is picked.

Aftercare instructions may include strict sun protection with daily sunscreen, not picking the peeling skin or scratching, using gentle skincare products the doctor specifies, and avoiding exfoliants and intense heat for a period the doctor specifies. Contact the clinic if you notice blisters, increasing pain, signs of infection or a marked change in skin colour.

The doctor explains the full list of risks during the consultation.

Limitations

Results vary from person to person and cannot be predicted precisely in advance.
Improvement appears gradually, and the doctor may discuss more than one session depending on the case.
Keeping the result requires ongoing sun protection and regular skincare.
Darker skin needs careful selection of the type and strength of peel, because it is more prone to darkening after the procedure; the doctor decides what is suitable.
The doctor may advise against a peel or postpone it in situations including: pregnancy or breastfeeding, a recent tan, an active infection or skin condition in the area, recent use of some acne medicines, a tendency to keloids, or expectations the procedure cannot meet.