Chemical Peels

How

How DOES THE chemical peel WORK?

A chemical peel is a skin treatment technique used to treat of skin diseases, using a chemical solution which causes an accelerated renewal of the skin’s cells, causing dead cells to eventually peel off. The new regenerated skin is therefore smoother, lighter and less wrinkled than the old skin and it is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

What types of chemical peel exist?

The main difference between chemical peels lies in the degree of depth of action and the histological and clinical changes involved. However, depth is also associated with longer healing times and greater possibility of harmful side effects.

There are three basic types of chemical peels:

– Superficial or ‘lunchtime’ peel: these peels don’t require much downtime as they only cause the destruction and total renewal of the stratum corneum and partial of the epidermis (the most superficial layers of skin). Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to treat only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. These treatments are used to improve the appearance of mild skin discolourations and rough skin. Because these are such mild treatments, superficial peels must be repeated several times in order to begin to see results. Lunchtime peels require one to seven days to heal. Cream should be applied until the skin is fully healed and daily sunscreen is mandatory to avoid sun damage.

– Medium peel: these peels are popular since results can be achieved rather quickly. Medium peels might cause mild discomfort or stinging. Acids are applied to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. These treatments are used to improve the appearance of skin hiperpigmentations and improve condition of acneic skin. They can also be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths such as actinic keratosis. Although the peeling process lasts a few days, medium peels could be your best bet if you are seeking visible results quickly. Medium peels require 7 to 14 days to heal and skin. It is recommended to soak skin daily, followed by ointment application. All sun exposure must be avoided until healing is complete. A follow-up appointment is necessary to monitor progress.

– Deep peel: Deep peels are suitable to remove damaged skin cells from deeper layers of the skin, dramatically reducing the appearance of skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne scarring, etc. It is recommended to carry out these treatments once as they are much stronger and painful. A patient undergoing a deep peel must be prepared for weeks of downtime and must ensure skin is prepped prior to the treatment. Deep peels are used on the face and not on body areas and they require from 14 to 21 days to heal. The treated area will be protected with bandages and skin needs to be soaked for to six times daily, followed by ointment application for the first 14 days. All sun exposure must be avoided for 3 to 6 months. Several follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor progress.