How Long Does a Chemical Peel Last?

Question

Hi, I have been researching types of chemical peels, but I am confused about some things: Once you have a peel done, how long does it last? Does this vary by type? When they say 'recovery period' , i.e. 7 days, does that mean you have to stay in for 7 days? Thanks.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

Depending on the depth, a chemical peel will last from 3-5
years. If it is a deeper peel, it will last longer.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

The results of a chemical peel will vary with your skin type and the type of chemical peel that is performed.
Most chemical peels are done in a series of treatments to achieve the best results.
For example, a glycolic peel can be done once every 2-4 weeks for a series of about 6 treatments depending on your skin type and your goals/areas of concern.
Typically after a series of treatments your results will last for about 6 months if well maintained with home care products and daily use of an SPF.
Many patients will choose to have maintenance treatments every 2-3 months to encourage continuous improvement.
Someone having a stronger chemical peel such as our VI peel can see more dramatic results with one to three treatments, again according to skin type and the condition of their skin.
Results of the VI peel can last for well over a year and recommended maintenance is 1 to 2 treatments a year.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Chemical peels are usually divided into superficial, medium, and deep peels. Medium peels, using combinations of acids, such as trichloroacetic acid and Jessner's solution, among others, penetrate to the dermis and are effective for improving mild to moderate photodamage and wrinkling.

	Healing generally takes about 7-10 days and is accompanied by some oozing, scabs and crusts. The results may last for at least a year or more and with continued sun protection far longer.

	Deep peels, no longer commonly performed, involve the application of strong acids, such as phenol along with certain penetration enhancers. As the name implies, the peeling solution is intended to penetrate the skin more deeply, and is therefore useful for improving moderate to deep wrinkling, crinkling, discoloration and laxity.

	A true, burn-like wound is created and healing make take up to two weeks, although there is a risk for scarring and permanent loss of skin pigmentation. The results may last for years.

	Superficial Peels, on the other hand, such as those performed with alpha hydroxyacids, commonly glycolic acid, are quite popular for refreshing, smoothing and brightening dull, sallow skin and evening out blotchy, irregular skin pigmentation.

	In my experience, an initial series of four to six or more peels of this sort, performed at monthly intervals, is wonderful for dealing with fine wrinkles, crinkles, discolorations, and photodamage.

	Once the series is over, maintenance treatments can be scheduled as needed. I like to refer to these treatments as "fruit washes" because the material used was originally naturally derived. There is generally no downtime. Patients can come during a lunchbreak and expect to return immediately to work with brighter skin. For this reason they are frequently referred to as "lunchtime beauty fixes."

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Cosmetic results from a chemical peel are mostly dependent on depth of peel, chemical agent, and your skin quality. Patients get better results with deeper peels; however, the recovery time and potential risks are higher. Any location where skin care takes place must be clean & sterile.
Generally speaking fruit peels, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid are very superficial and do not go deep into the skin. Some of the home peels are available for patients to self-administer. Consequently, the results are minimal and treatment must be repeated multiple times to appreciate an effect. Cosmetic results may last a couple months. Recovery is quick though, with a usual downtime of a day or two.
Any treatment which goes deeper into the skin must be performed by a physician. Medium or deeper peels with TCA, Jessner's type, or phenol based last for several months. Cosmetic results are much better, however, potential risks and recovery time is higher. Chemical peel recovery ranges generally from 1-2 weeks, again depending on the exact depth.
Lastly, skin care starts before and continues after the peel, which your physician can help manage. Certain skin care products are only available from a physician. If you keep exposing yourself to the sun without protection, then you may end up loosing all the benefit from the original peel. Best of luck.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! The chemical peel is a procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the skin that makes the top layers of skin “blister” and peel away, revealing newer skin underneath. A chemical peel usually involves approximately 5 to 7 days for recovery time. The results may last for at least a year or more and with continued sun protection far longer. The results last depending upon how deeply the skin was treated. Light peel results last a few weeks. Deeper peels last months to years. Best of luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

The chemical peel is a procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the skin that makes the top layers of skin “blister” and peel away, revealing newer skin underneath. A chemical peel usually involves approximately 5 to 7 days for recovery time. The results may last for at least a year or more and with continued sun protection far longer. The results last depending upon how deeply the skin was treated. Light peel results last a few weeks. Deeper peels last months to years.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Chemical peels rejuvenate the skin and provide a simple way to exfoliate and remove sun damage and fine lines.  Depending on the strength of the peel, you can be dry for a few days to a week.  Some patients prefer to have Clear and Brilliant in my office, which is a "mini- Fraxel" because you can have similar results without any down time.  Please consult an expert in cosmetic dermatology for the best results.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

Chemical peels safely remove or exfoliate the top layer of dead skin, allowing new, more youthful, healthy skin to show through. While the skin typically sheds old, dull dead skin cells every 28 days, this process slows down with prolonged sun exposure and aging. Chemical peels cause this natural cell turnover process to speed up, helping to stimulate the growth of new collagen—the skin-firming protein that acts like a scaffold for the skin. The speed or depth of cell turnover is determined by the concentration of the peel and the amount of time it’s left on skin.Chemical peels can be done at different depths—light, medium, or deep—depending on your desired results. Deeper chemical peels produce more-dramatic results, but also involve longer recovery times.My patients usually come in for peels every 4-6 weeks and in the "recovery time" you do not need to stay inside, your skin is just more sensitive so be sure to use SPF and keep out of the sun.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

The duration of the peel and the effectiveness of the peel vary considerably based on the peel utilized. Light Peels generally last no more than a month. More aggressive peels will last for a year or more. The post treatment measures will vary on the type of peel.

Purvisha Patel, MD · Answer

The type of chemical peel chosen for your skin depends on the underlying condition being treated and your skin type. The depth of the peel chosen depends on these things, location, and the amount of "down time" the patient is able to have. Lighter peels are chosen with the understanding that the desired results may be acheived after a series of peels, instead of one. This is done if the patient is not able to have a long "recovery" period. The "recovery" time, or period of time when the top layer of skin sloughs off and the new skin is forming, varies on the type of peel used and the patient's skin. For example, some patients with very oily skin may see less peeling that others. A good rule of thumb is, the deeper the peel, the more damage done to the surface of the skin- the longer the recovery period- the longer the results

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