A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment that is performed on the face, hands, and neck to remove the top layers. They are helpful in improving the appearance of the skin. During this treatment, a chemical solution will be applied topically to the region being treated, which makes the skin exfoliate and eventually peel off. Post chemical procedure, the new skin that grows back appears suppler, less wrinkled, and prone to minimal damage. With a light or medium peel, you may need to undertake the procedure more than once to get the best results.

main

Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discoloured skin, and scars, mainly on the face. This can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic treatments. They may be done at different depths – light to deep, where deeper chemical peels confer more impressive results, but also take an extended duration to recover.

Also Read: Laser Resurfacing: What It Is, How It Is Done, And What To Expect?

Purpose

There are several reasons why people get a chemical peel. Usually, people opt for this cosmetic procedure to treat the following problems:

  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Sun damage
  • Acne scars
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Melasma
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Redness

Type Of Chemical Peels

There are mainly three different types of chemical peels that you can get. These include:

Superficial Peels: This type uses mild acids such as alpha-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate and it only diffuses the outermost layer of skin.

Medium Peels: Glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid is used to penetrate the middle and outer layers of skin cells. A medium peel is more effective for eliminating damaged skin cells.

Deep Peels: Phenolic acid or trichloroacetic acid is used to completely diffuse into the middle layer of the skin to clear damaged skin cells.

Also Read: Hyperpigmentation: 5 Superb DIY Recipes To Diminish Dark Spots- Infographic

How Is It Done?

Chemical peels are done as an outpatient procedure in the dermatologist's clinic. Before the procedure, your hair will be tied back, and face will be cleaned and eye protection like goggles or gauze may be provided. The doctor will numb the region with topical anaesthesia and is likely to do this if you’re having your face and neck treated. For deep chemical peels, you will be given an IV and your heart rate will be closely monitored.

Light Peel

A cotton gauze or brush is used to apply a chemical solution like salicylic acid to the region being treated. When the skin whiten you may experience a slight stinging sensation. Once the procedure is done, the chemical solution will be cleaned, or a neutralizing solution will be applied to remove the chemical.

Medium Peel

During a medium peel, a gauze, special sponge, or cotton-tipped applicator is used to smear chemical solution to the area being treated. The chemical may contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid, while a blue colour may be added to trichloroacetic acid, commonly known as the blue peel. When the skin starts to whiten, the doctor will apply a cool compress to the skin. You may experience a burning sensation for 20 minutes. No neutralizing solution is needed, but they may give you a hand fan to soothe your skin. If you have done the blue peel, then you will have a blue colouring of your skin that may last for several days after the procedure.

Deep Peel

During deep peel you will be sedated, the doctor will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply phenol acids to the skin. This will turn the skin white or grey. The procedure will be done in 15-minute gaps to limit the skin exposure to the acid.

How Do You Prepare For A Chemical Peel?

Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with a dermatologist, who will help you to determine the best treatment option. The skincare specialist will inform you in detail about the specific peel, and its side effects.

Before A Chemical Peel:

  • You should not use any kind of retinol topical cream for at least 48 hours
  • Not have been on Accutane for at least six months

Further, your skincare specialist may also suggest that you:

  • Take an antiviral medication if you have any history of fever blisters, or cold sores to avert breakout around the mouth
  • Use special lotion to improve treatment outcomes
  • Use a retinoid cream to avert skin darkening
  • Stop waxing, epilating, or using hair removal products a week before the peel
  • Avoid hair bleaching
  • Avoid using facial scrubs or exfoliants a week before the peel
  • Also, your doctor may prescribe a painkiller or sedative that you may have to take before coming to the clinic

Side Effects

Side effects are temporary, and include redness, dryness, stinging, and mild swelling. With a deep peel, one may permanently lose the ability to tan. Sometimes chemical peels can have severe risks and side effects that can be permanent which include:

Darkening or lightening of the skin colour, which is common in darker skin people.

Scarring that can be permanent.

People with herpes simplex may have flares post-treatment. In rare cases, some people may have infections like fungal or bacterial.

The phenol used in deep peels is potential to damage the heart muscle, kidneys, and liver and cause irregular heartbeats.

What To Expect After Procedure?

Generally, recovery time varies depending on which chemical peel you have opted for.

Light Chemical Peels: The recovery time is 4 to 7 days, and your skin may be temporarily lighter or darker.

Medium Chemical Peels: The skin will heal within 5 to 7 days after a medium peel, but you may have redness for months. Also, the skin will initially swell and form crusts and brown marks before exposing new skin.

Deep Chemical Peels: This chemical peel will result in severe swelling and redness, with an intense burning sensation. It will take at least two weeks for the new skin cells to develop, though white spots or cysts and redness may last for several weeks.

Recovery

During the recovery period, it is vital that you strictly follow the doctor’s instructions such as how often to wash your face and moisturize. Specific skincare products to be used will be suggested. Avoid sunlight until the skin has healed and avoid using makeup or cosmetics until the doctor recommends it. Massage with ice packs for 20 minutes at a time or use a cool fan to ease discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What Are The Benefits Of A Chemical Peel?

This procedure can improve the skin's appearance by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Additionally, chemical peel can help to heal acne marks and uneven skin tone.

  1. How Is A Chemical Peel Performed?

A solution is gently smeared to the skin during the process and allowed it on the skin for 5 minutes. The solution is then neutralized and removed. The process may cause a mild burning sensation.

3 . What Are The Different Types Of Chemical Peels?

The most common types of chemicals are superficial, medium, and deep. Superficial peels are the mildest and work only on the outer layer of the skin, while deep peels diffuse into the deepest layers of the skin.

  1. What Is The Recovery Time For A Chemical Peel?

The recovery time depends on the type of peel. Superficial peels typically require no timeline to heal, while the deep peel process may need a few weeks of recovery. 

  1. How Many Chemical Peel Treatments Are Needed?

 The number of treatments needed depends on the individual's skin type and the desired results. Some people may only need one treatment, while others may require multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart.

  1. Is A Chemical Peel Painful?

 A few people may have a mild burning or pricking sensation during a chemical peel, but it is generally not considered painful. Pain medication or numbing cream may be used to minimize discomfort.

  1. Who Is A Good Candidate For A Chemical Peel?

Individuals with fair skin and good overall health are good candidates for chemical peels. Individuals with darker skin complexion may be at an increased risk of developing skin discolouration after a peel.

 References:

A Practical Approach to Chemical Peels

A Review of Fundamentals and Step-by-step Algorithmic Protocol for Treatment

Teo Soleymani, MD, corresponding author Julien Lanoue, MD, and Zakia Rahman, MD

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122508/

Evidence and Considerations in the Application of Chemical Peels in Skin Disorders and Aesthetic Resurfacing

Marta I. Rendon, MD, corresponding authora Diane S. Berson, MD, FAAD,b Joel L. Cohen, MD, FAAD,c Wendy E. Roberts, MD,d Isaac Starker, MD, FACS,e and Beatrice Wang, MD, FRCPC, FAADf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921757/