The chemical peel has been used by various cultures for centuries to obtain smoother skin. The chemical peel is popular today for skin rejuvenation; eliminating the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, and uneven pigmentation.

How is a Chemical Peel Performed?

Light Chemical Peels:

Your cosmetic dermatologist will use a specific formula for your chemical peel based on the characteristics of your skin and your desired result. Light chemical peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or fruit acids. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the time required to recover from a deeper peel.

Medium Chemical Peels:

For medium facial peels, many doctors use trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This chemical works well for treating fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. Similar to the light chemical peel, medium chemical peels require less downtime than a deeper peel. TCA peels are the preferred choice for patients with darker skin.

Deep Chemical Peels:

Deep chemical peels are the strongest of the facial peels. The chemical used for deep chemical peels is phenol acid. Deep peels are used to treat coarse facial wrinkles, blotches caused by ageing or sun exposure, and pre-cancerous growths. While a deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic, longest-lasting results, the procedure takes longer than other peels (one to two hours) and requires the most healing time. Phenol acid is typically used only for facial peels. Because a deep chemical peel may cause permanent lightening of the skin, prospective patients should seek advice from a qualified cosmetic dermatologist before undergoing the procedure.

How Will I Feel Post-op?

Chemical peels are generally safe. However, redness, stinging, and crusting may occur, but this usually subsides within a day or two after the treatment.

What are the Risks and Benefits?

The side effects of deep chemical peels are typically more pronounced, and recovery time is longer. More serious side effects, such as infection and scarring, are possible, especially with medium and deep chemical peels. However, once the top layer of skin is peeled away, new, fresh skin regenerates without imperfections, lines or wrinkles.

Am I a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

The fair skinned, light haired patient who has a very wrinkled face or who has a face dotted with liver, age and sun spots, freckles or blotching due to taking birth control pills would be a good candidate for a chemical peel.

What are the Long Term Effects?

Remember to wear sunblock after a peel, because your skin will be particularly sensitive to sunlight. The effects can last as long as twenty years.