Chemicals peels are skin treatments used to achieve better quality and a softer surface. Not only are they used to improve the overall appearance of the skin, they can also be applied to treat a variety of skin problems, such as acne scars, wrinkles, melasma, and sagging.
A chemical peel involves the use of a chemical solution applied on the face and neck. After treatment, the skin layers begin to dry and slough away, leaving a layer of rejuvenated skin underneath. Chemical peels are done on the face, hands, and neck.
Benefits of Chemical Peels
Some of the various benefits of chemical peels include:
• Reduction in wrinkles and age lines underneath the eyes and around the mouth
• Reduction in damage to the skin caused by sun exposure and the aging process
• Removal or reduction of mild scarring
• Treatment of specific types of acne and the marks left by them
• Reduction of irregular pigmentation left due to pregnancy and birth-control pills
• Improvement in the overall appearance and feel of the skin
Types of Chemical Peels
There are three basic types of chemical peels available. An overview of each of these types is mentioned below:
• Superficial Peel (Lunchtime Peel): These chemical peels are applied for a short duration of time. Mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid are used in these peels, and they penetrate only the outer layers of the skin. This type of chemical peel is used to treat minor skin discolorations and roughness along with providing a new and refreshed look.
• Medium Peel: These peels utilize trichloroacetic acid, which goes deeper into the middle layers of the skin. It removes damaged skin cells and freckles and also treats moderate discolorations of the skin. It can also be used to make rough skin smoother and treat certain kinds of skin growths such as actinic keratoses.
• Deep Peel: These peels are the strongest option and utilize acids such as phenol, which penetrates down to the middle and deeper layers of the skin. Patients using deep peels find significant improvement in all aspects of their skin. Deep peels are ideal for treating harsh skin issues and can only be used once.
Your Peel Consultation
Chemical peels, especially deep peels, should only be applied after a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. During this consultation, double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Leo Keegan evaluates the health of the patient and their skin quality for peel suitability. The consultation is important for identifying allergies that could cause complications. Patients will also be able to ask any questions they may have at this time.
Pregnant women are not advised to undergo chemical peels. Patients with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea should also avoid this treatment, as should patients who have taken Accutane in the last six months.
Would you like to find out more about chemical peels and learn which option is right for your skin? If so, it’s best to contact our office and schedule an appointment for your informative peel consultation.
