What is a chemical peel?
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 it 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. There are 3 main types of chemical peels:
- Superficial or lunchtime 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.
When is a chemical peel appropriate?
Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:
- Acne scars
- Aging skin
- Melasma
- Sun damaged skin
- Fine lines
Who is not a candidate for a chemical peel?
Generally light-haired and fair skinned people are the best candidates for chemical peel. The procedure does not work as well on dark-skinned patients. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with infections, active skin disease, cut or broken skin, sunburns or active Herpes simplex 1 infection (cold sores). Other contra-indications include patients who are:
- Nursing or pregnant.
- Have taken roaccutane in the previous six months.
- Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea.
- Have used Retin-A, Renova, prescription skin care products, products that contain ascorbic acid, bleaching or skin-lightening agents or other acid-based products in the last 48 hours.
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.
What are the complications or potential side effects 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.
- Scarring
- Reactivation of cold sores
What can I expect after having a chemical peel?
All peels require some follow-up care:
- 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.
