6 Myths About Chemical Peels and the Truths Behind Them

A picture of Anne Marie Ponce de Leon

Anne Marie Ponce de Leon

Getting chemical peels in Houston is a great way to brighten your skin, turn the clock back on it, and get rid of pesky scars and acne. Still, despite the procedure’s immense popularity, it is surrounded by many different myths that prevent many eligible people from seeking the treatment they need to enjoy more confidence about their natural beauty.

The reality is that chemical peels clear out clogged pores and remove dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing. It leads to improved skin texture, refreshed skin, and reduced signs of aging. However, how your skin reacts to a chemical peel is largely dependent on many factors, like the peel’s strength, your skin type, and your skin tolerance. Knowing the processes involved in a chemical peel will help you determine the procedure that best suits your skin, bringing you closer to the tone and texture you want.

Here are six myths about chemical peels and the truths behind them:

Chemical Peels Are Best for Winter Time

There are many types of chemical peels available, which means they’re not just suitable for wintertime. You can have light peels done at any time of the year as long as you do not tan regularly and wear protective sunscreen daily. A light peel consists of four to six sessions, requiring one peel every three months for maintenance. A medium peel requires one to four sessions and one peel every six months to maintain its benefits. Lastly, a deep peel has just one session, needing one peel every six months for upkeep.

Trying One Chemical Peels Means You’ve Tried Them All

Given the various kinds of chemical peels available, it’s important to note that not all chemical peels are the same. In fact, it’s a general category for many different chemical treatments that exfoliate and brighten the skin. Some are stronger and give the face a good deep clean, while others are lighter and offer different effects. That makes certain chemical peels compatible with all skin types, even sensitive ones.

They Cause Your Skin to Peel Off

Even though the name implies otherwise, chemical peels don’t involve peeling your skin off. What happens is that the dermatologist applies a chemical solution to your face, dissolving your skin’s uppermost layers. It then results in a wound that triggers your body’s healing response, stimulating new tissue production that produces smoother skin with better texture.

You Need a Lot of Downtime After a Chemical Peel

Although some dermatological procedures require some downtime, most chemical peels don’t need any. For instance, the usual alpha-hydroxy and glycolic acid peels require little to no recovery time, which means you can proceed with your regular schedule right after your appointment.

However, some peels like TCA are stronger than others. They can also leave you with some redness and visible peeling. In these cases, you may be asked to avoid sun exposure and apply a few special products to help your face heal.

Chemical Peels Eliminate Deep Scars

Chemical peels are excellent at lightening minimal scarrings, like age spots or freckles. However, they cannot eliminate deep scars, which require laser treatment. If you’re hoping to get rid of some deep scars, other therapies will benefit you more.

Chemical Peels Aren’t Safe

Lastly, there are still plenty of rumors that chemical peels aren’t safe for your skin. While putting ‘chemicals’ on your face may sound dangerous, not all chemicals are harmful. Additionally, the chemicals used in a peel often include active acids, which are natural. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are all ingredients found in plants and animal by-products. As such, chemical peels are most definitely safe to use for improving your skin.

Conclusion

Chemical peels are an excellent way to address various skin issues, like acne, acne scarring, sun spots, or restoring your natural glow to your face. By knowing the truth behind these common myths, you’ll have all the facts you need to choose the right chemical peel for your face and achieve clear, radiant skin.

If you’re looking for chemical peels in Houston, let us know at Z Med Clinic! We are a state-of-the-art family healthcare clinic serving Texas with our expert healthcare services. We offer IV infusion therapy, laser services, telemedicine, weight loss services, family practice, and many more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Anne Marie Ponce de Leon

Medical Director

About Anne Marie Ponce de Leon

Anne Marie Ponce de Leon MD is a proud native Houstonian. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Houston Baptist University with a double major in Biology and History. For medical school, she attended the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston (recently renamed McGovern Medical School). She began her family practice training at Tufts University Medical School in Boston, MA, but subsequently returned to Houston where she completed her residency at the Memorial Southwest Family Practice Program.

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