WHAT IS CHEMICAL PEEL?

Chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layer of the outer skin surface. It is a skin resurfacing procedure. Chemical peels are a family of topically applied acid substances that are primarily naturally driven either from sugarcane, apples, or milk and these are applied to the skin to cure several reasons such as acne-prone skin, scars, wrinkled skin, photo-damaged, sunspot, brown spots and discolouration from the sun etc. 

This usually treats acne breakouts and removes dead skin cells and random dirt that accumulates over time on the surface layer of the skin. This also improves the texture of the skin by revealing smooth and undamaged skin by stimulating Collagen. 

With several chemical peel sessions, the pigmentation issues are also drastically reduced with improved complexion and diminished appearance of large pores. Even the fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of ageing fade with chemical peels. The skin that grows back is smoother. 

The treatment is completed in under an hour or a full facial procedure might take about 90 minutes. The treated area will develop within about two weeks. Results may not be permanent, you might have to repeat the procedure within a certain time.

 

TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEEL AND WHY IT’S DONE

The different chemical solutions provide different results. The choice of a chemical depends on your goal. You must work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel. There are three types of chemical peel with different depths:-

1. LIGHT CHEMICAL PEEL:-  Light peels are the most common type of cosmetic chemical peel treatment, but they also have the most variation in terms of results. A light chemical peel is also called glycolic acid peel because this typically contains glycolic acid or ALPHA-HYDROXY-ACID (AHA) or salicylic acid. A light chemical solution that removes the top layer of skin which has become dead and damaged over time. It is used to treat wrinkles, acne, uneven skin discolouring or dry, rough, sun-damaged skin and promotes a healthy glow. A light chemical peel treatment for acne is a better option. A light chemical peel does not require much time. Peeling will generally start usually 48 to 72 hours after having treatment and can last for 5 to 7 days. A light chemical peel’s result generally last 1 to 2 months when you start using the peel for the first time, after that it will gradually increase and can last for up to 6 months. You might have to repeat that procedure within 4 to 5 weeks to maintain your healthy glow.

2. MEDIUM CHEMICAL PEEL:–  It is the second most common type of peel and more effective than the lighter one. A medium chemical peel removes the skin cells from the epidermis layer and some portion of the upper part from the dermis layer. It contains a chemical solution of trichloroacetic acid and sometimes a combination with glycolic acid. Medium chemical peel treatment for acne scars including, wrinkles and dryness. Peeling will start within two to four days and the treated area takes about 10 to 14 days to heal after treatment. Results will last about 2 to 4 months from the first treatment and can last up to 6 months or a little more after repeated procedures. You have to keep repeating that treatment every 4 to 6 months, to maintain flawless healthy skin.

3. DEEP CHEMICAL PEEL:-  A deep chemical peel removes skin cells even deeper. It is a very deep and effective peel. The chemical solution used in a deep peel is carbolic acid (phenol). Phenol exfoliates so deeply and it removes the damaged outer layer of the skin surface. Your doctor might prescribe one treatment to remove deeper wrinkles, scars and precancerous growth. This procedure may need to be done within 90 minutes, and it’s done a portion at a time at 10 to 20-minute intervals. Peeling will generally start within three to four days, and the treated area will recover within 2 weeks. One deep peel treatment results are dramatic and can last for 10 years or forever. 

ARE CHEMICAL PEELS SAFE?

Chemical peel is usually a safe procedure but a few side effects can occur such as redness, swelling, and scabbing, and it can last for a few months after a medium or deep chemical peel. It must be performed by a qualified and well-experienced licensed dermatologist. While very rare, a chemical peel can lead to viral infection, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation, which is treated skin gets darker than normal and hypopigmentation, which is treated skin gets lighter than normal, are common after a chemical peel. This problem is more common with black or brown-skinned folks. A deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid, which can damage heart muscles and irregular breathing problems. Carbolic acid can also harm the liver and kidneys. That is why it is better to get done the procedure under an experienced dermatologist. 

WHO SHOULD AND WHO SHOULD NOT DONE

This is the best choice if you have moderate fine lines, deeper wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, precancerous growth (actinic keratosis), discolouration and sunspots. 

This treatment is not for you if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, who has taken oral acne medication in the past 6 months. 

Consult with your doctor for more information.

PROCEDURE OF CHEMICAL PEEL

Before the procedure, the doctor will clean your face with a special cleanser, cover your hair, and protect your eyes with goggles, or ointment with gauze. Painkillers won’t needed if you’re having light chemical peel. If you are having a medium or deep chemical peel, you will receive a sedative and painkiller. 

During the light chemical peel process, your doctor will use a brush or cotton ball to apply a chemical solution containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid. After that, your doctor will apply a neutralizing solution to remove the chemical solution from your skin. Treated skin will begin to white and you may feel stinging while the chemical solution is on your skin. 

During a medium chemical peel, the doctor will brush a chemical solution that is trichloroacetic acid or sometimes combine it with glycolic acid. Treated skin will begin to lighter. After a couple of minutes, you will be given a hand-held fan or cold compresses to soothe the treated skin. You might feel a stinging and burning sensation for 20 minutes. 

Before the deep chemical peel process begins, your heart will be monitored closely. Your doctor will use a cotton tip applicator or brush to apply a chemical solution that is carbolic acid (phenol). This procedure will be done in a portion at a time with 10 to 20-minute intervals. The whole procedure takes about 90 minutes. 

CHEMICAL PEEL COST

Chemical peel will cost what type of peel you need. Light peel will range $200 or medium to deep peel can cost anywhere between $5000 to $6000.

CHEMICAL PEEL AFTERCARE

After peeling, the skin grows back smooth and more sensitive than baby skin. This needs to be handled very gently. Wash your face with cool water, and apply a thin layer of moisturiser. Avoid the sun for at least one week. Use a broad-spectrum, mineral sunscreen while stepping out to the sun, even on a cloudy day. Follow your doctor’s directions for cleansing, moisturising, protection or applying ointments to reduce redness and swelling.  Try to sleep on your back, do not rub your skin against the pillow. If you are on an acne regime, stop this. Do not use any chemical peel at home such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid etc, until your doctor advices you. Do not pick off the peeling skin after chemical peeling. Do not apply or rub ice cube or cold compress.