What is Chemical peeling?
Chemical peeling is a treatment in which an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. In performing chemical peels, physicians apply alpha hydroxy acid, trichloroacetic acid, or phenol to the skin.
The chemical peel is one of the oldest cosmetic procedures in the world; it was performed in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to help people achieve smoother and more beautiful skin. Today, chemical facial peels are popular because they offer nearly immediate results.
When is chemical peeling applied?
Chemical peels are used to treat certain conditions, including the following:
- Scarring due to Acne Rosacea or Acne Vulgaris
- Skin ageing
- Crow’s feet
- Scars
- Sun-damaged skin
- Skin sagging
- Wrinkles
How do chemical peels work?
A chemical peel enhances and smooths the texture of the skin. It is an effective treatment for facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation. Chemical peels exfoliate the outer layers of dead skin, revealing a new skin layer with improved tone, texture, and colour.Apart from full facial rejuvenation, certain types of skin peels can also be used for spot treatments, and as a way to remove stretch marks or rejuvenate skin elsewhere on the body.
How many types of chemical peels are there?
Your dermatologist will use the right chemical peel according to your skin’s features and the desired result.
Light chemical peels: They are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne.
Medium chemical peels: Work well for treating fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. They are the preferred choice for patients with darker skin.
Deep chemical peels: The strongest of the facial peels. Deep peels are used to treat coarse facial wrinkles, spots caused by aging or sun exposure, acne scars and pre-cancerous growths.
A deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic, longest-lasting results. However, the procedure takes longer than other peels (one to two hours) and greater healing time is required.
How often should chemical peels be repeated?
Light (superficial) peels are applied more often (once a month or once every other month) so as to maintain the effects with shorter healing time.
Deep (stronger) peels are applied less frequently, and greater healing time is required. Depending on the skin’s condition, chemical peels can be also combined with other treatments, such as lasers, Botox, and injectable dermal fillers.
Who is not a right candidate?
People with fair skin and light hair are the best chemical peel candidates. This procedure is not indicated in persons with infections, an active skin medical condition, injured skin, sun burns, or active Herpes infection. Among the other contraindications, persons with the following conditions are included:
- Breast-feeding or during pregnancy
- Have psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis
- Have used retinol, prescription skin care products that contain ascorbic acid, skin whitening products, or other acid-based products during less than 48 hours before the chemical peeling treatment session.
Chemical Peel cost
The total cost of a chemical peel will depend on the type of peeling required, the condition of the skin, and other factors that are unique for each individual.
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