A chemical peel is used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, décolletage and hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes the superficial layers to exfoliate and peel off. The newly regenerated skin is smoother and more radiant. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun, and protecting your skin from the sun is really important. There are 3 main types of chemical peels:
Superficial peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, décolletage or hands.
Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin.
Deep peel: Tricholoracetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. The procedure is used on the face and requires medical care with significant downtime.
Superficial peels require one to three days to heal. Treated skin may be a little red and may flake lightly. Daily use of sunscreen is essential.
Do Chemical Peels hurt?
Chemicals peels can cause stinging but no real pain. The gentlest peels use alpha-hydroxy, glycolic, lactic or fruit acids. They may cause stinging, redness, irritation and flaking but as the skin begins to adjust all these problems will lessen. Superficial peels require one to three days to heal. Treated skin may be a little red and may flake lightly. Lotion or cream should be applied until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen. Makeup can usually be worn the next day.
Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:
Acne scars
Aging skin
Melasma
Sun damaged skin
Fine lines
What are the potential complications of a chemical peel?
Temporary or permanent change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills, who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration (melasma).
Scarring
Reactivation of cold sores