Chemical Peels

 

INTRODUCTION

Chemical peels have been a popular skin treatment ranging from light lunchtime peels to deep-level peel treatments aimed at resolving truly problematic skin problems like sunspots, wrinkles, acne and scars. 

CONDITIONS TREATED

Chemical peels can treat a variety of conditions including:

  • Oily skin
  • Acne
  • Acne scarring
  • Blackheads
  • Rosacea
  • Milia
  • Fine lines
  • Sun damage
  • Mild scarring
  • Age spots
  • Stretch marks
  • Pigment irregularities from pregnancy or birth control pills

IDEAL CANDIDATES

  • If you’re seeing the signs of aging, experiencing oily or acne-prone skin, or suffering from conditions like rosacea that remain unresponsive to prescription medications, you are likely a good candidate for a chemical peel. Saggy skin and severe wrinkles can unfortunately not be addressed through the use of a chemical peel and will require more aggressive cosmetic procedures such as surgery.
  • Overall, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for chemical peels because chemical peels carry the risk of developing uneven skin tones post-peel.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Chemical peels should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing, have herpes or a history of cold sores, have used Accutane in the last year, have a history of abnormal scarring, or are immune impaired.

TYPES OF PEELS

  • LIGHT CHEMICAL PEELS

 

Your DOCTOR will use a specific formula for your chemical peel based on the characteristics of your skin and your desired result. Light chemical peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or fruit acids. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the time required to recover from a deeper peel.

  • MEDIUM CHEMICAL PEELS

For medium facial peels, many doctors use trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This chemical works well for treating fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. Similar to the light chemical peel, medium chemical peels require less downtime than a deeper peel. TCA peels are the preferred choice for patients with darker skin. Another common type of chemical peel used in this category is the croton oil peel.

  • DEEP CHEMICAL PEELS

Deep chemical peels are the strongest of the facial peels. The chemical used for deep chemical peels is phenol acid. Deep peels are used to treat coarse facial wrinkles, blotches caused by aging or sun exposure, and pre-cancerous growths. While a deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic, longest-lasting results, the procedure takes longer than other peels (one to two hours) and requires the most healing time. Phenol acid is typically used only for facial peels. Because a deep chemical peel may cause permanent lightening of the skin, prospective patients should seek advice from a qualified cosmetic dermatologist before undergoing the procedure.

  • ACNE CHEMICAL PEELS

Certain chemical peel solutions are useful for treating acne blemishes and diminishing existing acne scars. Light chemical peels administered with a solution of alphahydroxy acids (AHA) can be beneficial for treating acne. A lower-strength AHA solution can be mixed with a facial wash as part of a daily skin-care routine.

THE PROCEDURE

Some aspects of the chemical peel procedure differ according to the type of peel (light, medium, or deep) being administered. However, all skin peel procedures follow the same basic protocols:

  • The chemical peel is administered in a doctor’s office, surgery center, or hospital by a certified and trained cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon. 
  • If a deep chemical peel is being administered, or if the patient requests it, the patient is given a sedative to aid relaxation. 
  • The doctor cleanses the patient’s skin and, if necessary, applies a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. 
  • The doctor then applies the chemical peel solution. This solution is formulated according to each patient’s specific needs and goals. It is common for the patient to feel a tingling or stinging sensation as the chemical peel is applied. 
  • After the skin peel solution has been on the skin for the prescribed amount of time, it is washed off with water. A soothing ointment is then applied; a thick coating of petroleum jelly is often used after deep chemical peels. 
  • The doctor then instructs the patient on aftercare, and the doctor may also prescribe a mild pain reliever for discomfort after the procedure, especially if a deep chemical peel was administered. 
  • Depending on the patient’s skin condition and the depth of the chemical peel, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. 

 

PAIN AND CHEMICAL PEELING

Because chemical peels are designed to damage the skin to allow for the regeneration of new cells, they definitely register on the pain spectrum. Depending on the depth of the peel you choose, you might feel sensations ranging from mild stinging to burning for up to 20 minutes. After the peel is completed, your skin might be red, dry and feel irritated. In order to keep these effects to a minimum, use your chemical peel as directed, apply any after-peel skin treatments that have been provided and stay out of the sun.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PEELING

During a chemical peel, mild to moderate damage occurs, which will result in a reaction similar to a sunburn. You can expect redness, tingling, swelling, blistering, crusting, scaling and dryness. The after-effects of a mild peel are much more toned down, involving only some redness and discomfort. You may repeat a mild peel every one to four weeks, while it may take you up to 14 days to recover from a medium-depth peel like a TCA.

INITIAL RESULTS

Initial results for a medium-depth peel can be seen immediately after your skin heals. After a medium peel, you’ll notice a reduction in sun damage and the signs of aging as well as scarring, acne and uneven skin tone. A superficial peel may slightly reduce but does not eliminate sun damage and signs of aging.  A superficial peel may not be as noticeable right away. Oftentimes, repeated peels are required in order to produce the desired effect, which is why our chemical peels contain enough solution for up to eight full peels.

DURATION OF RESULTS

The results of a chemical peel are cumulative, which means that each additional peel you perform will provide improvement to your overall complexion. Your initial results will depend on the depth of your peel, where light lunchtime peels generally prove to provide less noticeable results. The results of your peel can last a year or more, depending on how well you care for your skin following treatment. We recommend that, as part of your regular skincare routine, you wear sunscreen and protect your face and neck from unnecessary sun exposure.

COMPLICATIONS AND RISKS

Chemical peels rarely result in serious complications, but certain risks do exist. These risks include scarring, infection, swelling, changes in skin tone, and cold sore outbreaks. You can reduce the risks associated with facial peels by following all of the doctor’s instructions completely and by providing your doctor with a complete medical history.

BENEFITS

A chemical facial peel can provide several benefits to the skin. The procedure can restore a more youthful appearance to skin and reduce wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sun-damage, and blotchy patches.