Chemical Peels

chemical exfoliation does not typically result in
chemical exfoliation does not typically result in

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling, uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes trauma or injury to your skin’s layers. The skin layers eventually peel off revealing more youthful skin. The new skin is usually smoother with fewer lines and wrinkles, has a more even color and is brighter in complexion.

What conditions does a chemical peel treat?

Chemical peels are used to treat certain skin conditions or to improve your appearance by improving the tone and texture of your skin.

Chemical peels are most commonly performed on your face, neck or hands. They can help reduce or improve:

  • Fine lines under your eyes or around your mouth and wrinkling caused by sun damage, aging and hereditary factors.
  • Certain types of acne.
  • Mild scarring.
  • Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, uneven skin coloring.
  • Precancerous scaly spots called actinic keratosis.
  • Rough skin, scaly patches, dull complexion.
  • Dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy or taking birth control pills.

You will work with your dermatologist to determine the depth of your peel. This joint decision can vary depending upon the condition of your skin and the objectives of treatment.

Sags, bulges, deep scars, deep facial lines and more severe wrinkles don’t respond well to chemical peels. If these are your concerns, other cosmetic surgical procedures, such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a face lift, brow lift, eye lift or soft tissue filler will be better options. A dermatologic surgeon can help determine the best treatment for your concerns.

Is a chemical peel good for all skin types?

Generally, superficial peels can be used on all skin types. However, if you have a darker skin tone, you have a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after treatment. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, you may want to get the advice of your dermatologist about other less aggressive treatments to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peeling may also not be recommended if you:

  • Have a history of abnormal skin scarring.
  • Have extra coloring in your scars.
  • Have skin conditions or take medications that make your skin more sensitive.
  • Can’t stay out of the sun for the healing period.

This post was last modified on December 9, 2024 2:44 pm