Beyond The Face: Benefits Of Chemical Peels For The Legs, Arms, And Back
Chemical Peels Aren’t Just For Your Face
Can you have chemical peels for the legs, arms, or other parts of the body? For decades, men and women alike have used chemical peels as an excellent cosmetic tool. Chemical peels use one or more acids to gently remove layers of dull, dead, or damaged skin. As a result, the user enjoys the fresher, healthier layers hidden beneath.
One of the main benefits of chemical peels is that they can help reduce the signs of aging and sun damage. As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and shows fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Sun damage can also cause the skin to become discolored, rough, and uneven.
Chemical peels can help exfoliate the outer layers of the skin and promote the growth of new skin cells. Additionally, chemical peels can help prevent future breakouts and minimize the appearance of acne scars, making them a popular treatment option for those struggling with acne-prone skin.
These are well-known benefits for their use on the face. Many of your favorite celebrities and influencers swear by them. But did you know peels aren’t just for the face? Chemical peels for the legs, arms, and back are also powerful and rising in popularity. Rather than cover up those fantastic parts, read on to learn how chemical peels can transform the skin in these areas.
Reasons for Chemical Peels for the legs
Why should you think about a chemical peel for arms, back, or other parts of your body? Think of all the benefits you would receive if you had a chemical peel on your face. Those same benefits translate to your arms and legs, with a few others. They include:
Reducing the appearance of scars
When we fall and get cuts and bruises as kids, they sometimes follow us into adulthood. Scars can also form from previous injuries or minor surgeries. Your skin does not heal like it should, leaving dark spots, lines, and other blemishes. Scars can also form on your back from acne. Clogged pores, dirt, and dead skin can lead to severe inflammatory acne. After the acne subsides, you’re left with scars on your back. Scars can be unsightly and affect one’s self-esteem. They are often the reason people keep their legs, arms, or back covered. Chemical peels can remove dull layers of skin, reducing the appearance of scars.
It helps with hyperpigmentation
Like acne, hyperpigmentation is not limited to your face. Hyperpigmentation is a condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin, often due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, or injury. Patches of your skin look blotchy or darker than others. Chemical peels can help lighten dark spots and reduce the appearance of scars by promoting the growth of new skin cells. By exfoliating the outer layers of the skin, chemical peels can help reveal smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.
Improve dull skin
Sometimes, the skin on our legs, arms, and back can become dull or uneven in texture. Even the glow that’s possible from serums and other skincare products may not be enough. This can be due to factors such as aging, sun damage, or lack of exfoliation. Chemical peels can help improve skin texture by removing the outer layers of dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new ones. This can result in smoother, softer, and more radiant skin.
You get acne elsewhere
Acne and breakouts can occur on any part of the body, not just the face. This can be frustrating and affect one’s confidence, especially during the warmer months when more skin is exposed. Chemical peels can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation, which can lead to fewer breakouts. They can also help minimize the appearance of acne scars by promoting the growth of new skin cells.
Sun damage and age spots
Sun damage and aging spots can make the skin on our legs, arms, and back appear discolored and uneven. These spots are often caused by long-term sun exposure and can be difficult to treat with topical creams alone. Chemical peels can help remove the outer layers of discolored skin cells and promote the growth of new ones, resulting in a more even-toned and youthful appearance.
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What types of peels are for the body?
Chemical peels come in different strengths. Your dermatologist or esthetician will determine the best chemical peel for your legs, arms, or back based on your skin type, color, and specific cosmetic needs. These peels will consist of an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). AHAs and BHAs are often found in natural
Superficial Peels
Superficial chemical peels are a type of chemical peel that targets the epidermis or the topmost layer of the skin. The treatment can be completed in a few minutes and typically requires a short healing period. During a superficial peel, low concentrations of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are applied to the skin. Common examples include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. These acids help to exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.
Superficial peels are ideal for those with minor skin concerns, such as clogged pores or a dull skin tone. They can also help delay the signs of aging and maintain a youthful appearance. The low concentration of acids used in a superficial peel means the risk of complications, such as scarring or hyperpigmentation, is low. However, it is important to note that while superficial peels are generally safe, they should be performed by a qualified medical professional to ensure proper application and avoid potential risks.
