All about Chemical Peels

All about Chemical Peels

Why would anyone need any kind of chemical peels? Our skin is the natural first recipient of all types of both natural and artificial elements: wind, sun, pollution and chemicals.  With the passing of time, it is natural for our complexion to pass its toll in the form of wrinkles or skin spots. Moreover, further events, such as diseases, pregnancies, acne or accidents can leave dark patches, scars, stretch marks or liver spots.

Fortunately, thanks to the latest scientific developments, these effects need no longer be permanent. One of the most effective ways of achieving skin perfection is through chemical peels. Since there are different ways of carrying this treatment out, let’s take a look at the various alternatives.

What is a Chemical Peel?

By definition, a chemical peel is a procedure through which skin layers are removed by means of applying different types of chemicals. Although different substances can be used to this end, not all of them behave the same way. In fact, the amount of skin layers removed and the depth of the treatment is the greatest difference between one type of treatment and the other. In addition, it has now become popular for beauticians to use, apart from the solutions, peeling tools.

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Different Types of Treatments

Chemical peels can be classified according to the depth of treatment: superficial/light peels, medium-depth peels and deep peels.

Light Peels:

These are the most common types of treatments available to everybody and can even be done in the privacy of your own home with the help of over-the-counter peeling kits. Targeting the epidermis, which is the outer-most skin layer, light peels are done with the help of Alpha or Beta hydroxy acids. The effects are almost instantaneous and they will make your skin look brighter and smoother. These cosmetic treatments are effective ways of dealing with light liver spots, fine lines, incipient wrinkles, minor scars and dry or flaking skin. By encouraging the skin cells to reproduce themselves more quickly, the acids help to improve skin rejuvenation.

Medium-Depth Peels:

Meant to achieve greater results than the previous treatments, these peels tackle more complex skin issues, such as sun damage, hyper pigmentation, liver spots and deeper face lines. The chemical substances used to carry out these treatments are stronger than in the previous type. Usually derived from TCA (trichloroacetic acid) these peels penetrate deeper layers, thus achieving more dramatic effects. There is con to undertaking deeper peels; the effects will not be visible right away and recovery time is much longer. Although each person reacts differently to the treatment, it is common to feel stinging, itching or other types of discomfort during and after the peel. Furthermore, swelling and redness is another common side effect that may last for several days. After the recovery period however, your complexion will look much healthier, a lot brighter and cell regeneration is bound to be more revolutionary.

Deep Peels:

Since they are the strongest types of peels available on the cosmetic market, they should always be carried out by certified practitioners. The substances involved in these treatments can be quite harmful if not used appropriately. The most common substances can be listed as follows:

  • Carbolic Acid: the strongest type of acid yet. It can be found in phenol peels and should be used with care.
  • High-strength TCA: Stronger than glycolic acid, meant to penetrate deeper layers.
  • Salicylic Acid: A type of hydroxyl acid that goes deeper than the oil glands.
  • Lactic Acid: Less irritating than other AHA, it is an effective moisturiser.

In conclusion, peels are effective cosmetic alternatives to deal with unwanted skin issues. It is imperative that a qualified and experienced practitioner helps you decide what the best one is fit for each case.

2 replies
  1. lisa's chemical peel review
    lisa's chemical peel review says:

    I first had a chemical peel done about 3 years ago. I did a light peel at home and love the results of it. My peel contained alpha hydroxy acids. My skin was very dry, so this is the reason that I opted for this kind of treatment. I would recommend it to others as it really has helped my skin. My skin looks and feels younger, and it was very easy to do.

    Reply
  2. Clare
    Clare says:

    I have heard a lot about chemical peels and am very interested in getting one. The ones that I have heard the most about is a phenol peel, which does not really seem to suit me. I have also heard about Jessner peels. Does anyone have any information that they can give me about these type of peels? All I basically know about this peel is that it is listed under the medium depth peels.

    Reply

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