Chemical peels treatment
What is chemical peel?
A chemical peels, also known as “chemexfoliation or derma peeling” is a treatment that uses chemical solutions to improve and smoothen the texture and appearance of the skin.
Chemical Peels Treatment or “Skin Peeling Treatment” creates a customizable skin treatment that can reduce the signs of aging, acne, scars, discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, rosacea to revitalize irritated skin with as little downtime as possible.
Chemical peels are done on the face, neck, or hands to:
- Reduce lines around the eyes and mouth
- Improve the appearance of mild scars
- Treat different types of Acne
- Decrease age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma)
- Treat wrinkles affected by aging and sun damage
- Improve and revitalize the overall appearance and quality of the skin
Before a procedure is performed, do seek professional medical advice from a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon on chemical peel treatment based on your skin type.
Are chemical peels suitable for all skin types?
Usually, peels can be used on all skin types. Darker skin tones have a higher risk of experiencing a darkening of the skin post-treatment called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation”. In this case, it is imperative to seek the advice of your dermatologist about other less aggressive treatments to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Preparation before getting a Chemical Peels Treatment
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun and tanning for 2 weeks before each treatment.
- To prepare your skin before treatment, apply topical products (hydroquinone), avoid products containing retinoids (such as tretinoin), 1-2 weeks before treatment unless instructed by the Doctor
- Prescribed oral antibiotics or oral antiviral medication should be taken 24 hours before treatment
- Ensure that the Peel areas are free of any cold sores, lesions, scars, or skin infections
The doctor will determine the depth of your peel, give specific instructions for your peel type and your unique skin condition, and support your goals for this treatment.
How are chemical peels performed?
Chemical Peels are performed in a doctor’s office or a surgery centre as an outpatient procedure. To remove excess oils, the skin is thoroughly cleansed with an agent and a chemical solution (like glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid) is applied to your skin. These chemicals cause a controlled injury and provide varied results, penetrate through to a different skin depth, then peel away to reveal a fresh layer of skin.
Types of Chemical Peels
The 4 common types of chemical peels are AHA peels, BHA peels, TCA peels, and Phenol peels. AHA and BHA peels are classified as light chemical peels, TCA peels are defined as medium depth peels and Phenol peels are known as a deep peel.
A light chemical peel provides delicate improvement over time and is often done in a series. Here, the outermost layer of skin is removed and is best for those who have fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and dry or rough sun-damaged skin to promote healthy glowing skin. Recovery takes hours to a few days.
A deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic visible results and is a one-time-only treatment. This chemical penetrates down to the lower middle layer of your skin and recovery time is longer. This is best for those who have moderate lines/wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and/or precancerous growths called actinic keratosis. Pre-treatment for up to 8 weeks.
Day of peel: The skin is thoroughly cleaned and in case of a deep chemical peel, general anesthesia is administered.
The Procedure: In the time of a chemical peel, a solution is applied to your skin. One may feel a warm to hot sensation for a few minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. To relieve the sting, a cool compression is applied to the skin and is then washed off or neutralized.
Post Treatment
Based on the type of chemical peels treatment, a reaction like a sunburn occurs (blisters, crust which turns brown) and peels off over 7-14 days.
Possible complications of chemical peels?
The risk attached to chemical peels can be a temporary or permanent change in the color of your skin. There is also a low risk of scarring, cold sores and infections all of which are treatable.
Please follow the Doctor’s post-treatment instructions to reduce the chance of developing abnormal skin color and other complications.
Chemical Peeling for Acne scars and Acne
The best option for this condition is a superficial peel that has a chemical solution of glycolic acid or light TCA concentration. These chemicals are designed to unclog pores, exfoliate the skin, remove the dead skin cells from the epidermis, control acne breakouts and clear out pimples and blemishes. BHA peels can also be used to treat acne, they could also cause redness and irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Chemical Peels for Pigmentation
The Chemical peel can be used for all skin types and tones and can reduce hyperpigmentation through a combination of “in-office application and at-home treatment”. To achieve the best possible results, patients must avoid sun exposure and use a high SPF sunscreen post-procedure.
Vi Peel is a distinctive chemical peel used for treating hyperpigmentation that uses a combined chemical solution of salicylic acid, Vitamin C, TCA, and retinoid acid to treat sun damage, melasma, and acne scars, pigmentation, and facial discoloration.
Chemical peels are very popular in aesthetic and cosmetic clinics; however, one needs to be cautious and ensure adequate medical supervision is required to ensure the patient’s safety. There are several types of skin peels available nowadays which makes it even more vital to spend time researching what is available and obtain reliable medical advice to find a solution that works best for you.