At Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa in Peru, IL, we strive to help our clients improve their skin health and self-confidence. We offer many services that can achieve these goals. Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of our most popular: a medical grade chemical peel. If you’ve been wondering about the benefits of this type of treatment, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn about the benefits, who qualifies, and much more.

What Are the Benefits of a Medical Grade Chemical Peel? 

There are many cosmetic and medical benefits associated with getting a medical grade chemical peel. Some of the most popular cosmetic benefits include improving skin laxity and eliminating fine lines. Men often love that they are no longer bothered by inflammation and razor bumps when they shave. Some other incredible benefits of getting this type of chemical peel include: 

How Many Peels Will I Need to Achieve My Desired Results? 

Most of the time, people need a series of three to six medical grade chemical peels to achieve their desired results. The number of sessions you will need in succession to achieve your desired results depends on the type of concerns you are trying to address and the severity of your medical or cosmetic concerns. In general, the more severe your concerns are, the more successive sessions you will need to achieve your desired results.

How Often Can I Get This Treatment? 

Typically, clients wait four to six weeks between peels. One reason it is important to not schedule your peels too closely together is that your skin needs time to heal after each treatment. Another reason there should be plenty of time between appointments is that it allows us to see how close you are to your goals.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment? 

Due to the safety and efficacy of medical grade peels, most people who want to improve the health and appearance of their skin will qualify. For instance, this may be an ideal treatment for you if you want to eliminate acne scars or mitigate the risk of a whitehead or blackhead breakout. This is also a great treatment option for most people who want to eliminate mild or moderate facial lines and wrinkles.

However, this treatment is not right for everyone. For instance, you should not consider this treatment if you have taken isotretinoin in the past six months. Additionally, this treatment is not right for women who are pregnant or people who have a personal or family medical history of keloid scarring. We will advise you on all contraindications, preparation instructions, and recovery guidelines during your initial consultation to determine your candidacy for this treatment.

How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session? 

There are several very important preparation steps you will need to take prior to getting a medical grade chemical peel. One vital step is to refrain from exfoliation for at least seven days prior to your appointment. Your skin will be thoroughly exfoliated during your peel. Also, make sure that you are not using any skincare products that have an exfoliating effect. Read the ingredients on all of your products carefully before you use them.

It is also extremely important that you do not use any anti-aging or anti-acne medications that can affect your treatment. We will give you a complete list of oral and topical drugs and supplements to avoid during your initial consultation. You also will need to arrive at your appointment well-hydrated. Also, you should not use any products that can dry out your skin in the 72 hours leading up to your appointment.

What Aftercare Guidelines Will I Need to Follow After My Treatment? 

One of the most important things to do after your chemical peel is to resist the urge to pick at your skin once it starts peeling. An unfortunately common misconception is that picking at your skin will speed up the recovery process. The reality is that picking at your skin will only slow your recovery process and increase your risk of an infection or skin irritation.

Another vital rule to follow after your peel is to moisturize at least once daily. If you have dry skin, it is essential that you moisturize twice daily and use an occlusive moisturizer that will lock moisture into your skin effectively. Note that it is also extremely important that you do not over-moisturize your skin. During your initial consultation, we will advise you on how often you should moisturize daily based on your skin type.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Many cosmetic and medical benefits can be derived from medical grade peels. Among the most popular are superficial scar removal, skin tightening, and improved skin texture and tone. If you think the benefits of a medical grade chemical peel align with your goals, contact us now at Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa in Peru, IL to schedule an initial consultation and find out if you qualify. We can’t wait to meet you and help you improve your skin health.