A chemical peel, also known as derma-peeling, is a process that uses certain chemical solutions to improve the appearance of the skin. It is not a facelift and does not involve any kind of surgery. This makes it an attractive alternative for those looking to smooth wrinkles, erase blemishes, reduce acne scarring, or reverse the effects of aging, among other improvements. The precise solution used in the procedure depends upon the desired result. The uppermost layer of the skin is removed by the process, which causes the body to grow a new, smoother layer to replace it.
It takes no more than about twenty minutes to get a chemical peel, which involves nothing more complex than cleaning the skin and applying the solution to the targeted area. Most forms of chemical peels do not require any kind of downtime for recovery, though the deepest peels, which use the strongest solutions, may require a recovery program lasting for a week or more.
Does having a chemical peel hurt? The answer is no, the process is a painless one. Sometimes, the chemical solution itself works as a kind of anesthetic, but even if that’s not the case, the most that the chemical peel will cause is a slight sting. Only in truly extreme cases can the chemical solution cause any real pain, but in those situations, the peel is done under anesthesia.