Knowhow-Now Article

What Are Chemical Peels?

Chemical skin peeling is done with chemicals. Chemical peels are used to treat sun-damaged, unevenly pigmented skin, and also fine winkles of the face. The purpose of chemical peels is to diminish imperfections of the facial skin by peeling away the skin's top layers. Chemical peels have become a popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. A peel can be light, medium or deep depending on how long the solutions remain on the skin, if they are applied lightly or if they are applied more heavily, or vigorously. Your surgeon will decide which chemicals to use depending on your individual situation. The chemical solution is applied using a sponge, cotton pad, cotton swab or a brush. The treated areas of the face can be the entire face, avoiding the eyes, brows, and your lips. The light peels are usually the ones using alpha hydroxy acids (AHA, glycolic, lactic or fruit acid. Applications may be done weekly or longer intervals depending on how the best result will be obtained. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA peel is stronger and has greater depth of peel as compared to the AHA peels.

There are many benefits to using an AHA peel including the fact that no anesthesia or sedation is needed, there will only be a mild tingling or stinging as the chemical solution is applied. You will notice a healthier and more radiant look after only one treatment. You can immediately return to your normal daily routine right after a chemical peel. You can use a facial cream or wash in milder concentrations as part of your daily skin-care regimen after having the peel.

Tip: Make sure any doctor you interview has a portfolio of past clients to look at. To see the outcome you should expect, inspect the portfolio carefully.

The benefits of a TCA peel is that it is more effective on darker-skinned patients, can achieve the same results as a deeper peel, depending on the concentration of chemicals used. Has a shorter recovery time that if a deep (phenol) peel is used.

When using an AHA chemical peel you usually need more than one procedure to achieve the desired results.

Tip: Inquire if you will receive antibiotics after surgery. You will probably have to ingest antibiotics before the procedure so you are less likely to get an infection.

It is really important to use a sun block after having a chemical peel as your pores will be larger after a peel and your skin may not tan evenly after a chemical peel.

A deep peel (Phenol) is the strongest of the chemical peels and is used on deep wrinkles or when sun exposure is extensive and for treating wrinkles around the lips and chin area.

Tip: Find out if you need to make any cosmetic changes yourself prior to your surgery. For example, ask if you need to cut your hair or shave any body hair before surgery.

There are many benefits to the deep peel including that the effects of the peel are longer lasting even lasting 20 years in some cases. There can be obvious dramatic improvements in the skin's condition, and normal daily activities can be resumed after only one to two weeks.

Complications are possible with deep chemical peels and include scarring, infection, and possible abnormal pigmentation. The deep peel tends to have a bleaching effect and the individual may need to wear make-up to match treated and untreated areas of the face. You cannot use deep peels on the neck. Deep peels are not as effective on individuals with dark skin or those with oily complexions. Certain skin disorders will not respond to chemical peels. Deep chemical peels can activate latent cold sore infections. There is also a risk of delayed healing and scarring with a deep peel.

Deep peels should only be performed under the direction of a qualified physician.

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