Glen Mills Residents Ask: How Many Chemical Peels is Too Many?

The old belief that ‘more is better’ has been disproven in many areas…and in many cases has been replaced by the far-more-often effective phrase that says ‘less is more’.

When it comes to chemical peels, the latter certainly rings true.

Even though a single chemical peel is usually not enough to accomplish what you’re trying to achieve, it’s important not to go overboard on the procedures either.

Chemical Peels – Not a ‘One and Done’ Procedure

Chemical peels involve exfoliating the outer layers of dead skin, allowing the emergence of new, fresh, undamaged skin tissue. This new tissue has a fresh healthy glow to it, reminiscent of youthful skin, unmarred by years of exposure to toxins, makeup, chemicals, and other environmental irritants.

Following a single exfoliation session with a chemical peel, new skin will begin to emerge within about two weeks. It can take up to two months for complete healing to take place.

For best results, it’s generally recommended to schedule a series of treatments, generally, four to six chemical peels, spaced out over a period of several months. Depending on your doctor’s advice for your specific situation, annual maintenance sessions may be recommended.

Beware of Over-Exfoliating with Chemical Peels

The skin rejuvenates itself naturally in about 28 days, so roughly once a month you have a whole new layer of skin growth. It’s generally considered a bad idea to force the skin to rejuvenate more often than is natural.

If you spend a lifetime removing skin layers too frequently, especially with chemical peels, your skin can become prematurely thin, developing a waxy look that’s the opposite of what you want from exfoliation. If you choose to exfoliate too often, you run a potential risk of actually doing more harm to your skin than good.

Listen to Your Doctor’s Advice

The best way to get optimal results from chemical peels is to listen and follow the advice and suggestions your doctor offers. The length of time between chemical peels, including the series of peels as a whole, as well as whether you’re a good candidate for chemical peels, is based on several variables.

Some of these variables include:

• The depth of the peel – Chemical peels are done at three different depths: light, medium and deep. The deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time needed. In fact, deep chemical peels are typically performed only once.
• The purpose of the peel – Some chemical peels are designed to treat skin discoloration, others to diminish the appearance of scars or fine lines and wrinkles. How many you have and how often you need them depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
• Your unique medical history – Your doctor will take into account your medical history as well as your current state of health. You’ll need to provide information about cosmetic treatments you’ve had in the past and any medication you’re currently taking or have recently stopped taking.
• Your unique physical features – Your skin and potential treatment area will be inspected; some aspects, such as thickness and skin tone, may influence the results of the peel.

If you’re interested in learning more about how chemical peels may benefit you, please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have!