How Can Chemical Peels Transform Your Skin?

On average, the skin renewal process takes about 28 days. This helps make sure that the skin barrier stays healthy and strong, while allowing young skin cells to surface or emerge. The renewal process, however, slows down with age and can be influenced by pollution, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits. 

As the skin’s regenerative capabilities diminish, concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots may begin to show up. It can also make other skin issues more prominent and give you a dull and tired-looking complexion. To help with this process and rejuvenate the face, treatments such as chemical peels in Singapore can be beneficial.

If you’re considering getting a chemical peel or want to learn if it is an option for you, continue reading. We explore the basics of peels, what you can expect from them, and how they can transform your skin. 

The basics of chemical peels

Chemical peels use certain types of acids to remove the outermost, damaged layers of the skin. It involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, causing injury or trauma to the skin layers. These layers eventually peel off, unveiling a clearer and younger-looking complexion. 

Some of the most commonly used acids in the procedure include: 

• Glycolic acid
• Lactic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Retinoic acid
• Trichloroacetic Acid

Chemical peels can also vary depending on how deep they penetrate the skin: 

• Light or superficial peels – uses mild peeling agents to gently exfoliate the skin. These only affect the top layer of the skin, stimulating epidermal renewal.
• Medium peels – remove the outermost layer and a portion (upper part) of the middle skin layer. They produce a peeling effect, promote cell renewal, and help increase collagen production. 
• Deep peels – use strong acids to target the deepest skin layer. These are performed under the guidance of a doctor and remove skin cells even deeper. Deep peels are mainly used for scarring caused by severe acne, sun-damaged skin, and deeper wrinkles.  

What skin concerns can chemical peels help with? 

As its name suggests, chemical peels help peel away the damaged layer and certain skin imperfections. It can help improve or treat: 

• Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth (due to age, sun damage, and genetics)
• Pigmentation concerns such as age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Certain types of acne and mild scarring
• Enlarged pores
• Rough skin, dull complexion

What can you expect from chemical peels?

This will depend on the type of chemical peel chosen. In light and medium peels, the procedure starts with the application of a chemical solution using a brush, gauze, sponge, or cotton-tipped applicator. You may or may not need a neutralizing solution or to remove the solution from the treated area.

During your chemical peel, it is normal to feel a sensation of tingling and itching. This can happen during the application of the chemical solution to your face. You may also experience some tightness, similar to a feeling of your skin being slightly pulled, as well as temperature changes or warming/cooling sensations.

Chemical peels promote skin cell turnover by causing controlled damage to the skin. This is why the peels require a recovery process, which will also depend on the type of peel performed. Some of the things to expect include:

• Redness or slight discoloration for a few days 
• Dryness or tightness that will subside on its own
• Flaking, peeling, or shedding a few days after the procedure
• Purging can happen, but it heals faster and less likely to leave scarring

As your skin heals, avoid touching your face or picking at loose skin. Be gentle and make sure not to exfoliate or use a device to cleanse your face. You should also follow the aftercare instructions given by your doctor or the clinic. 

Chemical peels at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics

Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore offers a range of chemical peels that can improve specific skin conditions.

• Cutis Anti Acne Peel – unclogs the pores and kills the acne-causing bacteria. This is mainly indicated for mild and moderate acne vulgaris on the face, neck, and back.
• Cutis Crystal Peel – a brightening peel that improves dull skin. It can lighten freckles, uneven skin tone, age spots, and discoloration conditions of the face and body for a more youthful glow.
• Cutis Modified Jessner Peel – has a deep peeling action that helps pigmentation, photodamaged skin, and acne scarring. It can reduce the appearance of large pores, smooth out uneven skin texture, and soften lines and wrinkles.
• Cutis TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) – a spot treatment for acne scarring (deep ice pick or box scars). It safely triggers an acid injury to induce inflammation and collagen remodeling.
• VI Peel – comes in different types and addresses a number of skin issues. It can soften lines and wrinkles, reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation, reduce scarring, and stimulate collagen production. Read our previous blog to learn more about the different types of VI Peels.
• Meso-Peel – combines Dermapen 4 microneedling with Über Pro Peel. It resurfaces the skin and stimulates new collagen. It can lighten dark spots and pigmentation, reduce scars, lines, and wrinkles, and improve the tone and texture of the skin.

Book a consultation today

If you think you could benefit from a chemical peel in Singapore, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.