How to Choose a Chemical Peel Professional

A chemical peel removes the outer layer of the skin. It's one way to reduce fine lines and surface wrinkles without surgery. There are different types of chemical peels, and some go deeper into the skin than others. This makes it important to choose a professional with the right qualifications and training.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand how the chemical peel works. A chemical mixture is placed on the skin. This creates what professionals call a "controlled wound." The outer layer is then peeled away. Like invasive skin surgery, most people consider chemical peels to be medical procedures.

2. Find out the licensing requirements in your state. Some states don't require a medical degree for the professional performing a chemical peel. Decide if you want a doctor.

3. Talk to the dermatologist, surgeon or skin care professional. If possible, choose two or three professionals from which to choose. Ask what kind of chemical peel they recommend and why.

4. Check the credentials of the two or three choices on your list.

5. Ask the chemical peel professional for patient references. Follow up on these to see how former patients feels about the service they received.

6. Make a preliminary selection of the chemical peel professional you want to use. Then check the state licensing organization to see if there have been any disciplinary actions.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the chemical peel professional knows the medications you are taking and your skin history such as lesions or cancer growths.
• Remember there are surface chemical peels that require several treatments and use mixtures that are formulated differently from those that go deeper into the layers of skin. Estheticians administers these, or you can do the same yourself with a home kit. Check the credentials of those performing such peels, and follow directions to the letter on home kits.
• Understand the risks involved with a chemical peel. Sometimes the skin pigmentation can darken.
• Always follow post-procedure instructions.

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Resources

• The Face Forum website links to the state licensing verification areas of all U.S. states.
• The Associated Skin Care Professionals explains procedures.