A superficial chemical peel is one of the least invasive ways to “peel” away damaged layers of skin and improve the appearance of your skin using various substances. Although it is done mostly on the face, it can also be done on the neck and hands. It can be used for correcting pigmentation, softening wrinkles, improving skin texture and lightening acne marks.
It has to be repeated for best results.
It may result in some redness, and possibly some scaling for a few days.
The skin has several layers of skin cells. The top few layers of the skin are comprised of dead skin cells. These dead skin cell layer stay stuck on the skin and give the skin a dull appearance. They also prevent penetration of active creams and ointments into the deeper layers of the skin. Removal of these layers of dead skin cells can be done by using some peeling agents on the skin.
Chemical peels maybe superficial, medium depth peels or deep peels. As the names suggest, they basically classify peels based on the depth of penetration into the skin and the extent of peeling. Many people worry that peels cause the skin to thin out and the skin becomes sensitive following chemical peels. This is purely a myth. The skin is regenerating tissue and can renew itself. The skin stays sensitive to UV light exposure for a few days after the peeling process.
Superficial Peels:
These peels use glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid etc. Most peels actually have a combination of these acids. The peeling agent is applied on the skin. A careful watch is maintained to ensure that the peel doesn’t go deeper than what is desirable. Once the treating doctor is certain that a good end-point has been achieved, the peel is neutralised using an alkaline substance. There may be some sensation of tingling or warmth on the skin during the peeling process.
In a superficial peel, typically there is no visible peeling of the skin. Apart from a slight redness on the skin, no other changes are seen on the skin. The peel helps take away the tan and leaves the skin looking fresh and even toned.
A superficial peel is carried out once a month to maintain skin health. It gives a healthy glow to the skin and helps to reduce pigmented spots on the skin.
Medium Depth Peels:
These peels are also usually combination peels. They contain Tri-chloro-acetic acid along with some other acids. These peels are often leave-0n peels. They are applied on the skin in the clinic. The client washes off the peel after the recommended duration of time. Some peeling of the skin is often seen for a week after the peeling process. It is strongly recommended that the user doesn’t actively peel off the skin. The user uses a moisturiser and a sunscreen during the healing process. The skin peels off on its own.
After a week, the peeling process is complete. The immediate response is usually very gratifying. The skin looks visibly healthy, the pigmentation is significantly lighter and there is a healthy glow to the skin.
This is a fantastic peel for people who can manage the one week of downtime and have a social gathering in the near future. This is very popular before weddings, get-togethers etc.
It is also a great peel to get done for pigmentation of the skin. Following the peeling process, the skin lightening creams penetrate better into the skin and results are enhanced.
Deep Peels:
As the name suggests, deep peels penetrate deep into the skin and cause significant peeling of the skin. These peels contain phenols, retinoic acid or a combination of different acids. The peeling process can continue for a month with a deep peel.
Deep peels are commonly used for significant pigmentation and also for fine lines and wrinkles. These are often leave-on peels and need to be washed off after the recommended duration. A second step of the peel may need to be used at home on a regular basis to enhance the results of the peel.
In Asian skin, deep peels carry the risk of Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is pigmentation of the skin due to inflammation of the skin followed by UV exposure. In Asian skin, this procedure needs to be carried out with the utmost caution and only if there is no other available option.