Chemical peels are one of the most common treatments performed by dermatologists and aestheticians. They can provide excellent results in a short time frame and are highly customizable. Peels are available with different ingredients based on an individual’s skin concerns and skin type. They can be made stronger or weaker depending on the severity of the skin problem and the patient’s tolerance level. Dermatologists are also able to have chemical peels custom-made based on their own research and experience.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
Chemical peels effectively remove layers of damaged skin. A chemical mixture is applied to the skin and then peeled off, removing the damaged skin layers with it. New skin cells grow in place of these layers which produces a healthier, smoother complexion. Usually multiple treatments are required to achieve the best results. These will be spaced some weeks apart to allow for adequate healing time between treatments.
What Are Chemical Peels Used For?
Many skin imperfections and some chronic skin conditions can be improved with chemical peels. Just a few of them include melasma, sun damage, wrinkles, and acne.
Pigmentation conditions like melasma and vitiligo: Chemical peels can improve the appearance of melasma and vitiligo by removing skin cells with unwanted pigment so that new, unaffected skin cells can take their place.
Damage from sun exposure including age spots: Exposure to UV rays over the years can lead to pigmentation changes like age spots and to older looking skin. UV rays are one of the main causes of premature aging of the skin. A chemical peel can remove the sun damaged skin layers and even out skin tone.
Fine lines: As collagen production decreases with age small wrinkles usually start to form. Larger wrinkles can be treated with Botox, fillers, or lasers, but smaller ones aren’t always helped with these treatments. A chemical peel can even out the skin and reduce the visibility of smaller wrinkles, leading to a more youthful appearance.
Acne: A peel can clear out dirt and acne-causing bacteria from pores. It can also clear up pigmentation changes that happen as a result of inflammation from acne breakouts. Deeper peels may help with certain kinds of acne scars as well.
Many patients will have a peel simply to get a more rejuvenated appearance and remove skin imperfections. Mild peels can be performed on a regular basis to maintain healthy-looking, glowing skin. Whatever your skin type or skin concern, there is likely a chemical peel that can help.
Types of Chemical Peels
Peels are made with different chemicals including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoic acid. They are also made in different strengths from superficial to deep. A superficial peel will have less downtime but produce more subtle results. A deeper peel will require a longer time to heal but can provide results that are more dramatic. The condition being treated, a patient’s skin type, and their willingness to have downtime are all factors that determine the best peel to use
Compounded Chemical Peels
The higher strengths of chemical peels that produce more dramatic results usually require a prescription or are dispensed only to a doctor. Chemical peels that are compounded are made with high-quality ingredients and are completely customizable to a patient’s needs. This is a great benefit to dermatologists as they can have a peel made for their patient’s unique skin or based on their own research and experience.