Chemical peel is a technique used in cosmetic dermatology to improve the appearance of the skin. This procedure is done with the application of chemical solutions which cause dead skin cells to peel off and allow new and healthier cells to regenerate. Chemical peels used in practice today can be categorized into three major groups: light, medium and deep peels. Depending on the properties and strength of the chemicals used, each category of peels is applied to treat different dermatological conditions.
Light Chemical Peels
Of all categories, light chemical peels use the mildest acids, such as Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Salicylic acids. Light peels can be applied to the face, neck and hands, and is applicable to patients of all skin types. Both treatment and recovery time for these peels are quite short. Each treatment takes only about 15 minutes, and any discomfort you may experience afterwards should disappear in just a few days. Not all light chemical peels require medical supervision; some peels with very low acidic concentrations are readily found on cosmetic counters for daily skin care.
Positive results from application of light peels include the following:
- Acne prevention and control
- Reduced area of dry, irritated and uneven skin
- Minor improvement of skin texture
- Minor reduction of fine wrinkles
- Promotion of collagen producing
- Brightened skin tone
Medium Chemical Peels
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is generally used for medium-depth peels. Compared to lighter peels, TCA treatments are stronger in strength and the results are longer lasting. This type of chemical peel treatment must be administered by a physician. Each treatment last about 15 to 20 minutes, and recovery usually takes 4 to 10 days. Like light peels, TCA peels can also be applied multiple times to achieve desired results. However, only people with darker skin tones are recommended to receive this type of treatment.
Benefits of TCA treatment include the following.
- Noticeable reduction of surface fine lines and wrinkles
- Significant improvement of skin tone
- Temporary lightning of skin pigmentation
- Effective removal of age spots
- Reduced appearance of scars
Deep Chemical Peels
Phenol is the strongest chemical used for peels, and the results after deep peel treatment are dramatic and can last as long as up to 20 years. Like medium peels, phenol peels must be applied by a physician. The procedure may take up to 2 hours and sometimes a sedative is administered during treatment. Recovery after this procedure is gradual and may take up to a few months. Phenol peels can only be used once, and the application is limited to the facial area. Because phenol peels have a permanent effect on the skin’s ability to produce pigment, only patients with light or fair skin tones are recommended for this procedure.
Benefits from deep chemical peel treatment are as follows:
- Elimination of acne
- Reduced appearance of coarse deep wrinkles
- Removal of precancerous growths and lesions
- Significant reduction of scar appearance
- Very effective removal of age spots
Whether to seek immediate results or to use as a part of daily skin maintenance, chemical peels seem to have growing popularity today. By becoming informed about the different types of peels available and their treatment benefits, people will be able to make the most suitable choice for younger and healthier skin.