Medium-Depth chemical peels for the legs
If you have deeper skin issues like acne scars and fine lines, you may be more suited to a medium-depth peel. This type of treatment penetrates deeper into your epidermis, usually consisting of higher concentrations of glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA).
Medium-depth peels are ideal for treating age spots, hyperpigmentation, and other persistent issues that don’t respond well to topical products. With this type of treatment, you may need to wait for up to five days for your skin to fully heal and reveal your results. These peels are useful for moderate scars, hyperpigmentation, and dull, crepey skin.
Deep Peels
Severe discoloration and long-term scars can be improved by a deep peel. This type of treatment removes some of the outer layers of your skin, which helps reduce or eliminate some of your most persistent blemishes. Deep peels may only be performed once every few years, so it’s important to ensure you are getting the right deep peel formulation based on your skin type and concerns.
Before getting a deep peel, you’ll need to prepare your skin weeks in advance, and you’ll also need to take good care of your skin after receiving the treatment. A local anesthetic is applied to the treatment areas before a deep peel is performed. You may need to wait for two to three weeks for your skin to heal after receiving a deep peel. Deep peels are not recommended for people with sensitive skin or those with darker skin tones. Your dermatologist will devise a treatment plan to improve your skin while still paying close attention to any risks.
What Should You Expect During Chemical Peels For Your Legs?
We recommend that you don’t try a chemical peel by yourself on areas like your limbs or back. The skin texture and tone differ from the face and will need expert supervision. Moreover, you can’t guarantee that you’ll cover your entire arm or leg on your own, or you may place more product on one area than another, leading to uneven skin tone.
At Eternal Dermatology, we work with you to understand your needs during an initial consultation. Then we will recommend a series of peels over several sessions for the best results. You’ll also have some guidelines to ensure you receive the best results. During the chemical peel, we will brush the solution on the affected area at let it sit for a few minutes. Then, we’ll use a solution to deactivate the chemicals. Within half an hour, you can leave the office.
Pre-treatment guidelines
Before undergoing chemical peels for the legs, it is important to prepare your skin to ensure the best possible results. You should avoid using any exfoliating products, such as retinol or glycolic acid, for at least a week prior to your treatment. It is also important to inform your dermatologist of any medications or topical creams you are currently using on your arms or legs, as these may need to be adjusted before your chemical peel. Additionally, it is recommended that you avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for several weeks before your treatment.
Post-treatment guidelines
Following a chemical peel for legs, arms, or back, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun and other environmental factors. It is important to avoid direct sunlight and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You should also avoid picking or scratching at any scabs or peeling skin that may occur following your treatment. This can lead to scarring or other complications.
Following aftercare instructions
Following the aftercare instructions your dermatologist provides is essential for ensuring the best possible results from your chemical peel. This may include avoiding certain skincare products or activities, such as swimming or excessive sweating, for a certain period of time following your treatment. Failure to follow these instructions can increase the risk of complications, such as infection or scarring.
Possible side effects and how to manage them
While chemical peels are generally safe, they carry potential risks and side effects. These may include redness, swelling, and peeling of the skin. In some cases, patients may also experience mild discomfort or burning sensations during the treatment. It is important to discuss these potential side effects with your dermatologist before your treatment. They can also provide guidance on how to manage any discomfort or side effects that may occur following your chemical peel
Is A Chemical Peel Right For You?
It’s common to think you can’t do anything about the blemishes, scars, and hyperpigmentation on your legs, arms, or back without expensive procedures. However, a few chemical peels may be all you need for smoother, clearer skin. If you’re in good health and have realistic expectations, a chemical peel may be what you’re searching for. At Eternal Dermatology, our lead dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, specializes in chemical peels for the face and body.
We serve patients in the DMV area, including Baltimore, Howard County, and Fulton.
If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of chemical peels for your skin, schedule a visit with our dermatologist today to discuss your options and start your journey toward beautiful, healthy-looking skin.