What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a procedure performed to improve the appearance of the facial skin. It can effectively smooth the skin’s texture, erase wrinkles, and improve the appearance of scars. The chemical used in this procedure, most often alpha-hydroxy acid, causes the outer layers of the skin to blister and peel, resulting in smoother skin.
Chemical peels can be administered by a physician or a cosmetologist. The number of treatments needed varies, but improvement is generally seen after 1 to 3 applications. To maintain the effect, the treatments must be performed on a continuing basis every 3 to 6 months. As physicians can use a product with a higher alpha-hydroxy concentration, the effects last longer. A chemical peel performed by a physician may last 2 to 5 years.
The mildest type of chemical peel is the superficial peel. This type of peel, which involves the removal of the top layer of skin, can be done on all types of skin. It may be done to treat actinic keratoses, superficial melasma, superficial scars, fine wrinkling, patches of discoloration, and mild sun damage. A series of treatments may be recommended to achieve the desired results.
A medium depth peel affects the epidermis and the superficial part of the dermis. It causes a second degree burn. In 2 to 3 days, the wounded skin will become crusty and flaky and then peel. The wound created by the peel takes 5 to 7 days to heal enough that makeup can be used. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is often used to produce a medium-depth peel. Medium depth peels are usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Only a physician can perform a deep chemical peel as there is a significant risk of complication. Impressive results can be achieved in the treatment of severe actinic keratosis, sun damage, pronounced changes in pigmentation, and moderate to severe wrinkling. Deep peels can produce very good improvements in the appearance of scars. The effects of a deep chemical peel are long lasting.
Chemical peels performed with products with lower concentrations of alpha-hydroxy acid do not usually require any recovery time. If a product with a high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acid is used, severe redness and oozing may occur for several weeks. After a peel, patients are instructed to avoid the sun while undergoing the series of treatments. It is important that the new skin not be exposed to the sun after a treatment. A sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays must be used following treatment.
If you have wrinkles you’d like to get rid of, you might be interested in trying anti aging light therapy. Products such as the LightSonic Light Therapy system can be used in the comfort of your home to erase the signs of aging.
