You may have heard a lot of talk recently about newer procedures such as photofacial treatment, which offer safe alternatives for younger looking skin. While it is a preferable way to go for patients looking to control their aging at minimal risk, it still does not produce the drastic results in the same amount of time as with one of the most tried-and-true methods.

Facial chemical peels may sound unpleasant on the surface, and they do, in fact, turn many people to other methods each year. After all, in its simplest form, it is essentially the burning away of skin layers to make way for collagen production and the regeneration of younger looking skin. After all, it’s no fun to hear the use of the word “chemical” to describe treatments applied to a patient’s face.

But the sound of something and the reality of it are often different things. Facial chemical peels have long been a trusted source for beauty seekers based largely on the fact that they work. Sure, they’re not without risks. Permanent damage to the epidermis is a concern, as is the intensity of certain temporary side effects like redness, swelling, and sensitivity to the sun. These effects vary from patient to patient and can be greatly reduced if you go with a trustworthy physician.

To determine whether you have the right professional, ask questions. Of particular interest to you is the type of chemical (or chemicals) that will be used. Typically one or more of the following combinations are put to use by the attending physician: glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or phenol. It becomes easier to handle the mental noise that goes along with facial chemical peels when you familiarize yourself with the effects of each agent.

Also, make sure your doctor familiarizes you with what to expect during the actual procedure. Most patients report a warm to hot sensation, which lasts for about 10 minutes, maybe less. A deep facial chemical peel may require pain medication after completion. It could also take a few weeks to completely heal from the procedure.

For a list of physicians adept at administering facial chemical peels, Glendale based Physician Skin at Arrowhead has a lot of nice choices. It is also an area where you have greater access to third party advice from patients, who have actually gone through the procedure. The surrounding area affords you options that you may not be able to get in other parts of the country, so make use of the tools at your disposal. When seeking out facial chemical peels, Glendale and Arrowhead are among your best options. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into, and that you have the right physician for the job.