How to Treat Dry Skin With Chemical Peels

Many people suffer from the embarrassing effects of dry skin. While moisturizers and at home treatments work for some, there are still individuals who need more invasive treatment to get rid of the dry skin. A chemical peel can help reduce or illuminate your dry skin problems.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon in your area who has training and experience in skin resurfacing treatments. Ask any questions you have about the procedure in order to be certain that it is the right treatment for your dry skin. The doctor may suggest other treatments initially, since chemical peels are invasive.
2. Determine how you want to proceed with the chemical peel. You typically have the option to do a series of light peels with one or two days recovery time, a couple of medium peels each with a few days recovery time, or a onetime deep-penetrating peel with a one- to two-week recovery period.
3. Set up an appointment with the doctor for the chemical peel treatment. You will also need to take the necessary number of days off work for the recovery process, depending on the type of peel you and your doctor choose, so speak with your employer in advance.
4. Purchase any moisturizers or other aftercare treatments that your doctor recommends or prescribes in advance so that there's no need to interrupt your recovery process to go to the store.
5. Prepare yourself for the fact that, during the recovery period, your face will be far from glamorous. Chemical peels, as previously stated, are invasive, removing the top layers of skin with an acid. This means your face will be red, blotchy, peeling and possibly even scabbing for a short while. However, your dry skin will likely be gone and the end result will be new, smooth and refreshed skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider an over-the-counter facial home treatment before scheduling a chemical peel performed by a doctor. At-home treatments are much cheaper and much less invasive.
• While chemical peels help with a lot of skin damage, they don't guarantee a cure for dry skin (and other skin issues). Additionally, the results aren't permanent, like in plastic surgery. Your skin will eventually give in to the damaging effects of the earth's elements again--typically six months to two years later.