A chemical peel is basically a type of cosmetic treatment that aims to improve your skin’s appearance. It is a chemical solution that dermatologists apply to the face, neck, and hands to peel off blistered skin. As a result, the old, damaged skin is replaced by cleaner and smoother skin. In order to learn more about the types and benefits of chemical peels, continue reading this blog post.
Chemical Peels & Benefits
Chemical peels entail the use of chemical solutions on different body parts to enhance the appearance of the skin. The procedure helps to peel away the damaged skin and regenerates new skin from the deep layers of the epidermis. Chemical peels help to:
- Reduce wrinkles under the eyes and around the mouth
- Reduce scars
- Treat some acne types
- Remove aging signs
- Enhance the overall look and feel of the skin
- Fix suntanned skin
- Combat hyper-pigmentation
Types of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be divided into three major types which are discussed as follows:
1. Light Peel
Also known as a superficial peel, a light peel helps remove the outermost layer of skin. This helps reduce acne, fine wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. In this type of peeling, a toxic chemical solution is applied using a soft cotton ball, brush, or gauze, in a controlled manner to the areas that need treatment.
Generally, a chemical solution, like salicylic acid, is applied for some time. You can expect a slight burning sensation, but once it is removed, your skin will be smoother and lighter.
2. Medium Peel
For a medium peel, doctors use chemical solutions that contain trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid. A blue color is added into the solution, which the doctor will then apply to your skin using a specialized sponge, gauze, and cotton-based applicator.
Just as it is in a chemical peeling procedure, you may feel a slight stinging during a medium peel. This type of sensation may last for up to 15-20 minutes. The doctor may provide you with a hand-held fan to cool your skin. The skin will provide the desired result but expect the blue color of the peel to stay on your skin for a few days after the peeling.
3. Deep Peel
Deep peeling is used when you have deep wrinkles or a severe form of acne. In this procedure, your doctor will sedate you and then apply phenol to your skin using a cotton-tipped applicator. This procedure will temporarily change your skin into a white or gray color. The process may hardly take about 15 minutes to 20 minutes.
Chemical peels are ideal for those with fair skin or light hair. Patients with darker skin can also consider this treatment, depending on the type of issues that need to be treated. However, the procedure may leave the skin tone uneven. Keep in mind that chemical peels do not respond well to skin sags and bulges. These problems can be treated more efficiently by a facelift, laser resurfacing, tissue fillers, etc.
Photo by: Tom Merton