Function

• This is a before-and-after of a successful chemical peel.
  
  Facial chemical peels use naturally derived and engineered chemicals to remove dead skin from your face. They are a method of extreme exfoliation and can dramatically diminish lines, wrinkles and acne scars in one treatment. The peel usually has several steps, including a chemical treatment and a restorative treatment to prevent your skin from becoming irritated.
  
  

Features

• Because facial chemical peels have several steps, they can take from five minutes to a full day to complete. You may also have to do maintenance at home while your skin heals. Chemical peels instantly remove layers of dead skin from your face and cause the skin underneath to take on a smoother, healthier appearance.
  
  

Effects

• Ultimately, chemical peels are designed to make you look younger, and because they expose younger skin, they generally do exactly that. However, you may experience tingling or even pain during the peel, and your face may be sensitive for days or even a few weeks after you have had the treatment. You may also be flushed for several days.
  
  

Time Frame

• The duration of your chemical peel will depend on what type of peel you select. A do-it-yourself peel usually only takes three to five minutes, whereas an office peel may require multiple visits over the course of several weeks. You will have the peel done in the office, then you will return usually once a week or every other week so that your dermatologist can monitor your progress and repeat the peel if necessary. Usually, your skin will tingle for a few hours, then remain sensitive for several days. You will have to moisturize hourly until the results from the peel are fully completed.
  
  

Considerations

• A facial chemical peel will make your skin sensitive to the sun as well as to the touch. If you plan on being outside at the beach, for example, then you should not get a chemical peel any less than a month before your trip. Also, you must plan to shield your face even if you are only outside for a few minutes, so always keep a scarf or hat on hand after your peel.
  
  

Warning

• Facial chemical peels can give you great and youthful-looking results, but they can also seriously damage your skin. Work with a dermatologist to ensure that your facial chemical peel contains the right ingredients for you. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to test the ingredients before you have them applied to your entire face, or you may wish to go with natural or organic peels, which do not always get the same significant results without repetition, but are much gentler on your skin. Always follow facial chemical peel instructions to the letter and never leave them on for longer than your doctor recommends.