A physician carefully explains the disadvantages of chemical peels.

Hello, I am a doctor at Smart Skin Clinic.

Chemical peels are among the procedures performed by cosmetic surgeons.

By applying a drug to the skin that accelerates skin metabolism, it improves acne, blemishes, freckles, etc. Many cosmetic clinics offer this treatment (we do as well).
Although not covered by insurance, the procedure is relatively inexpensive, and because it does not use a scalpel, there is less psychological resistance, making it easier to undergo.

However, it is better to undergo a beauty-related treatment only after understanding its merits as well as its demerits. For this reason, here we dare to take up "disadvantages of chemical peeling" and "people who are not suitable for chemical peeling" and explain them.

Three disadvantages of chemical peels

There are three disadvantages of chemical peels

Pain may occur during the treatment.
Sun protection is essential due to reduced barrier function
Basically, multiple treatments are required.

Let's look at them one by one.

Pain may occur during the treatment.

Chemical peeling is a procedure that uses chemicals to remove the dead skin layer and stimulate metabolism. Although the agents used in beauty clinics are designed to avoid skin damage, you may still feel a tingling pain during the procedure.
Side effects may also include skin dryness and redness.

However, these symptoms generally subside within a few days, a week at most.

Sun protection is essential due to reduced barrier function

The outermost layer of the skin is the stratum corneum.
The stratum corneum serves as a barrier to protect the interior of the skin, but chemical peels temporarily reduce the barrier function of the stratum corneum. The skin becomes more susceptible to dust and sunlight, making it more vulnerable to irritation, and also more prone to sunburn.
Therefore, sun protection is essential after undergoing chemical peels. Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible, especially during the first week after the procedure.

Basically, multiple treatments are required.

While some cosmetic procedures have immediate results, chemical peels do not. Therefore, multiple treatments are basically required. Repeated chemical peels will gradually improve the skin tone.
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual's skin condition and "where the goal is", but it may be necessary to repeat the process about five times.

Chemical peels may not be suitable for some people

In the above, we have introduced "disadvantages of chemical peels," but there are also "people for whom chemical peels are not suitable. However, even in the case of "unsuitable people," it may be possible to cope with the problem by taking countermeasures.

Those who are not suited for the program are as follows
People who suffer from extremely dry skin, etc.
People who have just sunburned or plan to sunburn.
Contraindications: Pregnant or allergic to food.
We will explain one by one.

People suffering from extremely dry skin, etc.

People's skin types vary from person to person. Some people suffer from thin facial skin, while others suffer from extreme dryness.
If these individuals undergo chemical peels, they are more likely to develop skin problems. In some cases, they may also experience pain, making it difficult to continue with the procedure.

However, such "skin types unsuitable for chemical peeling" can be confirmed to some extent during the preliminary consultation. In addition, sharing "skin problems you are having" and "skin texture concerns" with the doctor will make it easier to take countermeasures.

Persons who immediately after sunburn or plan to sunburn.

As already mentioned, the skin after a chemical peel is very sensitive and sun protection is essential. Therefore, those who plan to get sunburned (e.g., at the beach) immediately after the treatment should refrain from the procedure.

In addition, not only "people who plan to sunbathe" but also "people whose skin is reddened due to sunburn" cannot undergo chemical peeling because it may cause skin problems.

However, this kind of sunburn problem will not be a problem if properly scheduled. In addition, those who say, "I was careful, but I got sunburned 3 days before the chemical peel treatment," should consult their doctor.

Contraindications] Pregnant or allergic to the product.

Pregnant women cannot undergo chemical peels. Although chemical peels themselves do not adversely affect pregnancy, they may not work properly during pregnancy due to changes in hormonal balance. In addition, the side effects of chemical peels can cause stress, so many beauty clinics have declared that chemical peels are contraindicated during pregnancy.

Salicylic acid in chemical peels is the base ingredient of a drug called "aspirin". Some people are allergic to aspirin. For such people, peeling agents containing salicylic acid cannot be used.

If you are pregnant or have allergies, please be sure to inform us at the counseling stage.
If you experience any problems after the procedure, please see a hospital immediately.

summary

As we have mentioned, chemical peels are indeed a treatment plan with "disadvantages" and "unsuitable people".
However, because it is relatively inexpensive, can address various skin problems, and takes only a short time without the use of a scalpel, it is a method that is favored by many people.
By undergoing a careful counseling session, you can find out if you are a good candidate for chemical peeling, so why not start with a visit to the hospital gate?