Your face is one of the first things people notice and you no longer have to live with aged, freckled, blotchy, or acne scarred skin. Chemical peels are designed to treat all of these skin issues and more. Chemical peels are a facial treatment that will significantly improve the texture of your face by removing the damaged outer layers of your skin. Once you choose to have a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to your skin and allowed to soak in. Over the next one to fourteen days, your skin will peel off and you may feel a tingling or the mild sting of a sunburn. Flaking may occur several days following the peel as the damaged skin is freed and new, unblemished skin cells rise to the surface.
Chemical peel is helpful for wrinkles, light acne scarring and irregular pigmentation such as freckles and age spots. Pre-cancerous conditions such as keratoses (thick, rough, reddish growths) also respond well to this procedure.
How Do Chemical Peels Work?
Chemical peels work by loosening then gently sloughing off the damaged skin cells. Chemical peels differ based on how deeply the chemical penetrates and what type of chemical solution is used. Factors that may affect the depth of a peel include the acid concentration in the peeling agent, the number of coats that are applied, and the amount of time allowed before the acid is neutralized. Deeper peels result in more dramatic effects as well as higher risks such as, increased pain, and longer healing time.
Not all chemical peels are created equal and results will vary accordingly from patient to patient. A formula called the “Four C’s” has been created to help you better understand how a chemical peel works. The “Four C’s” are:
- Chemical: In general, the deeper the peel the longer the recovery. A superficial peel produces redness similar to a mild sunburn and lasts three to five days. Medium or deep peels can make the skin look severely burned, sometimes with blistering and peeling for seven to fourteen days. The surgeon will select the best chemical or chemical mix for your situation. A solution is applied using a sponge, cotton pad, cotton swab, or brush to the areas to be treated avoiding the eyes, brows and lips.
- Concentration: The concentration of a chemical peel is a huge factor in its strength and penetrability and the Glycolic Peel is a perfect example. The Glycolic Acid Peel 20% yields very superficial to superficial “injury”, while the Glycolic Acid Peel 70% will penetrate deep into the epidermis for a medium-depth peel.
- Condition: The condition of an individual’s skin greatly affects the outcome of a chemical peel. Chemical peels are not recommended for individuals with highly sensitive, infected, sunburned, weak, or dermatitis-prone skin in addition to those predisposed to keloidal or abnormal scarring. If you have an inflamed acne condition, you should choose a peel with anti-bacterial properties such as the Jessner Peel, which has the added benefit of a skin-clearing salicylic acid.
- Conduct: Even the lightest chemical peel should be taken seriously. Whatever purpose your chemical peel serves, it is important that you contact one of our professional dermatologists at Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena and let us look at your skin to evaluate your needs. Whether it is for acne removal, anti-aging, or skin rejuvenation, a chemical peel requires careful conduct before and after your procedure.
What Do Chemical Peels Treat?
Chemical peels provide not only a fresh look, they dramatically rejuvenate your appearance as new skin bathed in collagen and elastin develops, replacing older skin. Chemical peels are known by many different names such as skin peels, facial peels, fruit acid skin peels, AHA Peels, chemical resurfacing, and enzyme peels. When used properly, chemical peels are suitable for all skin types. Chemical peels produce controlled injury to the skin, which promotes the growth of new skin cell regeneration giving you a dramatically improved appearance.
Chemical peels are designed to improve specific skin conditions such as:
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles and lines under the eyes and mouth area
- Acne scarring
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Age spots and freckles
- Discoloration
- Uneven skin tones
- Excessive skin oils and breakouts
- Enlarged pores
- Dark spots from pregnancy also known as a condition called melasma
- Strengthening the skin
- Acne
- Acne scarring
- Irregular hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Overall skin health
What Are the Types of Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are divided into three categories depending on the depth of the wound created by the peel. Superficial peels penetrate the epidermis only, medium peels damage the entire epidermis and papillary dermis, and deep peels create a wound to the level of the midreticular dermis. The depth of the peel is dictated by a number of factors, including the chemicals applied and their concentration, the mode of application, and your skin type and its condition. In general, the depth of the peel determines a patient’s inconvenience during and after the procedure, the healing time, the rate of the potential adverse effects, and the results.
In summary, the deeper the peel the longer the recovery. A superficial peel produces redness similar to mild sunburn while medium or deep peels can make the skin look severely burned. Following any chemical peel, it is important to treat your skin gently and avoid sun exposure because the renewed skin will be tender and susceptible to injury. Following a chemical peel, your skin will be tighter, smoother, and look more youthful.