As the winter months approach, many people start to worry about their skin and rightly so. The cold weather and low humidity can cause a lot of dryness and damage to their skin. Our office has noticed over the years that many people make an appointment during the winter for chemical resurfacing treatments (chemical peels) to help keep their skin glowing and radiant. And truly, winter is the perfect time to consider such treatments. At the Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are proud to offer a variety of chemical peels that can be customized to suit your unique needs!
What is a Chemical Peel?
Fine lines, acne scars, wrinkles, and discoloration can all be reduced with a chemical peel. But not all peels are the same! Your skin type will be assessed by one of our professionals at your initial consultation, and the ideal peel for you will be discussed.
Chemical peels are used to treat skin flaws on the face, neck, chest, back, and arms that are mild to moderate in severity. Acne, melasma, freckles, and wrinkles are just a few examples of skin concerns commonly treated. As a bonus, these treatments can enhance the general appearance and feel of the skin by diminishing the appearance of pores and removing dead skin cells. And while it sounds too good to be true, especially for a “beauty” treatment, chemical peels almost reduce your chances of future development of skin cancer. Finally, it is our opinion that chemical peels, at any level, are superior to laser peels for many, many reasons including greater safety and faster recovery.
What To Expect From Chemical Peels?
One or more chemicals are put to your skin and allowed to soak in for the duration of the treatment. After one to fourteen days, the treated skin begins to peel away, revealing the new skin beneath it.
The extent of your results will depend on a number of factors including:
- Type of chemical
- Number of times the skin was coated with treatment
- The duration of the treatment
- Condition of your skin
There is more risk and discomfort associated with deeper peels, but they can yield more dramatic effects in the short term, as well. Truthfully, few physicians in the world have as extensive experience with deep chemical peeling as we have at the Kass Center. Dr. Kass is a world expert in the Hetter Peel which can be adapted to achieve medium or deep peeling and excellent results in almost any skin type.
During your consultation, our staff will tell you what to expect and how to deal with any post-treatment discomfort.
What Is The Expected After Care?
Your recovery will vary depending on the type of chemical peel you selected for treatment. Follow your doctor’s recommended post-care routine for optimum results. With all chemical peels, it is important to avoid direct sunlight as your skin will be more sensitive during recovery.
Patients who receive light chemical peels often experience minor redness, stinging, and skin flaking. There is no downtime and you can return to your normal activities immediately following treatment.
Medium chemical peels can cause mild redness, stinging, and flaking similar to that of a deep sunburn after treatment. The peeling process typically begins within 48 hours and can last up to a week. It is important during this recovery period to keep your skin hydrated and avoid peeling or pulling at the flaking skin. You may need to apply ointments to your skin and avoid shaving the treated area for some time.
Most patients who undergo deep chemical peels can return to work 5-10 days after their treatment. Peeling, crusting, skin flaking, redness, and discomfort are expected during recovery to last several days. Your doctor will provide medication to keep you comfortable and your skin hydrated during recovery.
When Can I Expect Results?
It can take a few months to even a year for patients to experience full results, though most report significant, and sometimes remarkable improvements even within the first 7-10 days. Changes in the skin will continue to improve in the weeks afterward.
The number of treatments recommended will vary depending on your goals and skin condition. Your skin will continue to age, and some wrinkles will eventually reappear. However, once the desired results are achieved, less potent peels can be repeated periodically as maintenance.
Tips For Healthy Skin During Winter
1. After washing, moisturize immediately.
Washing your face, hands, or body removes the skin’s natural oils every time. Replacement of these oils is essential since they help to retain moisture. When you wash your face, especially in the winter, you should always apply a moisturizer.
Keep a small bottle of moisturizer next to your sink as a handy reminder, and always carry a larger container with you when you’re out and about.
2. Daily application of sunscreen is a must.
It’s easy to skip applying sunscreen in the morning when the days are shorter and the sun isn’t as strong, but resist the urge. Sunlight can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential for keeping it healthy and hydrated, even in the winter months.
Try applying a layer of sunscreen after you’ve put on your moisturizer in the morning.
Use of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is advised by the American Academy of Dermatology.
3. Apply nightly treatments.
Dry skin can be rejuvenated and prevented with overnight treatments. Moisturizers are great with emollients. As a result, it may take longer for the cream to be absorbed into your skin because it is heavier.
Use an emollient on your skin overnight to allow for maximum absorption of therapy and replenishment of hydration and oils by the emollient.
It’s possible to distribute an ointment on your sheets or bed linens if your hands or feet are wrapped in plastic or gloves as you apply it.
4. Skincare routines need to be adjusted.
If the dry winter air is making your face skin particularly sensitive or irritated, you may want to consider streamlining your skincare routine for the time being.
Maintaining the condition of your skin’s moisture barrier is essential to the efficacy of beauty treatments like serums and toners.
You may be more sensitive to elements like scent and alcohol when your skin is irritated. As a result, even things that ordinarily feel excellent on your skin may become irritants in certain individuals.
Make an effort to simplify your skincare routine. It’s possible to get away with using just one product in the morning and one product at night.
5. Use a humidifier.
Humidifiers assist restore moisture to the air, which is especially beneficial when the thermostat is set to a high temperature for the duration of the winter. Having more moisture in the air can help prevent and alleviate skin dryness by acting as a natural moisturizing agent.
In the winter, it’s not uncommon to have dry, flaky skin on your face, hands, feet, and other regions that are constantly in contact with the outdoors. Moisturizing your skin regularly with the correct products is the best way to maintain it healthy. If you are having little success with your current skincare routine or would like more dramatic results seek professional help. This month, we are offering complimentary pre and post-operative care for any eyelid, facial, or neck surgeries. Patients will also receive complimentary Silagen Arnica supplements and scar gel this month!
For more information on our chemical peels and services or to schedule an appointment, contact Kass Center for Cosmetic and Eye Plastic Surgery today at (727)522-3223.