Chemical peeling is also known as derma peeling or chemexfoliation. It is a process in which certain chemicals are applied to the skin which exfoliates the upper and middle layer of skin thus bringing out newer and cleaner skin. During the past few years, it has grown quite a lot because of its outstanding results.
TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEELS
Depending on the function, chemical peels are of three types:
Light peel – It uses alpha hydroxy acid which is used to remove only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), this peel can be used to treat light acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Since it removes only the outermost layer, your skin will recover within 3-4 days.
Medium peel – It uses glycolic acid that removes skin from the upper part of the middle layer of skin which is recovered within 6-7 days although redness may persist for a few weeks after that.
Deep peel – It is advised only under severe conditions such as deep scarring, it removes the entire middle layer of skin. It is performed with Trichloroacetic acid or phenol. Deep peels might take a longer period of several weeks to heal. Some patients have reported edema and inflammation after the procedure, however, all of this is part of the healing process.
HOW IS IT DONE?
Chemical peeling is a rather simple process in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin of the face, arms, and neck. This causes the skin to blister and exfoliate on its own with little to no inflammation or edema. Light and medium peels are performed without any anesthetic whereas deep peel requires a regional anesthetic that numbs the area to prevent excessive burning sensation.
WHY IS IT DONE?
As chemical peels remove the upper layer of the skin, it brings out the younger and fresher skin. It can be done for both medical and cosmetic reasons, some of them being:
- Acne
- Wrinkles
- Melasma
- Uneven skin tone
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scars
- Age spots and freckles
- Rough skin
POST-TREATMENT CARE
Post-treatment care is the essential factor where individuals lack and end up not getting the desired result. After a chemical peel, you’ll need to avoid the sun for several weeks as your skin is new and fragile, apart from that you can use an ice pack every day for 10 minutes or so to relieve the burning sensation. You’ll also need to avoid the use of make-up and other cosmetics until allowed to by your doctor.
That being said, chemical peels are not suitable for saggy skin and severe wrinkles as it has no beneficial effect.
Are there any risks involved?
Most of the side effects associated with chemical peels are temporary and are resolved within a few days such as redness, burning, or swelling. However, if performed by untrained staff, it can lead to severe side effects such as permanent scarring or darkening of skin so it is always better to get it done by trained and certified professionals, like the ones we have at Robert Andrews! Give us a call and book your appointment now!
