Is a Chemical Peel Safe for Sensitive Skin?
If you’re interested in cosmetic dermatology but you haven’t tried a chemical peel yet, that’s okay. It can be tough to know whether a chemical peel is safe for sensitive skin. Fortunately, we’re here to help you understand whether a chemical peel is right for you. Here’s what you need to know.
What to Know About Chemical Peels and Sensitive Skin
Know What You’re Investing In
The single most important thing you need to know before you invest in a chemical peel for sensitive skin is what you’re signing up for. Are chemical peels safe? How do they work? Why are they such a popular treatment option? These are all things that you need to understand, especially if you’re going into the procedure with sensitive skin. The first thing you need to know is that yes, chemical peels are an incredibly safe procedure when performed by a licensed esthetician or dermatologist. A chemical peel uses acids of varying strengths to induce visible skin shedding. The goal of inducing this shedding is to help reduce hyperpigmentation, increase skin brightness, and even out skin texture. Patients invest in chemical peels to help with things like acne scarring, uneven skin texture, and skin brightness or clarity.
Understand that Customization Is Key
One of the biggest benefits of investing in a chemical peel is the ability to customize your treatment. Contrary to popular belief, chemical peels are not a one size fits all skin care solution. When you’re working with a licensed esthetician or dermatologist, you’ll be able to communicate your needs. Your esthetician or dermatologist will examine your skin carefully and listen to your needs in order to make an informed decision about what chemical peel formula to use on your skin. If your goal is to reduce the appearance of acne, then a mixture of lactic and salicylic acid may be recommended. If hyperpigmentation is your biggest issue, then trichloroacetic acid or lactic acids might be a better bet. The key is to let your esthetician or dermatologist know right off the bat what your skin care goals are and what your current skin situation is. If you’re nervous about investing in a chemical peel because you have sensitive skin, don’t hesitate to tell your skincare professional. Communication is key to finding the right chemical peel customization.
Remember that Prep and Frequency Matter
The way you prepare your skin for a chemical peel and the frequency at which you invest in chemical peel treatments are both incredibly important factors in how safe they are for your skin. While you don’t need to make any major adjustments to your skincare regimen before a chemical peel, it’s important to mind your dermatologist’s instructions for prepping your skin. Using high-quality skincare products that are designed for your skin type is the best way to make sure that your skin is in great shape for a chemical peel. In addition, you should ask your dermatologist or esthetician about chemical peel frequency. If you have sensitive skin, then you might be advised to wait a little bit longer between treatments than someone whose skin is a little bit less so.
So is a chemical peel safe for sensitive skin? The answer is most often yes. Chemical peels are a safe and effective treatment to use on almost all skin types, so set up a consultation with our team at North Pacific Dermatology today.