Chemical Peel Precautions

By Tracy Jessen

Have you been considering having a chemical peel done? If so there are some things you should be aware of before you go forward with the procedure. If you are having the peel done in a dermatologists office then you will probably have too sit through a consultation to help the doctor decide if a chemical peel will be a good choice for you. If, however, you are considering the purchase of an at home chemical peel kit you will need to make this determination by yourself.

What is a chemical peel?

The first thing you should understand is how a chemical peel works. First a chemical substance, usually in the forma of a cream or lotion, is applied to the skin and left in place for a period of time. While the chemicals are in contact with the skin they work to loosen the old skin cells and impurities in the pores so that when the chemical solution is removed from the skin it takes with it the dirt, oils and dead skin.

The chemical peel is actually removing a layer of the oldest and therefore the most dead skin you have. It also flushes away all the oils from your skin, as well as all of the contaminates from your pores. How long the acid is left on the skin and how concentrated the chemicals are determines how deep they penetrate into the skin and how much skin is removed.

Considerations

Is your skin extremely sensitive to irritants? Do you constantly fight rashes or other irritations? If you answered yes, you may not be a candidate for a chemical peel. The process of a chemical peel is itself fairly irritating to the skin. This irritation will be magnified if the treated skin is already prone to sensitivity.

It is highly advised that you remain indoors for a couple of days after any chemical peel but especially after a deep peel. The reason you need to stay inside is because your skin doesnt have any of the oils it normally produces and because the layer of skin tat is now exposed has not had a chance to adjust to the air and the unseen contaminates will be irritating to it which can cause problems for you.

After The Peel

After the procedure you should refrain from any outdoor activity for a couple of days. If you absolutely must go outside be sure to wear a liberal amount of sun block (not sun screen, sun block) to protect your skin. You should just make a concerted effort to not do anything that is going to irritate your skin like wearing makeup or using face creams or exfoliates. Try to even avoid touching your skin for the first day or two because the oil and dirt on your fingers could irritate the skin.

If you have the opportunity to discuss your options with a qualified dermatologist you should. If like many people, your finances simply dont allow for a professional consultation, you are left to do the research yourself. Take your time and do your research to find out if a chemical peel is right for you. - 29882

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