Skin Peels- What are They?

Skin Peels- What are They?

What is a Chemical Skin Peel?
"Chemical peel" is a general classification for a number of chemical treatments used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Typically during a chemical peel nothing actually "peels" off. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, and works by dissolving the upper layers of the skin. As the tissue is dissolved, a wound is created on the skin which stimulates the body's healing response, causing new tissue to emerge. The depth and strength of the 'peel' varies based upon the strength of the chemicals used and the length of time the solution is applied.
Some chemical peels are so strong as to be able to remove the whole surface of the skin, in a manner similar to CO2 or Erbium lasers. These are the deepest forms of chemical peeling, which, in my opinion, are not used as often as they had been. These forms of peels have generally been replaced by laser treatment as laser provides a greater and more precise level of control to the practitioner. Most peels today are less destructive and more superficial.

Type of Peels
There are a variety of different types of chemical skin peels, as there are a variety of chemicals used, each with their own properties. Phenol peels consist of a deeper solution which may remove the upper layers of the skin. TCA (Trichloroacetic acid) peels are another common peel which can vary in concentration. Glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acid peels are also quite common, often sold for in-home use in lesser-strength concentrations than you can receive from a physician.

Results
With a chemical peel you get some tightening of the skin, you get improvements of pre-cancerous and brown spots, and a general resurfacing of the skin.