What is Chemical peels?
Chemical peels for blemish free skin
Chemical peels are concentrated plant-based substances which induce exfoliation of skin controlled manner. They are usually obtained from natural sources such as sugar cane, milk willow bark and wintergreen leaves etc. Chemical peels are proven to reduce acne and lighten unwanted pigmentation and stimulate new collagen and elastin in the skin. Depending upon the depth of skin penetration, chemical peels of various types which include,
|
Type of peel |
Examples |
Depth of penetration |
|
Superficial |
Glycolic acid peel (30–50%), lactic acid peel (10–30%) or mandelic acid peel(40%) Salicylic acid peel (30%) |
Epidermis |
|
Medium |
Salicylic acid peel (>30%, multilayer application) Glycolic acid peel (50-70%) Trichloroacetic acid peel (30–50%, single layer application) |
Epidermis and upper dermis |
|
Deep |
Trichloroacetic acid peel (>50%, single layer application) |
Epidermis, upper dermis and upper portion of the lower dermis |
Salicylic acid peel
It is a Beta-hydroxy acid peel, obtained from willow bark, and wintergreen leaves. It is used at 30% concentration in the treatment of acne. It is a fat-soluble peel which effectively penetrates hair follicles and clears acne.
Benefits of salicylic acid peels
- Reduces the acne
- Unclogs pores thus, preventing the acne formation
· Decreases post-acne redness and inflammation
· Helpful in removing dead skin cells from the skin
Glycolic acid peel
It is an alpha hydroxy acid peel obtained from sugar cane. Very helpful in the treatment of pigmentation.
Glycolic acid peels, also, have exfoliating properties and helpful in reducing acne marks, age spots and skin dullness
Trichloroacetic acid peel
Trichloroacetic acid is a closer relative of vinegar (acetic acid). It effectively exfoliates and renews the skin at a superficial to deep levels. Useful in the treatment of melasma.
Nomelan phenol peel
This peel contains a unique mixture of phenol, trichloroacetic acid, retinoic acid, phytic acid. It also includes a mix of hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and mandelic acid. Phenol and retinol present in this peel improve the texture of the skin. Effective in the treatment of melasma and acanthosis nigricans.
Lactic Acid Peel
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derivate, obtained from milk. It is the mild peel which works best for sensitive/dry skin. It brings the glow to the skin by removal of dead and cells and clearing the superficial pigmentation.
Conditions which chemical peels work
- Acne/Pimples
· Seborrhoea(excessive oiliness on the face)
- Melasma
- Tanning
· Pigmentation secondary to various skin disorders
· Superficial acne scars
- Freckles/age spots
· Superficial wrinkles on the face
· Texturally roughed skin
· Acanthosis nigricans on the face and neck
Chemical peels should not be done in
- Active infection
· Open wounds at the peeling site
· Allergy to the active ingredients of the peel
- Pregnancy
· Acute dermatitis of peeling site
Chemical peel procedure
· After a thorough clinical examination, your dermatologist choose the right peel to be applied depending upon the skin concern
· The doctor shall do a patch test with a small quantity of peel on the neck to identify the allergic reaction to the peel.
· The procedure starts with cleaning and de-greasing the skin, following which dermatologist shall gently apply the chemical peel.
· After a specified time, a chemical peel will be neutralized.
· This follows the application of moisturizer and sunscreen.
· The doctor shall discuss the post-care instructions of the peel.
Are there any side effects?
Usually None! Especially in the hands of an experienced dermatologist. However, minimal redness and inflammation be seen after a peel for a short duration.
Can a chemical peel be done at home?
This is a strict NO. One has to undergo chemical peeling procedure in a dermatology clinic to avoid unwanted side effects, including burns and scarring.
To conclude, chemical peels are beneficial in treating various skin conditions, including acne, pigmentation and scars. They are also useful in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. However, 4-6 sessions of peels are required at an interval of 3-4weeks to get the desired benefits.
For more information about chemical peels, do visit Derma Space Skin and Hair clinic today.