Oh, what we wouldnt give for our skin to be like a dry-erase board.Acne scars?Sun damage?
Swipe them with some felt and start anew.
Unfortunately, dry-erase isnt an effective skin treatment.
Bella Geraci / Getty Images
To undo the past, youll need something a little stronger.
Actually, a lot stronger like an alpha hydroxy or evenphenol peel.
Chemical peelsare the closest youll get to a blank slate treatment, and theyre exactly what they sound like.
An example of full face results from a phenol peel on mature skin.
Likewise with chemical peels.
Their results are also relatively mild, and downtime is little to none.
Phenol peels, however, are at the complete opposite end of the spectrum they can wipe awaya lot.
Before and after results of a phenol peel applied to the skin around the mouth.
And could never happen in your bathroom.
So strong, in fact, that its sometimes administered under IV sedation.
Without it, the pain would be pretty terrible, even with a topical numbing cream.
So is it worth the risk and recovery?
In this story:
What is a phenol peel?
Lets start with the basics: What is phenol?
An example of full face results from a phenol peel on mature skin.
Because phenol peels are so aggressive, they are not definitely not a fit for everyone.
How do I prepare for a phenol peel?
Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends discontinuingretinolone week before your peel and avoiding the sun, as well.
What can I expect from a phenol peel?
A phenol peel should only be administered by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
(Told you this treatment is serious business.)
Before and after results of a phenol peel applied to the skin around the mouth.
From start to finish, the process takes one to two hours.
Wait, how much does a phenol peel hurt?
Remember: Phenol is noat-home facial.
Its a chemical that penetrates all the way into the dermis.
Any substance with that kind of power is bound to hurt.
“It feels like a bad sunburn.”
For some candidates, the pain is worth the long-term payoff.
“Phenol peels are some of the most powerful treatments that exist for treating deep face wrinkles.
With good skin care products andfacials, the results can last a lifetime,” says Dr. Nakra.
What is recovery like for a phenol peel?
“Phenol peels are not something I perform commonly,” says Dr. Doft.
“Most patients do not want this long of a recovery.”
Or this intense of a recovery.
Total recovery time is about four to six weeks, with redness hanging on for several months.
you’ve got the option to expect to go through phases of healing over those six weeks.
Its almost like the metamorphosis of a butterfly but with…more scabbing.
Your face will then completely scab over.
Consider keeping your Zoom camera off for at least that first week.
It will be more than two weeks before youll be able to safely use makeup.
When the scab starts to shed it will reveal freshly pink (but smoother) skin.
What risks are associated with phenol peels?
But your skin isnt the only thing youll need to keep an eye on.
Because of this, its important to be totally honest with your physician about any medical problems you have.
“When performed by an experienced physician, a phenol peel can be safe,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose.
“That said, it is one of the more risky chemical peels.”
If youre worried about the risks, you’re free to start with something a little less intense.
A phenol peel could then be an option if those treatments dont work.
But the results may not be as targeted.
Deep wrinkles around the mouth are difficult to treat with fractionated lasers.
These are the patients that I would recommend a phenol peel for.
A more intense ablative fractionated laser, like Fraxel Repair, is another option for deep wrinkles.
Plus, ablative lasers dont carry the same systemic risk as phenol.
More info about cosmetic procedures:
Now, a skin-care history lesson:
