Chemical peel is a technique of improving and smoothing the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers so that a new skin layer can rejuvenate. In this treatment, a chemical solution is used that causes skin to blister and then peel off. Chemical peel can be quite useful in treatment of mild acnes, scars, pigmentation and other blemishes. Plus, it can be used to treat specific area of the skin like lines around the eyes, arms, hands, neck and all over the face. This can be classified into three types:
Superficial peel.
Medium peel.
Deep peel.
What is the procedure of chemical peel?
Chemical peel treatment is usually given in doctors or dermatologists office. First of all, the dermatologist examines the skin type and its sensitivity and then decides the type of peeling agents and their concentration. After deciding the peeling agents, the skin is cleaned with some cleaning agent to remove excess oil. Then, the peeling agent is applied gently on to the lesion or affected area. This process is continued for few days and then on treated area blisters develop. Over a period, the treated skin starts peeling off and after some days the skin is totally peeled off and new skin are replaced with older skin.
What are the chemical agents used?
The most commonly used chemical agents are:
Hydroxy acid (like glycolic acid GA 20%-70%): The process is called fruit acid peel and Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA 10%-70%): The process is called TCA peel.
Carbolic acid (Phenol 88%) and Salicyclic acid (beta hydroxy).
Who can consider chemical peel?
Men and women suffering from skin conditions such as acne scarring, age spots, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, rough skin and sun damaged skin on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, shoulders and legs.
Chemical peeling is useful in:
Melasma pigmentation (dark circles).
Skin discoloration like pigmentation due to sun exposure.
Pregnancy, birth control pills, drug reaction.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation i.e. pigmentation as a result of a healing skin disease or infection.
What happens after the chemical peeling?
Most people may experience increased sensitivity, tightness and dryness, redness-blotchiness, Swelling and scabbing- usually deeper peels and peeling.
