Chemical Peel

What is a chemical peel?

Chemical peeling is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin which causes it to separate, peel off, and allows new skin to regenerate. The new skin is smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin, and may also be more even in color.

How are peels helpful?

Peels are used to improve the appearance of pigment changes in the skin, acne scars, mild sun damage, or fine wrinkles in all skin types. They can be done on the face and on other parts of the body.

How are chemical peels performed?

The procedure may be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs. Superficial, medium, or deep chemical peels may be used to improve damaged skin. As a rule, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery time. Your dermatologist will recommend the best peel for your skin problems. Prior to treatment, instructions may include stopping certain medications and preparing the skin with pre-conditioning creams.

How many sessions of peel does one need?

Repeated peels are often needed to produce the effect the person wants. The number of session varies from individual to individual depending on the indication, the skin type, and skin care before and after the peel. Your lifestyle can also affect the results.

What will I experience during a peel?

You may feel a little burning while the chemical is on your skin. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately. The skin heals quickly after a superficial peel. The skin may turn pink, and usually only minimal peeling occurs.

What is the after care that one needs to follow after a peel?

During the early healing period, you will need to avoid sun exposure. After the early healing period has passed, you will need to wear sunscreen every day and limit sun exposure as much as possible.

What are the side effects of a peel?

Chemical peels can result in:

• Redness (erythema).
• Color changes in the skin. Treated areas may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
• Crusting and scaling.
• Swelling (edema)
• Scarring.
• Allergic reaction to the chemical.
• Infection. People who have a history of herpes outbreaks are especially prone to infection after a chemical peel.
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Which are the peels commonly used by dermatologists?

Glycolic peels: Alpha hydroxy acid peels include lactic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid, and malic acid. Various concentrations from 10-70% is used for facial peels.

Salicylic acid peel: It is commonly used for acne.

TCA (10-35%) peels: It is commonly used for facial rejuvenation, treatment of pigmentation and wrinkles.
Jessner's peel is a combination of salicylic acid 14%, lactic acid 14%, and resorcinol14% in alcohol

Retinoic acid peel: It is commonly used for facial rejuvenation, acne treatment.
There are many other peels available in the market.

What are the limitations of chemical peels?

Chemical peels cannot remove loose or sagging skin since they cannot eliminate the gravitational forces which produce the loose skin. A facelift, brow lift, laser/light-based skin rejuvenation, or other procedures may be required.

Chemical peeling does not remove deep scars. Dermabrasion, laser resurfacing or non-ablative laser therapy, punch grafting, punch elevation, scar excision, or soft tissue fillers may be much more effective for scars and should be discussed with your dermatologist.

While chemical peels cannot change pore size or remove broken blood vessels on the face, the procedure may improve the appearance of these conditions.