What is Chemical Skin Peels?
What are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Chemical peels can improve facial blemishes or wrinkles, remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. They can also help with photoaging, stretch marks, sun spots, rosacea and ingrown hairs and uneven skin pigmentation. A chemical peel will not slow or prevent the aging process but will improve the appearance of your skin.
There are a number of types of chemical peel which vary in strength and corresponding results, including;
The precise formula of the chemical solutions is adjusted to meet each person's needs.
The Chemical Peel Treatment
Your skin will be examined based on the color and the photodamage level. The precise formula of the chemical solutions will be adjusted to meet your particular needs. With many chemicals peels a consultation and patch test may be required at least 24 - 48 prior to treatment.
No anesthesia is needed for AHA, BHA or Green peels, since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application.
Nor is it required for Phenol or TCA peels, because the chemical solution acts as an anesthetic. However with these, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable.
A chemical peel may follow after your skin has been primed through advanced skin care or microdermabrasion or it may be a procedure on its own without the priming.
First, you will have your skin scrubbed clean. Next, a mild toner removes your natural surface oils and residual makeup. Layers of the acid are then gently applied to your skin, with care given to not overlap applications which could cause demarcation lines. A timer is set for a varying tme, the acid is neutralized and the product is then removed. Your skin is wiped clean and a moisturizer or an anti-bacterial ointment is applied to your skin.
What To Bear in Mind?
A chemical peel can potentially lead to burns, skin pigment change, and scarring among other reported side effects. You may feel as though your skin has a windburn or sunburn following the chemical peel, and may find that your skin is tight. The after affects will vary dramatically depending on which peel you choose. After a chemical peel it is advisable to wear a sunblock to avoid pigmentation to the skin and as your skin will be more suseptible to sun burn. The level of care and protection you need to take will vary depending on the kind of skin peel.
You will be given recovery tips which may include avoiding excessive or widely exaggerated facial expressions. You should also be advised to let the skin heal naturally and not to peel or tug on any skin that may peel from the face as this may cause scarring.
See also Phenol, Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), Betahydroxy acids (BHA), Green peels,
Obagi Blue Peel, Glycolic acid