Having young, glowing, and spotless skin is every woman's dream. The secret to beautiful skin is taking care of it. And with time, many cosmetic treatments have proven effective in revealing a glowing and spotless complexion. A chemical peel is one treatment that benefits you, especially if you struggle with pigmentation, scars, and discolouration.

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove the top (superficial) layers of your skin, revealing clearer, youthful skin underneath. This procedure can reduce or improve fine lines and wrinkles, scars, uneven skin discolouration, and other skin imperfections. A certified, well-trained dermatologist generally performs it in a clinical setup.

Keep on scrolling to learn more about this amazing procedure and the mechanism behind it.

What are Chemical Peels?

It is also known as "chemexfoliation" or "derma peeling." It is a non-surgical, minimally invasive (does not require any injections or cuts) cosmetic procedure that uses a chemical solution to remove the damaged, superficial (top) layer of your skin. This layer eventually peels off, revealing more fresh, glowing skin with reduced wrinkles, pigmentation, and spots.

Chemical peels remove or reduce sunspots, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, pigmentation, scarring, and uneven skin tone.

A chemical peel is one of the most cost-effective procedures to improve the appearance of your skin. The potential result of the chemical peel depends on the type of chemical solution and technique used and the number of sessions.

Why is it done?

Dermatologists use chemical peels to fight signs of aging and discolouration of the skin. Chemical peels are most commonly performed on your face, neck, and hands. It can help reduce or improve:

  • Different types of acne (a condition in which there is clogging of the pores of the skin)
  • Rosacea
  • Fine lines around the eyes and mouth
  • Wrinkles caused by ageing or exposure to the sun
  • Age spots, freckles, and melasma (dark patches on the skin) caused due to pregnancy
  • Scar formation (due to trauma or surgery)
  • Redness and damage to the skin after exposure to the sun,/li>
  • Hyperpigmentation of the skin
  • Dull complexion with rough skin
  • Precancerous lesions like Actinic keratoses

    • Do Chemical Peels really work?

    Chemical peels are one of the most effective non-invasive, cosmetic facial treatments. They actually work great to give you flawless, brighter, youthful, spotless skin. Usually, our skin has a pH (Potential of Hydrogen, which is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance or solution is) of around 5.5.

    The acids used during the chemical peels increase the acidity of the skin to around a 3.8 pH level. The change in the pH level chemically loosens the cells that form the "glue" between the dead skin and healthy skin. This causes exfoliation of the layer of the skin due to the removal of the dead skin, and reveals the underlying healthy skin. Exfoliation of the old skin stimulates the growth of the uppermost layer of skin (epidermal growth), increases collagen production, and evenly distributes melanin. This leads to the formation of new and healthy skin cells.

    Collagen is a protein produced by your body, which plays an essential role in the structure and function of the skin, cartilage, bone, and connective tissue. Melanin is a substance in your body that is responsible for the pigmentation of hair, eye, and skin).

    Hence, chemical peels are totally worth it!!!

    What Are The Types of Chemical Peels?

    The right choice of chemical peels depends on your skin type, complexion, and the skin issue being addressed. There are 3 types of chemical peels based on how deeply they exfoliate:

    • Superficial peels
      • This is recommended when the skin issue affects only the top layer of the skin (epidermis).
      • Skin tends to recover quickly.
      • Have fewer side effects.
      • It generally takes 1 to 7 days to heal.
    • Medium-depth peel
      • This type of peel is used for minor acne scars and pigmentation, sun damaged skin.
      • It takes 7 to 14 days to heal.
      • Possible side effects- swelling and blisters for which your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication.
    • Deep peels
      • This peel penetrates and removes the deeper layers of skin (both epidermis and dermis). Deep chemical peels are recommended for deep wrinkles, scars and other conditions.
      • Healing takes 14 to 21 days.

    How do you prepare before a Chemical Peel?

    Chemical peels are done by well trained dermatologists. You need to prepare yourself before the procedure.

  • Your dermatologist will review your medical history, about your past medical conditions, or any medications you're taking.
  • Your skin and area to be treated will be examined to determine the type of peel to be used.
  • Your dermatologist may prescribe you antiviral drugs before and after the procedure.
  • You may be asked to use a retinoid cream a few weeks before treatment to help in healing.
  • Avoid too much sun exposure.
  • Do not shave the area to be treated 24 hours prior to the treatment

    • How is a Chemical Peel done?

    Chemical peels are usually an outpatient procedure performed by a dermatologist.

    Before the procedure

  • Your dermatologist will clean your face, protect your hair, and cover your eyes with gauze, tape, or goggles.
  • If you are having a medium peel, you may be given a sedative and a pain killer.
  • For a deep peel, you may have a sedative with a numbing agent applied on the area to be treated, and fluids delivered through a vein.

    • During the procedure

  • Your dermatologist will use a brush, cotton ball or a sponge to apply the chemical solution.
  • You may feel a mild tingling sensation.
  • After the recommended time, the chemical solution is removed from your skin with neutralizing wash.
  • In case of deep peels, you will be given intravenous (IV) fluids.

    • After the procedure

  • Use sun protection cream.
  • Follow proper cleansing and moisturizing.
  • Avoid picking, rubbing or scratching your skin.
  • You can wear makeup the next day if you wish
  • In case of medium peels, use ice packs for comfort, and pain-relieving medications.
  • In case of deep peels, you will require surgical dressing, and pain medications.

    • Takeaway
    Chemical peels are an effective means of reversing sun damage and the signs of aging. They treat acne scars and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Although it is possible to perform a chemical peel at home, this carries a greater risk of damaging your skin.
    We at Kosmoderma, with a team of experienced dermatologists, are dedicated towards providing you cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, with proven and effective results.

    References

  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chemical-peels#types
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-2039....
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/glycolic-acid-peel
  • https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/chemical-peels-overview
  • https://foxtale.in/blogs/news/chemical-peels-are-they-worth-the-hype-whi...
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chemical-peels
  • https://arizonaderm.com/how-do-chemical-peels-work/
    • Author's Bio: 

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology.