I am a huge fan of chemical peels and I get one to two Glycolic chemical peels with 50% strength every month (50% is pretty strong, they start at 10%). They keep my skin looking dewy and keep fine lines at bay. It also fades pigmentation issues. If you can afford it, it’s the best maintenance treatment for youthful skin. However, there are some possible side effects.
First and foremost, if you have darker skin, olive tones or darker, skip the peel! It can permanently lighten your skin. If you have lighter skin tones here is what you can expect: The solution will be applied to your face via a wet cotton ball, and you will feel a slight burning sensation. The burning sensation will get stronger as the chemicals stay on the face. After about thirty seconds to one minute your face will be sprayed with a dissolution liquid. This will stop the burning and deactivate the chemicals. Once the solution is off your face will feel a little tight and slightly sensitive like you got a mild sunburn. Within the next few days your skin may flake off, or little scabs will form, this is the damaged skin peeling off to reveal the undamaged skin below. However sometimes there is no peeling or flaking at all, especially with milder peels (I have only had two tiny scabs after an extra long peel [ 3 minutes ]).
As a rule, the deeper the peel or stronger the solution, the side effects will be more prominent and last longer. I suggest you start off with a mild peel and work your way up to a stronger solution. With regular applications the results are comparable to a laser treatment.
You can get a chemical peel through a med spa or a dermatologists office. You’ll be safer with a dermatologist, but you’ll also pay considerably more. Applying a chemical peel is pretty simple, so as long as someone is a certified aesthetician you’re pretty safe, and you will pay about $60 to $100 per peel. Prices go up as the peels’ strength goes up. I go through a med spa, but I did ask many questions regarding her knowledge prior to the treatment.