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Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Chemical peels are quite popular and rank as the third most-performed facial revitalization procedure. Each year, close to 1.5 million chemical peels are conducted to correct a range of skin concerns. 

But are they safe?

Master esthetician, Michele Meinhart, FNP, at Starkey Medical Esthetics is a leading provider of chemical peels in Salem, Virginia. Here she addresses some frequently asked questions about chemical peels, including one about the risks involved.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that uses a custom blend of chemical to address your skin’s unique concerns. The chemicals exfoliate your top layer of skin to showcase a smooth, fresh, new layer. In general, there are three categories of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep.

What problems do chemical peels resolve?

Men and women love chemical peels because they’re so versatile. Here are some of the skin issues they can fix:

Talk to our team about your goals so we can tailor your chemical blend and treatment to your needs.

What should I expect during a chemical peel?

First, we’ll thoroughly clean your skin and put together a blend of chemicals that’s exactly matched to your needs. Your esthetician quickly applies the chemical solution to your skin and sets a timer. The peel goes to work for the designated length of time. We’ll gently wash away the liquid chemical formula, cool it down with a soothing compress, and moisten your skin with a special lotion or serum. You may be slightly red after the procedure, but it subsides within a few hours or days.

Are chemical peels safe? 

Though they are deemed very safe, chemical peels do come with some risks, such as abnormal pigmentation, infection, swelling, redness, and allergic reaction. However, you can rest assured that our team has extensive training and years of experience, and we know how to match the type and strength of the chemical ingredients we use with your skin type to minimize potential risks. Negative reactions are very rare.

How long does it take to notice results?

After your skin completely heals from the peel, the results are beautifully evident. In most cases, you’ll only need one peel to get great results, but if you have a severe skin problem, it may take two to four sessions to get the desired effect.

To learn more about the safety and efficacy of chemical peels, call our office in Salem, Virginia, or book an appointment online at your convenience.

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