A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that is used to enhance the appearance of the skin. In this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate the skin and it subsequently peels away. The regenerated skin thus renewed is usually smoother and fresher than the old skin.
There are three basic types of chemical peels:
Superficial or Lunchtime peel: Mild acids such as alpha hydroxy acid is used to penetrate only the superficial layer of skin known as the epidermis to exfoliate it. This treatment is effective in improving the appearance of mild discolouration and treating fine wrinkles, uneven skin tone and skin dryness. You can have a light peel once every five weeks as deemed necessary.
Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is used to delve into the middle layers of skin to replenish the skin cells. A medium peel is used to fade age spots, fine lines and wrinkles and help with freckles and moderate skin discolouration. You may need to repeat the procedure to get as well as maintain the desired result.
Deep peel: Substances such as trichloroacetic acid or phenol are applied to penetrate the skin and remove damaged skin cells. A deep peel treatment helps to remove fine to moderate lines, freckles and shallow scarring on the skin. You will see a considerable improvement in the skin’s appearance.
Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?
Usually light-skinned and light-haired patients are good candidates for chemical peels. If you belong to other skin tones, your dermatologist will suggest the right procedure for you
What to expect from a chemical peel procedure?
Choosing the right dermatologist is critical to achieving great results using the correct techniques. The results may vary and depend on the expertise of the surgeon as well as the ingredients used.
Before you opt for chemical peel treatment, your dermatologist will:
Take a complete medical history. Make sure to inform the dermatologist about any medical conditions that you may have. Keep the doctor posted about any supplements and vitamins that you may be taking
Perform a physical exam. Your dermatologist will evaluate your skin and the area to decide what type of peel you require. A review of your facial features will be made such as the tone and how thick your skin is.
Discuss your expectations. You must run your expectations by the doctor to make sure you understand the realistic possible results
Prescribe some medication. Your doctor might prescribe medication and topical preparations before and following the treatment to prevent an infection before or after the procedure
Suggest to Avoid sun exposure. Too much sun exposure may contribute to permanent pigmentation. Discuss your options for sunscreen use
Sugegst Avoiding cosmetic treatments and epilation. You must stop using hair removal with depilatories and avoid hair treatments such as colouring or straightening, facial masks, or facial scrubs in the week before your peel. Don’t shave the area to be treated
During the procedure
Light chemical peel:
A cotton ball or sponge will be used to apply a chemical solution typically containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
There may be mild stinging while the chemical solution is used on your skin
Your doctor will use a neutralizing solution to remove the excess chemical solution from the skin surface
Medium chemical peel:
Using a cotton-tipped applicator or gauze, the chemical solution containing trichloroacetic acid, sometimes in combination with glycolic acid is used
Following this, your doctor will use cool compresses to soothe the skin.
You may experience stinging and burning for up to 20 minutes.
Deep chemical peel:
You’ll be given intravenous fluids, and your heart rate will be monitored.
The dermatologist uses a cotton-tipped applicator to apply carbolic acid to your skin.
The procedure is performed at about 15-minute intervals to minimize acid exposure. A full procedure might take about 90 minutes.
After the chemical peel treatment
A surgical dressing is applied to the treated skin.
You will need to apply ointment several times a day for about two weeks.
Treated areas will rejuvenate in about two weeks with a deep chemical peel, although redness may last for a few months.
Treated skin may lose the ability to change colour and thus tan
It is better to remain indoors during recovery from a chemical peel.
Follow-up visits soon following the treatment are necessary to monitor your healing.
You can use resume cosmetic use in two weeks and continue to use sunscreen every day.
How good are the results of a chemical peel?
A chemical peel enhances the tone and texture of the skin and diminishes the appearance of fine wrinkles. With repeated treatments, the skin will be noticeably smoother. To retain the results of a chemical peel, it is important to follow aftercare instructions as advised.