What Kind of Chemical Peel Do I Need?

As we age, the damaged skin on our face may start to become more noticeable and unappealing. Men and women of every skin type, color, and texture often look for ways to rejuvenate and improve their facial appearance.

While most people turn to surgical procedures, some people do not wish to undergo surgery. For those individuals, chemical peels are a non-surgical alternative that can improve the tone and texture of your face. During this process, a chemical solution is used to remove the damaged outer layer of the skin to achieve your desired results. Knowing which type of chemical peel is right for you is essential to treating your skin and getting the best results possible.

Light Peel

In addition to leaving the face feeling refreshed, a light chemical peel also removes the outer layer of the epidermis (skin) via exfoliation, which ultimately results in healthy facial tissue. The chemical solution that is brushed onto the skin is comprised of alpha and beta hydroxy acids. After the solution has rested on the skin for a couple of minutes, the peel is washed off and neutralized.

Patients who may benefit from a light chemical peel may often exhibit:

• Uneven pigmentation
• Dryness
• Acne
• Fine wrinkling

Medium Peel

A medium chemical peel treatment uses trichloroacetic acid, Jessner’s solution, and glycolic acid to remove skin cells from the outer layer and the upper-middle layer of your skin. The chemical solution will be brushed onto the surface of your skin and left on for a few minutes. During this time, it is typical for the solution to turn a whitish grey color.

Once the chemicals on your skin have been neutralized with a cool saline compress, your skin may start to turn brown or red for a few days after the peel. This peeling process usually starts 48 hours into recovery and can last for up to one week. It is imperative to keep the skin well moisturized during recovery.

Patients who may benefit from a medium chemical peel may often exhibit:

• Acne scars
• Deeper wrinkles
• Uneven skin color

Deep Peel

A deep chemical peel treatment uses the strongest substance out of the three types of chemical peels. The material in this method is known as phenol, and it is used to penetrate a deep layer of the facial skin beneath the epidermis that is known as the dermal layer of facial skin. This type of peel may also require patients to undergo local anesthesia and a sedative to ease any discomfort. Deep peels will typically involve pretreatment of up to eight weeks to prepare your skin for the procedure and expedite the healing process.

Patients who may benefit from a deep chemical peel may often exhibit:

• Deeper facial wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Scars
• Blotchy areas of the face
• Precancerous growths

Risks and Recovery

Your recovery period may differ depending on the type of chemical peeling treatment you have undergone. Most patients can return to work and other light activities two weeks following their treatment. You are required to moisturize, clean, and apply protective skin ointments to your face as instructed by your surgeon. Avoid any exposure to sunlight and use sunblock consistently so the new layer of skin is protected at all times.

Light and medium chemical peels may cause symptoms similar to a deep sunburn-like redness, stinging, and flaky skin. These side effects will subside over time and with repeated treatments. Deep peel treatments can result in peeling, crusting, skin redness, and discomfort that may last from several days to weeks. Painkillers may be prescribed, and redness may last about three months.

If you would like to learn more about chemical peels and which treatment best suits you and your skin type, please call us at 832-939-8500.