All you need to know about Chemical Peels
When one has a chemical peel performed on their skin, a chemical solution will be applied to the skin, and it will be allowed to set for a while to soak in. Within the next 14 days, the skin will peel off. The range of days depends on how deeply the chemical was penetrated into the skin.
There are three basic kinds of chemical peels: superficial peels, medium peels and deep peels. Superficial peels are the mildest type of chemical peel a person can have done. They can be used on all skin types. They will most likely contain a mild acid, such as glycolic acid. Dry ice can also be used for this. Medium peels reach deeper into the skin and have a second degree burn on the skin. The main peeling agent used is Trichloracetic acid. The peel can be done in multiple steps, using a different chemical solution followed up by Trichloracetic acid. With deep peels, several layers of the skin will be penetrated, with a second degree burn to the skin. More than likely, Phenol will be used for the chemical. Deep peels are only used on the face, and dark skin tones will not be treated, as deep peels can bleach the skin. Deep peels can be done on individuals once in most cases.
How the Kinds of Chemical Peels Are Performed
Before a superficial chemical peel, the skin will be thoroughly cleansed. A small brush, cotton tipped applicator or gauze will be used to apply the chemical used to the skin. The chemical will be allowed to sit on the skin for a few minutes, depending on what type of chemical is used. At the end of the chemical reaction, water or alcohol will most likely be used to neutralise the acid, then the area will be wiped clean.
Medium peels follow the same procedure as superficial peels. The chemicals will be left on longer and will be stronger than seen in the superficial chemical peel. An oral sedative or pain reliever may be given to reduce any pain. Since there may be stinging and burning, a fan or cool compresses may be used to cool the area down.
Deep peels will require more steps to get ready for the procedure. Often times, a pain reliever or oral sedatives are given. General anesthesia will likely be used. Depending on the dermatologist performing the peel, a hear monitor could be used and an IV could be hooked up to the individual, especially for Phenol since it is toxic if absorbed into the body’s system. Skin will be cleaned and then the chemical will be applied and allowed to soak into the skin. If more than one area is being done, there will be a rest period to avoid having too much Phenol in the body at one time. After the peel, an ointment or tape can be applied to the skin to treat areas that have deeper problems. The ointment can be washed off after 24 hours and reapplied as needed. Tape can be removed after 2 days.
Types of Chemical Peels
There are many different types of peels: Glycolic peels, Jessner peels, Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peel, Trichloracetic Acid Peel, Pumpkin Peel, Salicylic Acid peel and a Phenol Peel. Each one provides a different type of benefit for the skin and has different processes.
• Glycolic Acid Peel is wonderful for those that do not have much downtime to spend. They are perfect for those that suffer from excess oil on the skin, since they will gently exfoliate the skin to unclog the pores. There is some mild redness and irritation after a glycolic acid peel. Usually a series of several are needed to see results. A 30% concentration of alphahydroxy acid will be applied to the skin for 2 to 5 minutes, which will slough away the dead skin cells and penetrate the skin to soften lines and wrinkles. This type of chemical peel is wonderful for those that need to dry acne up.
• A Jessner Peel is a superficial peel that is used to treat sun damaged skin and hyper pigmentation. This is perfect for all skin types, even those with thick skin. Jessner peels tend to decrease the production of oil on the face, and have been known to heal acne. This type of chemical peel can be done on the face, hands, neck and upper chest.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peel will re-texture the skin, improve skin tone and help acne prone skin. There are five fruit acids that are mainly used for alpha hydroxy acid peels: citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. Old skin is shed to reveal fresh skin. This type of chemical peel is often recommended for those that show the signs of aging, and will take about 20 minutes to perform. Each peel has a strength of 20 to 70%, depending on how severe the condition is. This is a superficial chemical peel, so it may be repeated in one to two week intervals. Peeling usually occurs a few days after the procedure has been done, and skin can be pink after the treatment. These peels can cause stinging, redness, dryness and a mild skin irritation. Many times alpha hydroxy acids are mixed with facial creams and washes in a smaller concentration to improve skin’s texture and are safe to use with a daily skin care regime.
• Trichloracetic acid peels are often used to even out the skin tone and rid the skin of fine lines. They are effective for darker skin tones, and will take less than half an hour to perform in most cases. Common side effects include burning, tenderness of the skin, and swelling of the skin. A trichloracetic acid peel (TCA peel) can be classified as any of the types of skin peels depending on how deep the chemical is allowed to penetrate into the skin.
• Pumpkin peels are superficial chemical peels that help with oiliness in the skin. Pumpkin is a source of minerals that will help to heal the skin. Pumpkin is also rich in fatty acids, which aid in reducing the oiliness of the skin. The treatment lasts about an hour. It is often recommend that six or more treatments be done on a weekly basis. The pumpkin mask will feel warm on the face to begin with, and then will change to a tightening feeling. This type of chemical peel will help with cell turnover. Skin will feel taut when the chemical peel is finished.
• Salicylic acid peels are a form of superficial chemical peels. This type of peel will not only improve the skin tone but lend a hand with acne. Salicylic acid peels are a type of beta-hydroxy peel that will cleanse the pores and clean the oil out of them. A concentration of 10 to 30% salicylic acid will be used, compared to the salicylic acid that is available over the counter, which is usually 1 to 5 %. Dry or dehydrated skin, dull skin, uneven skin, sensitive skin, acne inflamed skin, and skin with lines and wrinkles can all benefit from a salicylic acid peel. Every 2 to 4 weeks, the peel can be performed again.
• Phenol peels are a type of deep chemical peels. Since these peels can be very painful, general anesthesia will be used. This is the strongest type of peel on the market. Phenol peels will treat sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. The results are often dramatic as new collagen is being formed. Pain medication will be prescribed to take at home after the procedure. A healing time of 2 weeks or more will be needed for this procedure.
Chemical Peel Aftercare
After any type of chemical peel, proper skin care will be needed to help heal the skin. The skin should be cleansed frequently with water or a special wash a dermatologist has given. Ointment will need to be changed if medium or deep peels are used. The skin should be moisturized daily, and the sun should be avoided until the skin has fully peeled. Sunscreen will need to be used daily.