Chemical peels are a category of advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that assist in reversing damaged skin due to such factors as aging, sun-exposure, skin discoloration and acne.
Chemical peel treatments are typically topical acid solution that is applied to the affected skin. It improves and smoothes the texture of the skin by removing damaged outer layers of the skin. It has proven to be extremely effective for, but not limited to, those individuals who suffer from facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.
How Acid works on the Skin?
Thousands of your skin cells die on a daily basis. They flake off, and are replaced by new cells. Chemical peels essentially help to speed up this process. The chemical peel acid is applied to the skin to trigger a “blistering” effect that loosens and effectively causes the targeted outer layer to eventually peel off. The underlying new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. This improves the texture and appearance of the skin. It also stimulates considerable renewal and collagen growth in the deeper layers of the skin.
Is chemical Peel a new science
No, Dermatologists have been using various skin peeling agents for the past half century, with advancing technologies improving the formulation of chemical peels to increase the effectiveness of skin removal while reducing any ill side effects.
What are type of chemical Peels?
- Alpha Hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as Glycolic acid peel.
- Beta Hydroy Acids (BHAs), such as Salicylic acid peel.
- Trichloroacetic acids ( TCA), Such as Blue peel.
- Carbolic acids (Phenol), called Phenol peel.
- Many different acids can be combined, Such as Jessner peel.
How aggressive is chemical Peel?
As a general rule, the deeper the acid penetrate into the skin, the more severe the effects and as a consequence, the more dramatic the result will be.
The depth of acid penetration depends of type of acid and % of acid strength used for chemical peels which makes the different intensity of the peel.
Classification of the depth of acid Peel
Mild peels consist of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) medium depth peels are usually made from tricholoracetic acid (TCA), deeper peels made from carbolic acids like phenol.
What can be target with chemical Peel?
- Superficial wrinkles of the face, neck, upper chest, arms, hands, etc.
- Excessive oil on your face or areas of skin dryness Superficial acne scarring.
- Pigment discoloration (blemishes and blotches) .
- Sun damage, Age (liver) spots & uneven skin tone.
- Dark circles under the eyes.
- Rough skin texture or/and enlarge facial pores.
Which part of body skin can be treated?
Chemical peels can be performed on all parts of the body such as face, neck, chest, back, arms, and legs. Although one peel can significantly improve the appearance of the skin, you may require more than one peel to achieve your best results.
How is acid peel procedure?
The type of acid and treatment plan is going to be determined by Dr. Shafa. Then the procedure and goal is going to be explained to you. In the consent form all risk and benefit of chemical peel as well as frequently asked questions are answered. This is your job to read this information and you must initial each sentence before starting the peel. If you have any questions or concern, please do not hesitate to ask Dr. Shafa before starting the peel. After the peel is performed you must learn what to expect after the peel and follow “post peel Instruction”. If you show any unexpected reaction you can call Dr. Shafa 24/7 for instruction or reassurance.
Healing Process of Chemical Peels
Recovery time after a chemical peel depends on what kind of peel was done and how deep it was. The healing time being shorter for mild peel compared to medium and deep chemical peels.
With all types of peels, proper care of the skin after the peel is very important to speed healing, help results last longer, prevent infection, and avoid color changes in the treated area caused by sun exposure.
What are the side effects of the peel?
Overall, chemical peeling is generally considered to be a safe procedure in expert hands.
Common side effects with all these treatments are irritation, redness, burning, itching and discomfort during procedure and later flaking and localized scaling, and increased sun sensitivity. These symptoms can last for a few hours to a few days depending on type and strength of acid used. Permanent discoloration is rear. In general candidate with darker skin are at higher risk of pigmentation changes.
After TCA treatment, your skin may experience some swelling with temporary changes in skin pigmentation.
Phenol treatment is the most invasive kind of chemical peel with significantly high risk of side effect therefore these days having alternatives available phenol peel is rarely used.
Which acid Peel is the right choice for my skin?
Consultation with Dr. Shafa will reveal if you are a good candidate and which chemical peel your skin is best suited for. She will also supply an application regiment as well as a recovery plan that should be followed to accelerate the healing process and achieve our goal.
Various concentrations of an acid will be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Dr. Shafa will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds.
What is the skin care after Chemical Peel?
For mild to moderate depth acid Peel there is little irritation and down time therefore you should just avoid direct sun exposure and scratching with finger nail. After treatment, drink lots of water and apply moisturizer often to keep the skin hydrated.
For moderate to deeper peels such as TCA, Washing your face often (at least 4 times daily) during the first seven to ten days following the treatment to diminish crust formation.
Again sun sensitivity is amplified after chemical peel treatment, therefore it is of utmost importance to protect your skin from the sun by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. In most cases, it is best to avoid the sun for the first few days after treatment.