Chemical Peels are a very popular method for rejuvenating aged or damaged facial skin. The treatment consists of a chemical agent being applied to your skin which gradually causes the outer layers of your skin to peel off, revealing the smoother, younger looking skin below. Chemical peels are used to reduce fine lines such as those around the mouth or eyes, correct skin pigmentation problems, reduce acne and acne scarring, remove precancerous skin growths and reduce the appearance of scars. Chemical peels contain Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid and Phenol. There are three basic types of chemical peels that can be undergone; these include superficial chemical peels, medium peels and deep peels. Discussing the various types of peels will help you to discover which type will be best for your particular needs.
Chemical peels containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid are used to soften dry skin, improve sun damaged skin, help reduce acne and acne scarring and correct pigmentation problems. This is the lightest type of peel so several treatments are typically needed in order to get the results you are looking for. After an Alpha Hydroxy Acid chemical peel you may experience redness and irritation of the skin but this usually diminish quickly (within 48 hours). There is little recovery with this type and you can usually resume normal activities right away.
Chemical peels containing Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) are medium peels that are used to smooth out fine wrinkles, reduce blemishes and correct deeper pigmentation problems. With this type of peel you must avoid sun for several months following treatment in order to protect your skin. This type of peel can be used on other parts of the body including the neck and can be adjusted to the depth needed depending on your specific skin condition. Repeat treatments may be needed to get the benefit you are looking for but this level of peel doesn’t require as many treatments as a light peel would. Healing with this type of peel can take a few days up to about a week, after this time swelling and skin redness should be alleviated, but refraining from sun exposure is still all important.
A Phenol peel is the deepest peel available. This type of peel is used for deeper wrinkles, precancerous growths and correction of skin blotches. This type of peel is only safe for use on the face. The recovery period for this type of chemical peel is the longest, full recovery can sometimes take as long as a few months. This type of peel can successfully remove freckles as well as precancerous growths. A Phenol peel literally burns off the outer layers of skin, so careful consideration should be made in caring for the area after the peel.
Chemical peels vary in the depth to which they work. The depth used varies upon the skin condition that you are looking to diminish. They are used to remove the outer layer of your skin to reveal a healthy looking skin. Chemical peels are used to improve the appearance of your skin whether you want to remove freckles, or simply reduce dry skin and acne. |
