Chemical Peels

A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling, involves the use of a chemical solution to enhance the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the patient’s skin, causing trauma or injury to the skin’s layers. Eventually, the skin layers will peel away, revealing younger skin. The new skin is typically smoother, with fewer lines and wrinkles, a more brighter color and a glowing complexion.

On the skin, a chemical solution is applied. Typical chemical solutions consist of glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and carbolic acid. Each type of chemical causes a controlled injury by penetrating the skin to a different depth and then peeling away to expose a new layer of skin.

Different chemical solutions produce distinct outcomes. The choice of chemical depends on the desired result. Your provider and you will determine the depth of your peel.

A chemical peel can treat a variety of skin conditions without the need for surgery. It can eliminate acne scars, sun damage, creases, crow’s feet, and mild sagging. If you have any of the following skin conditions, you may be a suitable candidate for a chemical peel.

Chemical peels are categorized according to the depth of penetration of the peeling solution into the skin. There are light, medium, and deep chemical peels. The results will be more significant the deeper the peel is. However, this results in a longer recovery period. It is preferred to choose a peel based on your skincare needs rather than healing times.

A superficial chemical peel eliminates the epidermis (outermost layer of skin). It is utilized for the treatment of fine lines, acne, inconsistent skin tone, and dryness.

Impact the middle layer of your epidermis, known as the dermis. This layer extends from the papillary dermis to the reticular dermis’s intermediate layer. Medium-depth peels are considerably more effective at removing dead skin cells and reducing scarring.

Deep chemical peels provide an intensive exfoliation with long-lasting results. Deep peels are an aggressive method of skin resurfacing that enhances the skin’s appearance. A solution is applied to the skin, causing the treated area to exfoliate and “peel off” In general, the deeper the peel, the more dramatic the results; however, deeper peels are also associated with lengthier recovery periods and negative side effects.

• Since superficial or light peels are used to exfoliate the outer skin layer, you may only experience some slight stinging while the chemical solution is on your skin.
• A mild peel reaches the second layer of skin, the intensity increases slightly. You may experience mild burning immediately after application. It is common for it to last during the entire procedure and into the immediate healing period.
• To remove the deeper layers of skin, the most extreme chemical peels use phenol, a potent acid that can penetrate deeply into the skin.

These peels are generally done under general anesthesia because of how painful they may be.

Peeling typically begins 48 to 72 hours after treatment and can last 2 to 5 days. It is vitally essential not to pick at skin that is peeling; peeling is minimal and can be easily controlled with moisturizer. Peeling the skin prematurely will result in dry, porous, raw skin, which may develop hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peels do not require major downtime; however, you should avoid sun exposure as much as possible while your skin is healing. During the first week following a chemical peel, your skin may be temporarily more sensitive to the sun; therefore, you should remain in the shade and hydrate your skin. Similarly, avoid peeling and scraping the skin after a chemical peel, as these actions may result in scarring.